I have an '88'. i am not a big fan of the throottle body and would like to switch to a carb. I know i need to replace the intake to do this, but what I dont know is what i need to do electronically. Do i need to change, alter or replace the ECM? I have recently replaced the old 305 and put a new out of the crate 350 in it. any thoughts or ideas in this will be greatly appreciated. She just doesnt seem to have the snort that i think it should.

 

Are you converting to increase overall power? What crate did you get? Carb will be easier, but you may take a look at going TPI....

 

Yes power seems a little lacking. From pushing on accelerator to actually getting the tiers moving seems to be quite a lag, the motor doesnt bog or anything, it just seems to take awhile for the power transfer. But the main reason is because i like carbs, i like the adjustability, and plus it just looks nicer when you open the hood. I have a good lead ($300.00) for an edelbrock intake and carb together from an acquaintence. but before i buy it i need to know how much electrical is involved, If it means needing new ECM and a bunch of other stuff then it is not really worth it at this time, i could take that maney and replace other things the car needs (like shocks and struts) rather than just getting something i want, (Carb and then new exhaust).

 

Ok, well I don't think going carb is going to cure power problems. If the TBI isn't set up with the new 350 that maybe your lag problem....also what kind of 350 is it. Some out there aren't a whole lot better than the 305 if they are low comp. smog motors.

Lastly, watch it on the intake much higher than the stock low-rise intake, and your hood won't close....

 

ok, i had to call the place I got the engine from since the only paperwork I got from them was a register receipt. This was all the info they had on file for it...5.7L "K" engine, 4 bolt main, F.I., 4 stud through valve covers, non-roller, M.F.I. w/ vortex heads, 1 piece rear seal. nothing on compression. I do have a comp tester, i could check that out. Otherwise, could you please offer a little more info on the TB needing to be set for the 350 instead of the 305, i didnt know they were adjustable.

 

Funny, Im trying to cure a similar problem, and after buying a set of vortec heads, people are now telling me it IS my carb thats causing the issues......doh!

 

I honestly don't know very much about the TBI system, However I'm sure there are plenty of guys here who do. I can't recall ever seeing the TBI system on 5.7's...I could be wrong. It would seem that there would be some chip exchange or something required to properly get F/A ratio right for the larger motor though.