1990 5.7 700r4

[Marty68]

i own a 51 GMC. 283 5 spd. and a 54 Chevy 2dr post. i have an opportunity to buy a 1990 Chevy van "runs drives good" 140k miles. what would be the negatives to making this a carbureted transplant for either of my rides.
does the 5.7 have a fuel pump provision? is this trans computer controlled or TB cable?
i can drive the van home for $200

[Captainfab]

A 1990 350 should be machined for a mechanical fuel pump, but it is possible it is not. A 700R4 is not electronic, it uses the TV cable, which absolutely must be connected to the carb with the correct geometry and adjusted to achieve the correct line pressures in all gears. If this is not done, you will quickly burn up the trans. To convert to a carb, you will just need a '87+ intake such as the Edelbrock 2104, a carb and a standard HEI distributor.

[Marty68]

i missed out on this set up could not get there soon enough. thanks for the info. i will continue to look

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Depending on what your goals are. The 95 and later Vortec is a better deal. It has a roller cam for better reliability with today's oils, and it makes more power everywhere.

Try car-part.com for used engines. They have a good date base to find stuff.

[Captainfab]

The L31 Vortec 350 was in production '96-'02. I agree that it is a far better engine than the '87-'95 TBI 350. However that engine will be backed by either a NV3500, NV4500, 4L60E or 4L80E. The latter 2 will require a standalone controller as well as a TPS on the carb.

[Marty68]

Thanks guys i was too late to pick it up.. i am smarter now..