need efi reliability

[72chevyplow]

well as my username implies i use my truck to plow snow among other things, this isnt a toy, I legitimately use this truck. The carb was neat for a while but I need my truck to start when I turn the key in -20 degree or colder weather. Basically I'm asking the easiest way to get efi, TBI is fine with me if its easier. I have access to a 5.7 vortec, all wiring and computer for absolutely free. The only problem is the short block on that motor has about had it at 427k miles without a rebuild. kind of looking for someone who has done a swap like this, how hard is it wiring in the vortec engine vs tbi? mainly worried about the ignition switch, is it hard to trick the computer out of the anti theft stuff? any info is appreciated, thanks.

[colgad]

http://fitechefi.com/

[Daman]

I legitimately use my pickup year round. It's carbed and it starts in negative double digits. A good tuned engine will start anywhere

Not being an A-hole just saying these were all they had back then. They used them daily. Why are people worried now?

[special-K]

It's true, you don't "need" FI. I don't do it any more, but I plowed snow for years and never had an issue with a carburetor. There was a time when just about every vehicle on the road ran a carb and the world went right on ticking just as it does now.

I have considered going FI just so I can easily run a 4L80E. Mine is from a TBI vehicle, so the plan would be use the ECM, harness, TBI, and 4L80E. I will use a Vortec engine but with the TBI set-up

[B. W.]

The 5.7 vortec platform is decent but it has its issues. I've worked on many & own 2 with almost 300,000 on each.
- You don't want to swap the engine with that many miles.
- you could use the Vortec heads on you block but with that many miles one or both of the heads will be cracked (all high mileage vortec heads are cracked)
- Vortec intake will not bolt to your heads
- the stock vortec computer has limited aftermarket support (I guess because it only ran for a few years in trucks)
the best option for computer is to swap the vortec PCM for a GM 411 PCM so you can unlock / change whatever you want

Basically, for an EFI swap the vortec is not cost effective
- FI Tech or Fast EZ-EFI are the cheapest systems, there have been issues with EFI Tech, there is a thread on this forum (I have no experience with either)
- A stock GM TBI setup is problaby the 2nd cheapest & is very reliable (will require more initial work)
I'm with you on the EFI, my plow rig is carbureted & does fine but I like to go inside & drink coffee then come out to a warm (running) truck!

[davepl]

EFI is one way to get there, but understand you've "fixing" a =problem= with your carb by replacing the whole fueling system.

A properly tuned and setup Q-Jet or 2GV is as reliable or moreso than fuel injection, but cannot be quite as precise as EFI, that's all.

Coming from Saskatchewan there were many mornings that it was -30 or worse and my Dad had to fire up his 2bbl 307 and I my Q-jet 350 even not plugged in.

If I were doing it for the reasons you stated, I'd try to retrofit a factory TBI setup to your truck, since the factory parts are all vetted in actual service, and not just made shiny for the glossy center pages of a Summit catalog. It's ugly but reliable stuff.

[72chevyplow]

Thanks for all the replies, I have used this truck year round for about 5 years now, starting it in -10 or colder many times. For the most part it has been very reliable, I suppose its more of a desire than a need for efi. The fitech option looked pretty good, but I think the stock TBI setup might be best if I'm really going to ditch the old carb.

[FL71C10]

I cant believe this thread has been up for over 20 hrs and no one has suggested an LS swap.

[72chevyplow]

Originally Posted by FL71C10

I cant believe this thread has been up for over 20 hrs and no one has suggested an LS swap.

right lmao, it went through my head, but it seems like more work and money than I'm really looking to put into it right now.

[Acorn]

My vote is for factory TBI. All the parts you would need can be found new or used pretty cheap. They are simple yet effective. Much easier to fix too. (Especially if you broke down on he side of the road in sub zero weather!)
is your gas tank still behind the seat? You will need to research adding an electric fuel pump and return fuel lines.

[72chevyplow]

I was looking and the FITech kit suggested just using the inline pump they sold and adding a return. Do you guys think something like this http://fitechefi.com/products/40005/

would work for a TBI setup? That way i could retain the stock gas tank.

[i82much]

consider a manual choke, gives you a lot more flexibility. also, do you have a functional exhaust crossover, heat riser valve, and thermac aircleaner?

[rsgt]

http://howellefi.com/general-motors/...onversion-kit/
This kit has everything to install GM tbi on your truck. My neighbor and his friends use this kit on their 350's.

