Help gathering parts for vortec long block swap to TBI

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livelifewideopen

livelifewideopen

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I have a 1991 chevy k1500. Its a factory TBI 305 5 speed truck. I picked up a junk 1998 k1500 with a good running vortec 350. I don't wanna deal with swapping computers and all that jazz. Im Gonna put the TBI set up on the vortec long block. Ive already figured how to swap it in (aftermarket intake manifold, 350 throttle body swap in, etc) except Im not certain what I will need for a distributor. Can I just run the distributor from the 305? Also will I need to find a computer from a truck with a 350 in it or just get a chip for the computer for the original 305?
 
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michael hurd

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You should buy a new replacement distributor for the TBI engine, it does not matter what engine size 5.0 / 5.7 L. The old one will likely have cracks in the reluctor magnet if it has not been replaced. These cracks result will cause erratic signals.

You must replace the gear on the TBI distributor to work with the steel billet roller cam in the Vortec engine. It's as simple as beating out the roll pin, pull off one gear and install the other, beat the roll pin back in.

Failure to use the proper gear material on the distributor will lead to short life.
 
SAATR

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I would have a custom chip made for the original computer. That way you will maximize the gains from the Vortec longblock. Given how common that swap is, I would imagine that there are places that have a good "canned tune" for a Vortec with TBI.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 
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