TBI Upgrades? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

thirdstreettito · 05-11-2011, 02:17 PM

What are some way to upgrade an 88 TBI 350, to help mileage. I know the usual, intake and exhaust. I don't know anything about TBI... Thanks, Bradley

ProStreet68SB · 05-11-2011, 10:53 PM

Throttle body spacer is nice. As is an injector pod spacer.

benoit454 · 05-11-2011, 11:18 PM

agreed and to help mileage normal tune up items, oxygen sensor, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil, air cleaner, smoothing out the air path to it. exhaust as you mentioned. but most are for power and not mileage.

**Captainfab** · 05-11-2011, 11:40 PM

A custom or aftermarket chip should help some along with the above mentioned.

thirdstreettito · 05-12-2011, 01:39 AM

Thanks guys, will get to it after I buy it.

FritzA · 05-13-2011, 06:33 PM

I agree with the basic tune-up items including the o-sensor.

2nd I would first work on the exhaust...you can keep the manifolds if you want but open up the rest of the exhaust or move to a true dual set-up.

3rd, help it breathe in....get rid of the stock air-cleaner assembly and put on an open element.

4th, get a better coil and plug wires. Give it some real spark!!!!

After this you will have to open er up. Manifold and cam. Then a chip.

Check out www.tbichips.com

thirdstreettito · 05-14-2011, 12:00 AM

What cam would give me better mpg? I've read a Tow/RV cam would, but I dont know.

chevymotocross · 05-14-2011, 07:36 PM

Everything mentioned is 100% correct. My truck already came with the dual exhaust, but when I added the throttle body spacer, that really woke this engine up.

Not sure on the cam, but remember, getting the proper tune after messing with cam or heads is a MUST with TBI.

**Captainfab** · 05-15-2011, 12:43 AM

Before purchasing a new cam, I would suggest talking to some people that tune TBI's and or burn the chips. Some cams are a big PITA to get to run right with EFI. This is why there are EFI specific cams. Although some of the other cams are tuneable in a EFI application.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirdstreettito

What cam would give me better mpg? I've read a Tow/RV cam would, but I dont know.

60ratrod · 05-15-2011, 10:55 PM

hey tito, i got a spacer that you can have. pm me

benoit454 · 05-16-2011, 01:41 PM

I want a spacer.

BP68 · 05-16-2011, 11:21 PM

Get a used set of cast iron vortec heads. Stock TBI heads just do not flow good in comparison. Some even claim a 40 hp gain just with the head swap. I don't know how true that is, but you can some times find a set of those heads (96-98 ck truck/suv) for under a 100.00.
And definately talk to Brian at www.tbichips.com
He knows his TBI stuff.
I dropped a stock Vortec long block from a 96 truck into his 93 along with a GMPP intake, stock tbi with a chip,fp regulator spring, and fuel pump from TBIchips.com
Much more power, great SOTP (seat of pants) feel and better gas mileage running 87 octane.

FritzA · 05-17-2011, 10:12 AM

Yes the vortec heads are great and now you can find them fairly cheap but costwise it is that GMPP manifold (the ONLY manifold that bolts to Vortec heads and is designed for the TBI throttle body) that holds me back. It is around $400!!!!!

Mr. 250r · 05-17-2011, 03:17 PM

i have a spacer and i didnt notice any difference but might be me, vortec heads as mentioned and the intake which gm sells and i thought edelbrock as well but i might be wrong on that
Posted via Mobile Device

rfmaster · 05-17-2011, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FritzA

Yes the vortec heads are great and now you can find them fairly cheap but costwise it is that GMPP manifold (the ONLY manifold that bolts to Vortec heads and is designed for the TBI throttle body) that holds me back. It is around $400!!!!!

You can get inexpensive Carb style vortec intake manifold - Edlebrock 2716 with carb to TB adapter plate from http://tbiparts.com/

This combination provides a low cost solution and TB spacer comes for free.

//RF

benoit454 · 05-17-2011, 07:25 PM

I too had heard that, run a dual or single plane intake and a tbi adapter plate and be done. Alot cheaper.

I heard the high rise single plane intakes are best for this since tbi isn't a carb the rpm range doesn't matter? not sure on that one at all.

05-11-2011, 02:17 PM	#1
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	TBI Upgrades? What are some way to upgrade an 88 TBI 350, to help mileage. I know the usual, intake and exhaust. I don't know anything about TBI... Thanks, Bradley __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

05-11-2011, 10:53 PM	#2
ProStreet68SB The Engine Whisperer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 770	Re: TBI Upgrades? Throttle body spacer is nice. As is an injector pod spacer. __________________ -Automatics win races, 6-speeds impress high school kids -Save a tree, support your local dragstrip. -"Failure - The Secret To Success, the idea is that you can fail 100 times as long as you can succeed once" -Takeo Fukui columbuscarsandcoffee.net and on Facebook

05-11-2011, 11:18 PM	#3
benoit454 Chris Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Monaville, WV Posts: 3,737	Re: TBI Upgrades? agreed and to help mileage normal tune up items, oxygen sensor, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil, air cleaner, smoothing out the air path to it. exhaust as you mentioned. but most are for power and not mileage. __________________ Chris GIT R DONE!!!!!! Check out all our rides, http://www.cardomain.com/id/benwa454

