Swapping TBI 350 into 1999 suburban with blown engine

[jmeister]

Hi, I have a 1999 suburban that threw a rod, and so the engine is toast. I know someone who has a 90's blazer with a tbi 350 in it, who is willing to sell it for cheap. I want to know how hard it is to swap a vortec 350 for the tbi. I know the computer will have to be changed as well, but if i swap the tranny with it, will it be relativly easy to do? Thanks for the help.

 

[SCOTTYINWV]

Are the heads and manifold in good shape on the 99? If so, I would swap it onto the tbi block if doable.

 

[dale_gribble]

Focus on just trying to swap the block. My guess is, if you have to ask how easy/hard it is, it might be too hard.

I don't see the point in swapping a less efficient fueling/engine management system in for a better system. Seems backwards. A lot of people tend to want to go with our engine management systems away from TBI, not vice versa.

 

[skylark]

The major differences in the TBI bottom end and the Vortec are all in the front cover, timing set and reluctor. Also some TBI blocks don't have the bosses for the roller cam in the intake valley. The TBI block doesn't have the same bolt pattern for the front timing cover that the Vortec has but I have drilled the Vortec block for the non Vortec engine. The Vortec also has a reluctor behind the ballancer but in front of the timing set.
Based on my early timing cover swap on a Vortec block, I would say that you might be able to drill a TBI block for the Vortec cover, use the reluctor on the TBI crank with a Vortec timing set and drill the bosses for a roller cam if needed.

 

[TylerZ281500]

Itd ve easiest to find a vortec.drop out and not mess.with a tbi motor

 

[skylark]

Itd ve easiest to find a vortec.drop out and not mess.with a tbi motor

I agree by far but I do believe that it is possible to use a TBI bottom end.

 

[TylerZ281500]

I agree by far but I do believe that it is possible to use a TBI bottom end.

it is, i have done this before for a friend, i will say its doable but not worth it. i mean i guess it depends on how cheap. for cheap you can get a junkyard dropout with a warranty as well at least in my area you can. the reluctor gear can be used and swapped, id swap heads while your at it. best make sure its a roller compatible block and swap cam and lifters. everything skylark mentioned basically.

only reason i say just find a vortec engine is because you need to swap things from your engine, you also threw a rod meaning many things could have happened. you threw a rod, did you slap the head, did you bent and pushrods or valves, is the cam ok etc etc? by the time you replace both heads or some vlaves and all the gaskets to swap all the tbi stuff over your better off finding a stock vortec engine.

thats just my 2 cents though, i know sometimes things seem to fall in your lap and you think they are easy but sometimes they do end up more costly and ive learned that they hard way many times.

 

[K15 Blazer]

I second the motion of NOT going back to a TBI generation motor....

spend a little bit extra and get the roller cam higher horse power, vortec headed V8 the truck was meant to run....
heck, you could even port/polish the heads, throw on some headers, stick on some rockers, and STILL be better off fiscally (both short and long term) than dropping in an older V8..... not to mention better power, performance, and economy....

just get a long-block meant for your year with an amazing warranty.... you can swap it in a day if you're well prepared

 

[TylerZ281500]

eh nothing really wrong with a tbi motor its just the injection systme is finicky and meant for torque unlike vortec which has more upper end and more breathing room.