[dmjlambert]

Originally Posted by rsgt

http://howellefi.com/general-motors/...onversion-kit/
This kit has everything to install GM tbi on your truck. My neighbor and his friends use this kit on their 350's.

That looks interesting. I wonder if additional stuff would be needed to make it work with a 1969 truck, which does not have a return fuel line. It mentions bypass fuel is returned to the tank, but does not mention how it gets there and I don't see any obvious (to me) parts in the picture.

EDIT link: https://howellefi.com/product/hc283-...onversion-kit/

[special-K]

Do you plan on plowing this season? Why not run it as is this year and see how it does before missing half the season for unnecessary changes? That truck needs to be ready right now.

[bonnieclyde100]

I went with a tbi setup from a 94 chevy truck .I even took 2 throttle bodies and make a 4 barrel tbi for my truck. there is a forum called gearhead efi that has a lot of info and placeds to buy what you need. the tbi can be adapted to any engine with som tuning and an adapter to mount tbi to your engine.

[LongBox]

And, just for thought, the other day my 5.7 Vortec equipped 98 died on the road, snowy and salty conditions, due to fuel pump module failure. Common, and expensive problem. So, I'm driving my carbureted 69 until I get the 98 back.

Reliable? Both can be reliable, but with the carburetor, you can fix it yourself, and if you are methodical about tune up schedules, probably will not fail outright on the road.

[rsgt]

This might help. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=3967833
Here are the instructions Howells has.
4. FUEL LINES AND FUEL PUMP--At this point you may want to fabricate and
route your fuel lines from the high pressure fuel pump to the TBI, and returning to your fuel
tank. THE HIGH PRESSURE, OR FUEL ‘IN” FITTING IS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE
TBI. The fuel pump is an in-line design that will operate at approximately 15 PSI. It should be
mounted near your fuel tank, no higher than mid-level on the tank, and clamped in rubber to
isolate any pump noise. It has hose nipple ends for easy installation. High pressure end of fuel
pump has the electrical terminals. If you are sure there is a screen filter on your tank fuel pickup,
mount the EFI filter between the pump and engine. If you are not sure, mount the filter so
that it filters fuel before it gets to the pump, to keep dirt out of the pump. (90 percent of electric
fuel pump problems are caused by dirt getting into the pump along with the fuel.)
You can use 3/8” or 5/16” steel lines, braided metal covered flexible fuel lines, or a good
grade of braid reinforced neoprene fuel line. 15 PSI of fuel pressure is not difficult to contain, or
seal at the connections.
You must run a 5/16 or 1/4” fuel return line from the TBI back to your fuel tank. You can
dump the return fuel back into the tank just about anywhere you choose.
We have used *6 lines satisfactorily, and 1/4 NPT to *6 adaptors are readily available to
fit the outlets in the TBI unit.
Use good quality, small, screw type hose clamps, available at any auto parts store

[72chevyplow]

I just wanted to update this I had my carb rebuilt, and installed the newer hei distributor and the truck ran flawlessly all winter. started as good as most newer trucks, and kept my driveway open. Guess I overreacted to a simple problem.

[James the III]

How did we ever get anything done before the 1990's..

[trac209]

Originally Posted by James the III

How did we ever get anything done before the 1990's..

Well I know this we usually were able to limp home most times. I can change a fuel pump faster than most can even hook up and check a code on a new vehicle. Glad you got it figured out

[jwn1975]

FITECH all the way

[i82much]

Originally Posted by 72chevyplow

I just wanted to update this I had my carb rebuilt, and installed the newer hei distributor and the truck ran flawlessly all winter. started as good as most newer trucks, and kept my driveway open. Guess I overreacted to a simple problem.

That is great to hear. I personally prefer carburetors on an older vehicle. Simple, cheap, and plenty reliable once you get them dialed in.

I recently got my 72 K10 tuned properly and at about the same time I bought a 2016 2500HD gasser. I have been driving the K10 more than my new truck, heck the gas mileage isn't that much different and the K10 long bed fits a hell of a lot better in my parking garage than the crew cab 6.5 bed!

[chevy72blu]

Thanks for update. All too often I come across threads that the OP abandoned and there isnt much to be learned.

[Willie Makeit]

Originally Posted by James the III

How did we ever get anything done before the 1990's..

we endured 10-12 (or less) mpg and less than desirable performance in comparison to the present alternatives.