87 350 mild build help?
 

Hi, I have a 1987 350 tbi (L05). I want good torque and gas mileage. Right now I have RPC long tube headers that I did not put on yet but am planning on to put them on sometime this weekend. It also has flowmaster 40 series on. I am planning on getting vortec heads and and a good cam but don't know what type of cam to get? So what's a good cam that gives good torque but gets good gas mileage. What other things can i do without breaking the bank or boring out my engine or stroking it? This truck is a daily driving and I will use it to tow a little. What will be the estimated torque and horsepower after I am done?
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Re: 87 350 mild build help?
 

The TBI (OBD1)computer is a very limiting system. You can't just throw a bigger cam and new heads on it like an old carbed 350 and call it good. The computer will need to be reflashed to the specs you provide to an aftermarket TBI computer company.

There are cams made specifically to bump up the power (slightly) without having to have the computer reflashed. The Vortec heads take a special intake manifold. Not sure if there are TBI manifolds available that will fit the Vortec head to manifold mounts. Plus the Vortec heads take self aligning rockers as well.

Gary

Re: 87 350 mild build help?
 

x2.
Did ya know 87chevy that making double threads is a no-no.

Re: 87 350 mild build help?
 

x3, except Gary there is a TBI vortec intake available from GMPP. It's a bit pricey tho

http://www.jegs.com/i/GM-Performance...96821/10002/-1


Ask me how I know...

http://www.small-block-chevy.com/rhs383a.JPG

Re: 87 350 mild build help?
 

Yikes! For that much I could buy a Brodix! ***not for Vortecs of course***

Another reason why I'm not a fan of Vortec heads.

:)

Gary

Re: 87 350 mild build help?
 

Another option would be to use a standard 4 bbl Vortec intake with a TBI adapter.

Re: 87 350 mild build help?
 

Either that or just ditch the TBI for a carb if you can get away with it, if your state has emission tests.

Re: 87 350 mild build help?
 

Per OP request there are plenty of mild performance camshafts that will work very well, without reprogramming ECM. The problem with 87 engine is that uses swirl port heads which are low RPM heads specifically designed to build low end torque. In stock these heads choke inlet flow by 4500 RPM. A mismatched camshaft - head combo is the worst thing you can do! For the mild, truck performance build the following cams are known to work well with TBI:

Federal-Mogul (Sealed Power)
CS-1014r [1500-4000 RPM Range,278/288 I/E, Adv Dur, Duration @.050 204/214 I/E, Valve lift 420/443 I/E, Lobe C/L 112.] also available under Summit and Edlebrock part numbers.

CS1105R [1800-4400 RPM Range, 283/286 I/E, Adv Dur, Duration @.050 209/216 I/E, Valve Lift .435/455 I/E. Lobe C/L 112]

Both of the these cams are known to work with with stock ECM calibration ASDU, ASDS, + other, but it would be very beneficial to update ECM calibration (EPROM) to take advantage of better flowing heads - both SA and VE tables will require some tuning. Going to Carb is worst thing you can do as you can kiss your highway MPG goodby.

//RF