1994 TBI (?) 350 worth modding?
 

I have a 1994 G20 Conversion van. It was free and has issues. If I cant easily and cheaply figure out the issues I am wondering if it makes sense pulling the engine/trans for use in another project? If so stock don't cut it.
210HP no thanks. ;)
I like EFI but know TBI has its limits, carb swap is a possibility.
Since I have never really studied these engines I have to ask "is it a good starting point?"

Re: 1994 TBI (?) 350 worth modding?
 

The engine isn't much different from any other SBC.

The TBI cylinder heads are not meant for power. There's a swirl wall in the intake port that completely shrouds the valve. Switching to a carb won't help.

Re: 1994 TBI (?) 350 worth modding?
 

It depends on how much you expect to get out of it. The swirl port heads limit power to about 4500-5000 rpm. Just like any SBC, a cam swap, carb, ignition and exhaust will wake it up a bit. You don't want to go too big on a cam with the compression and heads.

Re: 1994 TBI (?) 350 worth modding?
 

once you mod internals for more air, add the fuel and tune the prom...you still have a 400hp max and that is giving.

the parts for your build totaled more than my 400 hp crate motor. but you will have a direct swap, i did not. i chose to eliminate the factory efi

Re: 1994 TBI (?) 350 worth modding?
 

Thanks everyone! Food for thought.
Pick and pull offered $150 bucks for the whole van.
Thinking,....... :lol:

Re: 1994 TBI (?) 350 worth modding?
 

While I am thinking about it. 4L60e (I think) is it a good choice for running in an older vehicle or computer dependant?

Re: 1994 TBI (?) 350 worth modding?
 

4L60E is computer dependent. Not sure if it is easier to run the stock unit, or run an aftermarket.

If you are swapping the engine and trans, grab the entire harness.

I've heard lots of complains about 4L60Es being weak, but there are also a bunch of factory 200K mile ones out there. Don't know if it's the maintenance, driver, or luck of the draw.

Around here, anything you can drive home will usually fetch $1000. Might be worth selling instead of scrapping.