Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Would not let me remove this post

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

This might bore some of you. But I desided to send out my tbi to tbiparts for a rebuild off ebay. I had the throttle blade base plate bored to 54mm, thinner blades, and removed the adjustable internal regulator. Since I have no way to adjust the fuel pressure, since I removed the internal tbi regulator. I added an external fuel regulator with a gauge. I really did want to spend $150 on a aeromtive 13301, $150 on earl an fittings and a $30 gauge. I decided to buy a universal adjustable fuel regulator off amazon for $55. There were a lot of good reviews on this regulator. But the only think is you have to buy better o,-ring for the 3/8 fitting into the regulator and the fuel lines included in the kit are to short and are garbage. So you need to buy about 5 feet of braided fuel line.The only two fitting I had to buy was for the 5/16 metal fuel line to 6an and a fitting from the return on the tbi to the return. If the adjustable fuel regulator sucks. I’ll just Buy an aeromotive regulator and still be money ahead.

Re: Fastfreddys 454s
 

I had a hard time incorporating the fuel lines and return line to a external regulator while using the factory tbi.I ran tons of dead head fuel regulator in cars and trucks with carbs. But never for a fuel injection system with a return line. Im sure a lot of others may be wondering how to run the fuel and return line. Got it figured out thanks to nastyz.Here is a diagram on how I ran it to save money. I mounted it up front so it’s easy to adjust. I decided to keep the factory fuel inlet line that comes from the fuel pump to the tbi. I also bought a mechanical fuel gauge instead of using the liquid filled gauge that comes in the kit. Because when the liquid in the gauge gets hot from the engine heat. The gauge can be off by 20 psi. Here is a diagram I drew out and of few pics of how and where I mounted it. I won’t get my tbi back till next week. The last picture is a before pic for reference.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Also found aluminum radiator for our 88 to 98 trucks. I have used these radiators on 3 builds with 180 degree thermostat and the temperature never got above 185 on 90 degree days cruising at 5 mph. Made in the USA. Champion radiator makes two sizes that have transmission and oil cooler lines ( but you can be plug them off if you have a manual trans or don’t have a built in oil cooler),includes heater core line out. Also depending on which one you pick.They make standard and extended fill neck.The cc1520 with a 34” wide core and a 40 5/8 overall and a cc622 with a 28” core and 20 1/4 overall.You can save a lot of my money with free shipping buying the radiators from ebay for $200. Way better then griffins $750 just for the radiator. Champion says they price match but I didn’t ask.If you buy the cc1520, champion does not make a dual 16” fan shroud so you have to buy the shroud off ebay for $100. If you use the cc622 with the 28” core you have to buy the 14” dual fan shroud from champion radiator ( but will need minor mods to fit) Make sure you buy a temp sensor relay kit, unless you want to run a toggle. But the dual fan kit 170 off/ 185 on needs to be bought from summit racing, jegs, ebay or amazon. I’m saving the old radiator, shroud and fan. So it could be put back to stock

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Here is a pic of the fan shroud for the cc1520

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Got my tbi back from tbiparts/spr performance. Looks really nice. He even went the extra step and painted the tbi pod and linkage black.Since I went to 54mm on the throttle blade bores I had to buy a throttle body adapter from tbi parts because my bore on my intake manifold it 50mm. Then when I rebuild the top end with performance parts. I will take the manifold in and get it machined to 54mm and get rid of the 1/4 spacer. Going to install the tbi Monday.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Got a set off 396 heads,(my thought there is to boost the compression with 98 cc heads to take my compression from 7.85:1 to about 9:1,some say vortec heads flow better but I couldn’t pass up the deal), a used set Harland sharp roller rockers,a lunati Voodoo roller cam (20110710), Then I bought a set of maxspeedingrods roller rocker from amazon for $135. They have really good review so I will give them a try. I also got a set of 141-141 proform valve covers to finish it off. The only thing left is to order a chip and shorter push rods.The biggest thing is when tbichip programs it. He said the chip will need a lot of data logging. Because no one is really running that hot of a cam in a OBD1 style computer controlled ecm. I also have to decide if I want to pull the engine or leave the engine in and just do the top end. When I do the upgrade. Plan on doing this after it’s first car show on June 6th

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

When I ran the line for the fuel regulator. I noticed my diagram I drew up in an earlier post was wrong. I had to swap the lines on the fuel regulator. Here the right diagram.I installed the amazon Chinese fuel pump regulator,it wouldn’t adjust and the liquid filled gauge started to leak. So I decided to go with the aeromotive 13301 bypass regulator and I had to by a earl fitting coming out of the return from the tbi. Then I bought a manual fuel pump gauge because if I would have bought a liquid filled as soon as the engine got warm the reading on the gauge would fluctuate 10 lbs. I set the regulator to 16 lbs had to move a vacuum line and the rebuilt tbi fired right up. The fittings on the aeromotive regulator leaked, so I had to use liquid Teflon on the threads (don’t use Teflon tape), let them dry 24 hours and now it runs awesome. I also had to buy a 6 an to 5/16 tube to adapt to my solid return line back to the tank

