Truck Engine Conversion

[mattd860 162]

I am in the market for an older CARBURETED truck, not fuel injected (or anything electronic). My coworker that gave me my 1987 418-8 for FREE said he has a 1989 Chevy K3500 that I can also have for free if I come and get it. All it needs is a new driveshaft.

However - the motor has throttle body injection, not sure if it's electronic or not but probably is electronic. So can I convert the TBI to Carbureted? Ever heard of something like that being done? If it's electronic ignition controlled by computer, I will also have to convert it to a point's style ignition but one thing at a time.

My reasoning for all this will remain a secret... for now

Any ideas?

[mavfreak 11]

You can but there is alot more than just putting a carb on it. I would suggest finding an engine that is carburated and swap out engines.

[mattd860 162]

Thanks - I basically want a motor that runs like a Kohler K-series (with points) only with 6-8 cylinders :thumbs:

[6wheeler 669]

Matt, Heath is right. You can do it, as far as the carb goes, All you have to do is put a intake manifold on it for a carburated engine. Intakes for 350's are pretty cheap. Now as far as the distibutor goes, you can put an MSD points distributor in it and get past the computer if thats what you want. All they need is battery power and an ignition trigger wire. And then of course get a carb. But if you are going to do that, find a Predator carb. They work at extreme angles and have very few moving parts. Back in my 4 wheelin days, that is the combo we used before fuel injection. The predator carb is infinately adjustable and they don't wear out. If you really want to get crazy, MSD and Blue Streak also make magneto ignitions. (Now thats old school) Have fun :thumbs:

[stevasaurus 23,274]

This sounds like a lot of fun. I would get a 283 or a 327...great looking and running engines. If you are going to swap engines, wait until you get it in to measure for the drive shaft. If you can't find the right engine, Jasper, in Indiana, has rebuilt engines...short and long blocks. Not as cheap as a junk yard, but you get a rebuilt engine with a guarantee. I bought one from them a couple years ago for the 64' Ford.

A carburetor, plugs, points and condenser...OH YAH the shade tree mechanic is back to life. :thumbs:

[Ken B 3,189]

After you go thru all of this you won't have a more reliable truck or one with more H.P. or even a smoother running engine. The eighth digit in your V.I.N. should be a K. (if it is a small block) That is one of the most reliable, bullet proof fuel injected engines G.M. ever made. If I knew what you are trying too gain that would help.

Now, if it had a carburetor on that truck and if it were mine, I'd convert it to fuel injection. :thumbs:

[Jim_M 179]

There's a few of us out there that are still old school.

[Ken B 3,189]

I can't think of to many people who are more into the old school than myself, not always better though. Like I said, would be nice if we knew what his plans are then maybe someone can give him some helpful advice. My first truck 25 yrs. ago was a 64 Ford F-100.

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,527]

Ken,

Why do I get the sense that you have a mullet in that picture?

[Ken B 3,189]

Ken,

Why do I get the sense that you have a mullet in that picture?

Steve yer killin me! :thumbs:

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,527]

All you are missing in that last picture is the spiked belt, braclet, bandana tied around your acid washed jeans and your iron maiden tee shirt :thumbs:

[stevasaurus 23,274]

Looks like you are ready for the homecoming dance. Don't worry, you should see me back then. I agree, knowing what is in mind would help for helping out. I just know what I would do.

Ken...are those bell bottoms I see??? Cool Groovey Out a sight boomshakalaka Oh yah...sock it to me. :thumbs:

[jdog_kustoms 82]

i have messed with s10 chevys for ever especially the 4.3 litre ( the 350 with 2 pistons cut off

you can take a tbi motor and make more power then a carb and the distributor on it is a hei it is not hooked up to the computer

a tbi is basicly a carberator with 2 fuel injectors in it to give it more persice fueling and better fuel millage

i took a 4x4 s10 with a 4.3 tbi put a nice air intake system and nice exhuast put 350 injectors in the tbi unit and got a chip burned for it and it would smoke worked 5.0 mustangs all day long and the motor had more power then a carb 4.4 with any carb we could put on it and tune it

dont know what your planing on doing but id leave the tbi

[Ken B 3,189]

All you are missing in that last picture is the spiked belt, braclet, bandana tied around your acid washed jeans and your iron maiden tee shirt

Lets see some pics of you 25 yrs. ago. I bet you could make me laugh! :thumbs:

[stevebo-(Moderator) 8,527]

Nope :thumbs:

[Kelly 1,033]

This is a very easy swap, the hard part will be finding a intake, you need one to fit the center bolt valve cover heads, the intake bolts go straight down not on a angle like the old intakes, then you will need to find a older HEI distributor, it is electronic but only needs one wire with key on to work, you can use the elc. fuel pump in the tank but will need to use a reg. on it and a return line, some early inj. motors will except a mech. fuel pump, some the cam is even ground for them.

but why take the TBI off?? I built a 500hp small block for my old suburban, and used a TBI to fuel it, took a few mods, but not rocket science.

[WHC-125 4]

Would you have any interest in a 305 that is in a 1986 GMC Sierra 1500? The truck itself has about a 105k on it. And I really didnt have it running that long when I first got it because the sending unit went on the tank that was in it. I have two other tanks so I could put on in and you can hear it run if you want to come check it out. It will need a good going through and tune up though, since before I bought it, it was sitting. The truck itself is turning into a parts truck for my 87 so let me know if you would have any interest in it and we could work something out. I just want to get the truck out of my yard and all of the salvagable parts off of it as soon as possible because having 3 trucks in my yard isnt working out too well and I dont want to give my neighbors something to complain about.

And Ken thats a good look for you, I think you should grow your hair out again :thumbs:

[mattd860 162]

For now... lets just say that I don't plan on burning gasoline (which all EFI computers are programmed for)

I also don't plan on making this a hot rod, give it more power, or anything like that at all.

WHC-125 - sending you a PM now.

[Ken B 3,189]

You building a wood burner?

[Kelly 1,033]

I ran my 500hp engine on E-85

[squonk 43,722]

I can't think of to many people who are more into the old school than myself, not always better though. Like I said, would be nice if we knew what his plans are then maybe someone can give him some helpful advice. My first truck 25 yrs. ago was a 64 Ford F-100.

I didn't know Danny Terrio (Dance Fever) was on a forum! :thumbs:

[Ken B 3,189]

Alrighty then, I double dog dare any of you guys to put up some pics of yerself from 25 yrs. ago! I'd probably die of a heart attack if I see any of Stevebo. :thumbs:

[WHC-125 4]

Well Ken sorry but I cant put up a picture of myself 25 years ago :thumbs:

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

Alrighty then, I double dog dare any of you guys to put up some pics of yerself from 25 yrs. ago!

Exactly 25 years ago - minus a few months - and about 40 pounds :

[mavfreak 11]

All interesting stuff guys but I don't think this is were Matt wanted this thread to go. I wouldn't mind seeing this all on its own thread, heck I might even join in but then I would only be 11

Matt I'm still not sure what your plans are but was kinda curious on what you've decided on doing?