L-31R crate engine TBI for pickup

[erjbsa]

I have a '89 GMC C2500 HD with TBI and looking for replacement engines. Has anyone put in one of these for a heavy duty?:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12530283/overview/

[1project2many]

That appears to be the same number we have used from our local dealer for our L31 equipped vans.

[Fast355]

That appears to be the same number we have used from our local dealer for our L31 equipped vans.

Same part number that the engine in my 1997 Express started life as. Marine cam, 1.6s and Tri-Y headers brought it to life.

[lionelhutz]

It would work but you'll need a different intake and you will have to re-tune the computer for the new engine. You might have to put a better fuel pump in the truck too.

[zjlarson]

I have wanted to this same swap. The L31-R will require a vortec style intake, or you will have to re use your TBI heads. Its pretty common to use a Vortec Carb style intake and use an adapter to mount your TBI. The L31 also is a roller cam block instead of the old style flat tappet. I think the hardest part would be the tuning aspect, but it would make for an awesome swap. You will probably have to move to a 454 tbi unit, and mess with the fuel system set up to meet your engine needs.

[erjbsa]

I think it will be a done deal considering the advantages of the L-31R engine over the L05. I think the following parts will make the TBI connection: Edelbrock Performer Vortec Intake Manifolds 2116 Trans-Dapt Performance Throttle Body to Carbureted Manifold Adapters 2211 I like the idea of using a spread bore manifold because if I can't get the thing tuned using TunerproRT and the Moates autoprom with WBO2 I can put on a Q-jet and HEI which I already have and I know I can get that tuned. I'm not giving up on the tbi just yet. I can experiment with tuning on the old engine without worrying about damage. I am still open to suggestions.

[Hog]

For a performance application I would use a Performer RPM Vortec style or similar intake manifold and use an adapter and install the TBI on top. There is very little torque difference between the Performer and Performer RPM intakes, but the power difference is marked.

These Vortec heads are the highest flowing GEN 1 heads ever installed on a production engine.

The crate engine that ends in 282 will have 2 bolt mains, while the enginethat ends in 283 was used in HD 3/4 ton (over 8600gvrw) with 8 lug axles and 1 tons and will have 4 bolt mainbs on the center 3 main bearings.
Both engines have a windage tray, nodular iron crank, hypereutectic cast aluminum pistons and forged Powdered Metal rods.

Its roller cam specs are 191/196 duration at 0.050" lift and lift numbers of 0.412"/0.428" using stock 1.5 rockers all on a 111LSA∟

The cam that Fast 355 recommended was used on the 350hp Ramjet 350, the 340hp HT 383 crate engine as well as various over 300hp marine engines. It has specs of 196/206 duration and lift of 0.431"/0.451" on a 109LSA. I know a few guys that run it on stock or near stock L31s and they really like it over the stock L31/30 Vortec 350/305 and GEn 2 iron headed 1994-96 LT1 260hp LT1 and the iron headed L99 4.3 V8.

If you really do plan on towing/hauling heavy, gearing makes all the difference n the world.

There was a stock OEM L31 Vortec 350/TBI setup that was used in the 1996 1 ton vans. These OEM TBI/Vortec vehicles used TBI injectors that were specific to this particular setup. They weren't used in any other OEM GM vehicle.


It was the genesis of this GM TBI/Vortec intake manifold.
https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/nal-12496821/overview/

https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/xlarge/nal-12496821_pe_xl.jpg?rep=False

peace
Hog