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Since I didn’t have any luck with the Chinese fuel pump regulator. I didn’t want to press my luck with the roller lifters. So I returned those back to amazon. I was dreading measuring for the pushrod length ( because I have messed that up to many times) and I didn’t want to pull my motor and take it to a machine shop to measure for pushrods. I gave Lanati cams a call. They told me if I used stock decked heads, the cam I picked,lanati retro fit roller lifters and lanati roller 1.7 rockers. I could use lanati 6502-16 pushrods. But I would also have to buy a cam button and a lock plate with no shims because I was going roller. I also had to get a reverse rotation water pump because I am using the stock serpentine belt system. About mid July after a car show, I have a month till the next show to install these performance upgrades.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Have you tried the TBI yet? eager to see how it goes......Planning on doing the same thing and punching my 454 to 496.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

The rebuilt tbi runs a lot better now. I think my bushings on the throttle shaft were a little worn out even with my low miles.The tbi was prone to this when I worked at a chevy dealership in the early 90s. It has Better throttle response, starts up a lot faster and idles smoother. With the 3 lbs of fuel pressure increase I notice a slight power increase. I would recommend removing the tbi internal fuel regulator and putting in an external one with a Manuel gauge just because it’s a lot easier and quicker to adjust. Whenever I rebuild my bottom end I want to do a 496 also. Are you planning on Boring out your tbi to 54 mm and having tbiparts rebuild it.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Yes, i am looking for a used TBI & computer in the US, have it rebuilt and machined, upgrade program and then send them down here. Am trying to get it done by Xmas time, with a bit of luck.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

The brakes are good. But I want it to stop like a Porsche. So I’m doing a hydroboost conversion. It’s pretty easy finding part. Oreillys and autozone both stock the hoses and hydroboost. They made factory hydroboost from 88 to 98. So you just type in booster for the hydro boost and power steering for the hoses. I think I have about $50 in hoses, 3/8 barbed tee, bulk power steering hose and hose clamps. Then another $175 in a reman hydrobooster. I also bought a used $40 brake lever off ebay.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Here’s a factory diagram of a hydrboost set up. The first thing I need to do is move the factory mount for the booster rod on the brake arm up. Because factory hydroboost arms are impossible to find. brakes arms for vacuum boosters are a dime a dozen and way cheaper.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Here’s a few pic of the supplies needed and the hydroboost mocked up. I have to hog out the mounting holes for the stud. Theres a little flashing from the casting in the holes. Then the master cylinder will sit flush up against the hydro boost. Out of time to work on it today. Will finish it up on Monday.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Great progress!

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Looking AWESOME Fred! I'd love to hear a clip of that running when the updates are finished.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Me too, love to hear it!

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Thanks guys. Hydroboost is taking longer then expected. Now I just have to finish the brake arm modification and plumb the lines.Going to start the engine modifications In the next couple weeks. I just need to buy the push rods and lunati roller lifters. I had to wait for the refund on the amazon Chinese lifters. Diffently will video my truck after the upgrades to the engine. The only thing I’m really worried about is getting the chip burn on the computer to run good with such a big cam. Going to put up more pics of the hydroboost and how well it works tomorrow.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

I Couldn’t get the master cylinder to seat inside the hydro boost. So I added a willwood push rod spacer. Also desided to use a welded on carriage bolt and a nylock nut instead of the weak little clip on the brake arm

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Finished the hydroboost today. Now I see what the hype is all about. Man this truck stop like you won’t believe

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

The best thing about going fast,....is..... , being able to stop. Well done.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Got the valve covers installed today. Had to drill a hole in the valve cover on the passenger side for the pcv valve. Don’t care for the chrome oil filler/vent cap.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Got the champion radiator and electric fans installed. Just have to wire it up and figure out where to put the temp sensor. Then fab a radiator cover, to cover the ugly on top of the radiator. Took about an hour removing the old and installing the new. All the fittings and hoses fit perfect. The only problem I had, was I needed to take one of the tranny lines and pop it off the bracket on the passenger side to get it to thread in to the radiator. Because it was off a few inches.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

It won't be long and, no more bench racing for you.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Don’t have any ports for the temperature sensor for my electric fan. So I ordered a 1” water neck spacer. Since I didn’t like my chrome oil cap, I also got a proform billet oil cap/vent. I also made a radiator cover with an old 30” harbor freight sheet metal brake and 2 left over aluminum door kick panels from Home Depot

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Here’s pics of my radiator cover. Made it in three parts because I still wanted to use my upper radiator mounts.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

That cover looks great, good work!!

