Howell TBI Installation

[Lost in Texas]

After finishing my rebuild and having it on the road a few weeks I remember why I hate carburation. I was originally going with a GM TPI system but funds caused me to sell it to finish my build. My wife totally wont drive it because it idles rough and is finicky. I decided if it was going to be a daily driver and wifey was going to drive it I needed injection.

WHY HOWELL?
Well I worked for GM and GM Performance Parts for many years and had an opportunity to work with Howell and see their products in use. I like that they seek out US suppliers and that they use all GM sensors and connectors. I also like that they can make a TBI idle even with a fairly big cam. <<<EDIT WRONG WRONG WRONG Read on to see results.>>>

THE ORDER-
Called and ordered the TBI kit with distributor control. If you have the option always choose Electronic Spark Control (ESC) because the power and response is night and day better. Their ESC kit included a new GM distributor, module and coil. They guy on the phone was kind of grouchy but answered all of my questions and got my order shipped out. It arrived well packed and on schedule.

THE PARTS-
Opened up the box and took a quick inventory. Everything looks great. Well laid out and looks really simple.


Weight was 22lbs and shipped in one box. Charged $48.00 for shipping.


Harness is all wrapped up and sensors are already connected and labeled


Spark Control Module


External Fuel Pump. USA made Walbro GLS395


Remanufactured TBI with all new GM sensors.

 

[TheBeast_88K5]

That's niiiiiiice......

 

[Lost in Texas]

First Service Call

After taking a complete inventory I noticed that the heated oxygen sensor I ordered was not shipped. I called in and talked to a real nice lady. Told her I had taken two days off work to complete this and that I needed it shipped quickly if possible.

After a few questions ...
Did you unwrap all the newspaper?
Did you look in the packing peanuts?
Is it attached to the harness?

(Yes, Yes, No)

They agreed to ship it UPS ground (5 days) I said that won't do, I took time off from work to do this, they agreed to USPS Priority (no guarantee). I really pushed that it wasn't right that they can't make this happen. They agree to ship it UPS Blue, might make it in time. Thanks Matt for approving that big spend.

 

[nvrenuf]

Glad to see someone still using Howell. I don't have injection YET but I'm a big fan of the simplicity of their products. There's lots of fancier kits out there but I doubt I'll have $3k to spend when the time comes. I just want injection, I don't care if it doesn't kiss me goodnight.

 

[82355]

I was pretty disappointed when you ditched the TPI setup, so this makes me happy.

Martin

 

[ktmoutfront]

I used their harness with all of the original sensors and distributor on the 4.3 in my moms 34 Chevy Coupe.

Only issue I had was, the computer and gauge wire for the temp sending unit can not go to the same sending unit. Had to add a sending unit in the head. Car would start getting rich as it warmed up.

Other than that and shortening some wires, V6 vs. V8, it worked great.

 

[82355]

GM uses two separate sensors for the gauge and the ECM from the factory.

Martin

 

[ktmoutfront]

Yep. Learned that one the hard way. Was trying to minimize the wiring on a hot rot.

 

[Lost in Texas]

Prepping the Engine

Removed the (new-old) carb as well as the distributor. Moved the distributor to #1 TDC to make install easier. Found that the rear intake manifold bolt is seeping coolant. Going to get some liquid Teflon before putting everything back.

Going to reuse my 4-barrel intake, may upgrade to a TBI manifold later, but cracky they are expensive! The complete kit Howell sent included an adapter to fit my manifold, they listed several options including a spread-bore adapter. The adapter is aluminum and the TBI is not centered in the adapter but it will only go on one way.


The rebuilt TBI was OK but definitely used. The throttle shaft where the throttle cable and TV cable attach is slightly twisted but still should operate fine. The bottom checked completely flat with a straight edge. This was a major problem with TBI cores so I always check.


Not included are the throttle cable brackets and coil bracket. I'm going to have to go to the salvage yard tomorrow to pick up those parts since they are mandatory for this swap.

 

[Lost in Texas]

I was pretty disappointed when you ditched the TPI setup, so this makes me happy.

Martin

Yeah I hated to see it go but it was a money pit. Every time I turned around it needed some extra part, or had some worn item. Would love to have one in the future! Fortunately I sold it easily and got a good amount for it.

 

[80' 427]

I don't like the non centered spacers.

 

[newoldscottsdale77]

I don't like the non centered spacers.

why? I thought you wanted them rearward or they starve cylinders under hard acceleration
( forgetting where I read that)

 

[80' 427]

Doesn't work with 2bbls

 

[Lost in Texas]

The factory GM adapter is also offset so there must be a reason.

 

[80' 427]

Once the factory went to specific intakes they were centered. Plus on the qjet intake it won't fit in the middle or primary section. Yours will be fine. I think you are better with a performer rpm and an adapter than a TBI specific intake.

 

[newoldscottsdale77]

I have a rpm performer intake with a spread bore to tbi adapter ( holley 17-41) and my openings are just past the middle over the secondaries. truck runs fine,the only problem I have is the adapter is a 2" bore ( like the bb adapter you posted) and I'm using the smaller 350 throttle body (1 7/8" )and I'm having a hard time getting a good seal between the two.

 

[80' 427]

He will be out of air before it matters. It is a truck not a 10 second car. I have a 425 cfm carb on a 454 it will be OK.

 

[ktmoutfront]

I have one of those adapters I need to get rid of. And a BB throttle body.

 

[newoldscottsdale77]

I have one of those adapters I need to get rid of. And a BB throttle body.

I could use the bb tbi, i'll pm you

 

[y5mgisi]

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