Vortec Head swap on my '92 TBI 350. Tuning questions.

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Originally Posted by jdyates

Spoke to Brian Harris at TBIchips, and he recommended I upgrade the fuel pump and regulator spring as well, totaling something like $300. My regulator spring is actually adjustable, shouldn't i be able to bump up pressure and call it good?

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Please stay clear of TBIchips. I am speaking from experience. I wasted $300 going through him.

After having the issues with TBIchips I started searching the web and found this site.
In the end Dave w got me fixed up and I could not be more satisfied with his tuning and hours he has spent helping me understand the process.
I highly recommend you get with ether Dave or Mark they will take care of you. I assure you they will do you right and steer you in the right direction. If you hang around here long enough and ask some questions you can learn to do it yourself or at least be part of the process.

In 7 seven months I have gone from not even considering tuning a chip and being completely ignorant of the whole process to now being able to make minor changes and burning my own chips.

Again talk with Dave or Mark ether way I know they will do you right.

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Originally Posted by devind

Please stay clear of TBIchips. I am speaking from experience. I wasted $300 going through him.

After having the issues with TBIchips I started searching the web and found this site.
In the end Dave w got me fixed up and I could not be more satisfied with his tuning and hours he has spent helping me understand the process.
I highly recommend you get with ether Dave or Mark they will take care of you. I assure you they will do you right and steer you in the right direction. If you hang around here long enough and ask some questions you can learn to do it yourself or at least be part of the process.

In 7 seven months I have gone from not even considering tuning a chip and being completely ignorant of the whole process to now being able to make minor changes and burning my own chips.

Again talk with Dave or Mark ether way I know they will do you right.

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Good to know, guys! This is going to be a very mild build. Just the heads, intake, and mild cam. I just figured it'd be best to have a chip made rather than trying to make the stock chip handle the changes.

Update! Got the heads. Casting #062. Rebuilt, ported, polished, and painted black. All i need now is small stuff. Mainly the gasket set, carb to TBI adapter (about to be ordered), and new spark plugs.

Which brings me to my final question, what needs to be done as far as tuning to get her running 100%?

PICS!


http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/...ps35468628.jpg


Recieved them already painted black. Thinking about doing my Valve covers red to match the scheme of my truck. Thoughts?
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/...psc9a475ff.jpg


Preeeeeeetty!
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/...psdbcc6d15.jpg


http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/...psb85a5049.jpg


Aaaaaand the Vortec "Sawtooth" casting mark.
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/...psedd19454.jpg

I did this a couple of years ago. Spark & AE are the main things that need work. VE & PE also, but spark & AE will get it driveable. I'm running 20psi with a new regulator spring and TPI pump. I'm using the 1/4" steel adapter from TransDapt that I studded so the TBI bolts wouldn't bottom out on the intake pad. Have you decided on cam? I went LT1 roller for low end torque.

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Originally Posted by woody80z28

I'm using the 1/4" steel adapter from TransDapt that I studded so the TBI bolts wouldn't bottom out on the intake pad.

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That's a good idea... I tried once and although studs were true the taped holes were not so I could not slide TBI on?

1/4 inch does not leave a lot of room for error if TBI bolt comes through and hit's intake = instant vacuum leak.

Do you guys think it will at least be driveable on the street until i am able to upgrade the fuel pump? I can bump up the pressure in the regulator no problem, mines somewhat adjustable (have to take the injector pod off).

and as far as cam, i already have pretty insane torque down low, i'd like a cam that balances it out and gives it a good sound.

Yes, just stay out of WOT and high RPM, there will not be enough fuel and it will be lean.

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Originally Posted by EagleMark

Yes, just stay out of WOT and high RPM, there will not be enough fuel and it will be lean.

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That'll be tough, but will do! Haha.

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Originally Posted by jdyates

Which brings me to my final question, what needs to be done as far as tuning to get her running 100%?

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Enough fuel flow / pressure. (I'm thinking 70 lbs / Hr @ 15 ~ 18 PSI)
Accurate BPW in the .bin file!!!! (Something close to stock +/- 5%, depends on injector flow)
Vortec Timing table ~ as a starting point (maybe more / maybe less)
TONS of AE & PE!
DATA LOG ~ Tune
DATA LOG ~ Tune
DATA LOG ~ Tune until your done:thumbsup:

dave w

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just stay out of WOT and high RPM, there will not be enough fuel and it will be lean.

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That'll be tough, but will do! Haha.

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The first time it starts bucking and snorting from lack of fuel you'll decide it's easier than you think. ;).

Okay so I'm thinking as of right now it should be pretty driveable on the street. Once I get it all put together, I'll bump up the fuel pressure a little until I can get a better fuel pump in it. What do you guys recommend? There are pumps on Summit for about $100 that put out 90psi, but I don't need near that much, right? There's another for $50 that puts out 50psi, or should I just spend the money on an adjustable one?

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Originally Posted by 1project2many

The first time it starts bucking and snorting from lack of fuel you'll decide it's easier than you think. ;).

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It used to do that before the head gasket blew. Haha. BAD. You would puncht it and the motor would basically shut off. But I think it's because one of the wires to my driver side injector is a little torn so It's not getting the best connection, plus my electrical system needs an overhaul anyway.

I could limp mine around on the stock pump, but you need to do it asap. I run a cheap ACDelco 90 Camaro TPI pump. Direct fit.

Are you running a fuel regulator?