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Yes indeed, very professional cover.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Got the water neck spacer in and the oil filler cap. I don’t like how the upper radiator hose looks. It was cut to short from the previous owner.Wired up the electric fans with the thermostat and a bypass switch. works good .Started it up and found out one of my tranny lines had a bad flare. I can’t find a metal tranny line locally. so Im using a hose fitting because the back half of my tranny line is rubber hose already

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Things work, when they want to. Did you keep details for the thermostat spacer?
Looks good.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

I bought the spacer from summit racing. It has an o ring style gasket that goes toward the intake manifold and a flat surface at the top to mount your water neck to with a gasket. I used two 2” 3/8s bolts that were the perfect length to go into the intake without going to deep. I put in a high flow 180 degree thermostat that the spacer fit right on top of with no clearance problem. The spacer has 2 open 3/8 npt threaded ports. I Plugged one off. But I may use it later. I really don’t like using spacers. But I have no choice. There are only three water ports for senders on the entire motor. One On the intake for the ecm. One for the temp sender to the gauge on the drivers head and one on the passanger head for the auxillary fan. I bought the dual fan relay kit off summit and it came with one 170 off 185 on 3/8 npt thread sensor. Then just bought a electric fan toggle switch to mount on the center console I built. So if want to run the fans when the truck is off or when I want the fans to run at a different time the the temp sender allows.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

I didn’t like the circuit breakers for the 2 hot wires that came with the summit fan relay kit. Circuit breakers suck when your out somewhere and your fans stop working and you don’t have a test light. So I bought two 10 gauge fused wires with 40 amp fuses.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

I got my Rhodes racing roll cage last week. Went to Home Depot today any picked up some electrical pvc 30,45,90 and 1 1/4 pvc pipe which measure exactly the same 1 5/8 o.d. as the Rhodes rollcage. I think this is one of the easiest ways to work it up.I Don’t care for how the front down tubes look. I haven’t decided if I want to do a single 30 degree bend or a double 45 degree bend.Since I can’t afford a mandrel bender or want to go to a custom shop and have my roll cage built. I am going to take my down tube to my muffler shop down the street and for $40 they will bend them. Here is a rough mock up of my double 45, I just have to slightly clock it and finish glueing it. If this is to complicated of a bend for the muffler shop I will do the single 30 bend.I am also making this cage a true bolt with interlocking tube clamps from summit racing and a 4 point instead of a 10. For all you haters, I know this cage will never pass tech. So please save your comments. For the price you can’t beat it. At some point I will have a correct 10 point built. As soon as I stop upgrading speed parts and interior. Which may be a few years down the road. The nice part is I will just have the down tubes and halo redone because they are the only bars with bolt in clamps . Then add the extra 6 points since I have those already.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Couple pics. First two aren’t mine. First is double 45 and second is single 30. Last pic is of the upper halo

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Nothing better than a good template.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

I had to do the single 30 degree on the down tubes. It actually fit closer to the dash and gave me more leg room. The muffler shop mandrel bender could hardly handle a 30 degree angle. They had to heat the tube up a a little bit with a torch. The bend looks bad but its just the coating on the tube that got crusty. The bend is really smooth. Couldn’t use the sun visor. I will just make a plastic panel to cover the hole in the headliner from the visor. I will have to find one that possibly mounts to the cage. Still have enough room for the hood release. I also hand to remove the emergency brake. I going to switch over to the hand brake on the camaro center console.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

You won’t kick the speakers, lots of measuring has paid off well.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Got roll cage all cut and tacked in. Now it’s time to pull it out and finish welding and paint it. Had to use a couple more interlocking clamp then expected. That ok I won’t use any on the next cage.

Re: Fastfreddys 454ss
 

Took my valve covers off over the weekend and it turns out this truck has had some good head work already done with some porting and bigger valves. It also looks like the edelbrock intake was put on just shortly before I bought it. I’m not going to do the 396 heads,roller upgrade, bigger cam and chip. I going to sell all that and go with a procharger. The new prochargers are a little pricey. They make them for the 5.7, 7.4, vortec and LS. If you don’t order the 600b procharger,you don’t have to run an oil line. The system actually adds to your existing pulley system so there is no extra crank pulley to install. At least on the 88,89 and 90 models with tbi there is no chip or programming of the ecu. You will get almost 600 horse and you can use your own high flow fuel pump and regulator that is supercharger sensitive. This system has to have an inter cooler that is included and designed to fit. You can also order the kit that adds the fmu fuel regulator and inline fuel pump.