Are TBI 350’s just this sluggish?

[alpinecrick]

~200 hp at the wheels is more than a stock 250 hp Vortec.

I bet the Vortecs were probably making close to 200 at the wheels.

 

[Supercharged111]

I bet the Vortecs were probably making close to 200 at the wheels.

He's dyno'd a bunch of them, I think they run 180-190, correct me if I'm wrong fast.

 

[df2x4]

He's dyno'd a bunch of them, I think they run 180-190, correct me if I'm wrong fast.

He's also been caught posting fake dyno sheets on other forums, so there's that.

Not trying to dig up all that old BS again (and I kind of doubt he's lying about this one) but it is what it is.

 

[Supercharged111]

He's also been caught posting fake dyno sheets on other forums, so there's that.

Not trying to dig up all that old BS again (and I kind of doubt he's lying about this one) but it is what it is.

You're not wrong, but the stock stuff is unlikely to be fudged.

 

[1989GMCSIERRA]

Before you go nuts replacing all that stuff go change the fuel filter. It’s on the driver side of the truck in the frame c channel right about where the driver seat would be located. It’s about $10 for a replacement. Also check to make sure it’s installed right with the FLOW arrow pointing to the front of the truck.

 

[blackdeathmessenger]

These trucks were never intended to be fast, with only 195 horsepower from the factory, they were meant to be fuel efficient. I can say I get pretty mpg's with mine, but mine is also modified with a rebuilt engine (upgraded internals), rebuilt transmission (also upgraded internals) and 3.42 rear gears and it's way better than when I bought it

 

[Duallylife]

I have a 93 K3500 dually with the 350 TBI and with around 7000 lbs of trailer and about 1000lb of weight in the box if I hit a decent hill doing 100km I'll end up around 80- 90kmh at the top, giving it just over 1/2 throttle. Steep and long hills (where I see transports gear down with flashers on) I'll end up at 70 if I don't give it more. I am running 4.10's though but I also weigh alot more, truck sits around 10,000lb. My TBI use to have a bad stumble off idle and would load up on fuel sometimes, I changed my throttle body because I found one cheaper then injectors which helped a bit, but bigger difference with re-setting the timing and a new o2 sensor. Problem solved now.

 

[L31MaxExpress]

I love how everyone is quick to blame the heads on a TBI engine for their lame stock performance. I happen to know of a 193 head 350 engine making 325 hp at the crank on the engine dyno and very close to 400 ft/lbs at 3,000 rpm. Probably made peak torque under 3,000 rpm.

 

[victor II]

These trucks were never meant to be speed demons. Look at the HP to weight ratio...that said, my ‘88 Silverado, bought new by my dad and left to me, has a 5.7/4 spd auto/3.42 open rear end, and it moves along very well, even with the AC on. The only mods are a Flowmaster exhaust, K & N air cleaner element and a tonneau cover (I removed the camper shell). It wasn’t fast when dad towed his 23’ trailer so he got out of the way. It’s got some torque though.

I love that truck. I’ve gotten as high as 23 mpg on long interstate trips but it’s almost always in the 17 mpg realm. I’m happy with that. It’s a perfect general purpose vehicle that looks great and is beyond reliable. Getting on the highway for work I hit 80 every morning somewhat quickly.

I keep it tuned and maintained and it moves smartly enough to burn rubber.

Not bad for 158,000 miles. My next project is to lower the rear by 2” to get rid of the stink bug attitude. The shackles arrived yesterday.

Sluggish? Maybe compared to my my modified Hipo ‘65 Mustang vert, but that isn’t a fair comparison.

 

[Cheyenne95]

I don't imagine my testimony will be of much help, but I'll chime in all the same. Another data point.

My brother's '95 3/4 ton 4x4 Cheyenne (standard cab, long bed, manual) is all factory. It does just fine. It is no race horse, but it isn't meant to be, it's a truck. It has plenty of power for pulling, and it handles highway speeds just fine; set the cruise control and let it roll. He bought it from Mom when Dad passed away, so it has been in the family for a good long while. Just a great truck. The 350 TBI does just fine. He asked me recently what I thought about swapping on multi-point fuel injection, which would require a head swap too (and computer and harness and etc.). My answer: Why? That's a lot of work to gain, what? He has go-fast vehicles in his stable, so why mess with the truck? He uses it around town for general hauling such as mulch and rock, pulling a small trailer every now and again. It's not as if he is towing a giant trailer or such. It does well.

But I can see where a head/induction/cam/exhaust swap would liven it up. That's any engine.

To answer your question, his 350 TBI (ODB1) is not sluggish. One has to be careful not to view it through today's lens. My '95 6.5TD is a laugh compared to the Duramax, but it isn't apples to apples. Technology has evolved since then.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

I happen to know of a 193 head 350 engine making 325 hp at the crank on the engine dyno and very close to 400 ft/lbs at 3,000 rpm.

And then throw on some decent heads and gain another 25 ponies.