05-11-2011, 11:40 PM	#4
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: TBI Upgrades? A custom or aftermarket chip should help some along with the above mentioned. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

05-12-2011, 01:39 AM	#5
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: TBI Upgrades? Thanks guys, will get to it after I buy it. __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

05-13-2011, 06:33 PM	#6
FritzA Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Denver Burbs, CO Posts: 115	Re: TBI Upgrades? I agree with the basic tune-up items including the o-sensor. 2nd I would first work on the exhaust...you can keep the manifolds if you want but open up the rest of the exhaust or move to a true dual set-up. 3rd, help it breathe in....get rid of the stock air-cleaner assembly and put on an open element. 4th, get a better coil and plug wires. Give it some real spark!!!! After this you will have to open er up. Manifold and cam. Then a chip. Check out www.tbichips.com

05-14-2011, 12:00 AM	#7
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: TBI Upgrades? What cam would give me better mpg? I've read a Tow/RV cam would, but I dont know. __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

05-14-2011, 07:36 PM	#8
chevymotocross Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: East Haven, CT Posts: 882	Re: TBI Upgrades? Everything mentioned is 100% correct. My truck already came with the dual exhaust, but when I added the throttle body spacer, that really woke this engine up. Not sure on the cam, but remember, getting the proper tune after messing with cam or heads is a MUST with TBI. __________________ 87 Chevy 2wd SWB: 305/700r4 Dual Exhaust, K&N Filter, Injector Pod Spacer, TBI Spacer, Belltech Front Sway Bar, Corvette Servo, Western Chassis 4/6 and c-notch

05-15-2011, 10:55 PM	#10
60ratrod yes, i do Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Spokane, wa Posts: 2,734	Re: TBI Upgrades? hey tito, i got a spacer that you can have. pm me __________________ ERROR 404....... SNAPPY COMEBACK NOT FOUND _______________________________________________________________________________________________ -60 Chevy C10, dead 350/good th350 combo, sitting on a 76 c10 blazer frame, built from 11 different vehicles "the abomination" -07 gmt900 silverado 1500 lt xcab z71, granite blue -81 suzuki gs650g "shelah"- current project -81 kz1000m1 csr "sarge" -next project (just beautification) -07 kawasaki vulcan classic vn900

05-16-2011, 01:41 PM	#11
benoit454 Chris Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Monaville, WV Posts: 3,737	Re: TBI Upgrades? I want a spacer. __________________ Chris GIT R DONE!!!!!! Check out all our rides, http://www.cardomain.com/id/benwa454

05-16-2011, 11:21 PM	#12
BP68 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Olive Branch, MS Posts: 824	Re: TBI Upgrades? Get a used set of cast iron vortec heads. Stock TBI heads just do not flow good in comparison. Some even claim a 40 hp gain just with the head swap. I don't know how true that is, but you can some times find a set of those heads (96-98 ck truck/suv) for under a 100.00. And definately talk to Brian at www.tbichips.com He knows his TBI stuff. I dropped a stock Vortec long block from a 96 truck into his 93 along with a GMPP intake, stock tbi with a chip,fp regulator spring, and fuel pump from TBIchips.com Much more power, great SOTP (seat of pants) feel and better gas mileage running 87 octane. __________________ 68 C10 Shortbed Fleetside 06 Chevy Ext Cab Fleetside 03 Grand Prix GTP My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=269999

05-17-2011, 10:12 AM	#13
FritzA Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Denver Burbs, CO Posts: 115	Re: TBI Upgrades? Yes the vortec heads are great and now you can find them fairly cheap but costwise it is that GMPP manifold (the ONLY manifold that bolts to Vortec heads and is designed for the TBI throttle body) that holds me back. It is around $400!!!!!

05-17-2011, 03:17 PM	#14
Mr. 250r Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: freeburg, illinois Posts: 885	Re: TBI Upgrades? i have a spacer and i didnt notice any difference but might be me, vortec heads as mentioned and the intake which gm sells and i thought edelbrock as well but i might be wrong on that Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1987 Chevy V30 - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=573854 1988 IROC-Z Camaro - 305/T5 T-Top 1989 GMC V35 - Marbolo Express http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596850 1991 V2500 Suburban Silverado - Sold 1991 V2500 Suburban Scottsdale - Big Nasty http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=497423 2001 Ram 3500 5.9 H.O NV56 EC DRW - Sold 2003 1500 Silverado 2004 Ram 3500 5.9 H.O NV56 CC DRW - Sold 2005 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/ZF6 CC LWB

05-17-2011, 07:25 PM	#16
benoit454 Chris Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Monaville, WV Posts: 3,737	Re: TBI Upgrades? I too had heard that, run a dual or single plane intake and a tbi adapter plate and be done. Alot cheaper. I heard the high rise single plane intakes are best for this since tbi isn't a carb the rpm range doesn't matter? not sure on that one at all. __________________ Chris GIT R DONE!!!!!! Check out all our rides, http://www.cardomain.com/id/benwa454



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