94 K1500 Blazer TBI to Vortec motor swap

Okay guys, I am new here and tried searching but couldn't find what I am needing. I am currently in the middle of a swap from the TBI 5.7l motor to the 96-00 Vortec motor. I am using the GM performance TBI to vortec intake in order to use my TBI system. Here is my issues right now:

1. Stock coolant temp sensor next to the thermostat housing will not fit hole on new intake. Hole on intake is much larger. For those who have made this swap, where did you mount the sensor?

2. Since the block does not have the bypass built in for the coolant, how did you route this? The instructions say to run from the water pump to the 3/8" npt on the intake. Kinda vague, anyone have a pic of a successful installation?

3. Do I need to use a vortec 96-00 water pump or will the 94 model work?

4. Just noticed that there is no where in the stock location to mount the power booster line for the brakes. WTF?

I am sure I will encounter more issues as I go, right now I have the old motor out of the truck, awaiting my new motor delivery. Thanks in advance!

You need a pump with a port to run a hose from the manifold to the inlet side of the water pump. I used that circuit as my heater core as well. See picture hope it helps. Another option for the Temp sensor is to use https://www.summitracing.com/parts/krs-krc15375000. You just need to make sure your coolant bypass is placed under the T-Stat(so it's pressurized when the T-Stat is closed).View media item 31448

Pic of my bypass It's edelbrock but the same principle applies.

Please continue with progress/solutions. New to forum and was researching L05 to L31 swap when I found this thread. Have 200K miles on 95 K1500 and it's getting tired. Still looking for info on all the little things that have to be addressed for the swap. Any additional info or links greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions ask! exactly what kind of swap are you doing? just a vortec long block with tbi tidbits up top?

I'm stuck in paralysis by analysis. I've looked at using a383 with bored TBI, 5.3 LM7 or 6.0 LQ4, L31 with TBI, and even stock replacement with TBI. Each package has its own unanswered questions that I can't seem to get past. I always start with stock and then start chasing horsepower until I break the bank. Apparently the 4L60E in 95 was a one off special year with the PWM. Don't want to change transmission or transfer case. The L31 Vortec with TBI up top seems to be the closest fit to the stock L05 as far as bolting up and accessories. A few questions - what do I gain/lose if I delete the EGR, does anyone still supply reprogrammed chips (don't want to custom self tune- my 12 yr old fixes my phone and TV), can you run the TBI distr. as With only upgrading gear, etc, etc. I would like to have a parts list or see details of problems/solutions in one place. Truck is a weekend runner, not driven hard but often has to pull trailer. Wife wants me to sell it, buts it's part of the family (she doesn't understand trucks). My boys grew up thinking the truck was a super hero. Wasn't anything the Iron possum couldn't do- but he's getting a little tired. If there is another place to post or discuss, please provide instructions. Brand new at posting on a forum. Thanks for the reply.

This guy gets flak for his tunes, but he is a good guy and has lots of info on his site http://tbichips.com/. With a 95 you do have issues with transmission control so your cost goes up if you leave the stock ecm behind but there are other ways to control it. What made the decision for me was i just looked for what was available locally for a good deal then ran with it. Just pull the trigger on a good long block and go. And keep your HP goals reasonable with TBI.

If you just want to do a good crate motor look at http://www.blueprintengines.com/

Nice simple bolt up 383 (tuned chip included)http://www.blueprintengines.com/ind...anding/gm-383-truck-suv-main/item/gm-383-base

Thanks! Most of my early info came from the TBIchips website. I was ready to pull the trigger on an upgrade after months of research and then stumbled into some poor reviews on his tunes. Biggest trouble around here is all the salvage yards have been cleaned up and the you pull its are bare bones. On top of that, not many people dealing with 1995 technology.

then just build up a motor with aftermarket injection.