If stuck with a healthy L05 TBI... Options for 'go-faster' and improved fuel economy?

[1ton-o-fun]

Ya don't even have to say my name 3 times in the mirror!

 

[SpitShine_PL]

Oh, sweet! Thanks, guys! I probably went ahead myself and used AcDelco's RPO decode list that's online and explains nearly all codes on the RPO I got yesterday from a prospective seller of a darn clean L05 '05-to-06 (the weird MY that had the 'new' instrument panel assy without the passenger-side airbag 'gondola', yet still with the transfer case floor shifter).
Aside from 2-3 codes (that are 'Control - sales' something), I gathered this one has the tow package and some beefier options.
As much as I want a Vortec Burb, this one is nearing its rebuild... The top factor with this one it's rust free and got represerved like there's no tomorrow.

@Schurkey - Yep, 3.73 RAR, K1500, funky tow package things in it.

 

[SpitShine_PL]

find someone to do a tune, they can enable things like "highway mode" etc that will bring up your mpg. FWIW, while LPG has it's pro's one con is it's usually it gets 30-40% LESS mpg. IMO you really need to build a high compression engine (11:1+) to really extract all the benefits out of LPG.

TBH, I never investigated mpg loss on a TBI engine, good point here.
My experience with running aftermarket LPG is limited to multipoint EFI (one LPG injector per cylinder). Got great results with a 239 HP Ford Modular 2-valve V8 in my last car, an MGM LS HPP; the mpg on LPG dropped to a bracket of high 16 and 17-ish from 20-ish mpg on gasoline at 70 mph. European LPG systems have become very efficient with the latest control chips and are nothing like the 2+ decades old LPG systems with mechanical spring delivery control.
Anyway, a U.S. gal of E95 (yours E87) runs me 5 bucks. A gallon of LPG is 1/2 the price...

 

[SpitShine_PL]

Sorry for the monologue here, but I got a couple ideas browsing this awesome forum.
Better air delivery: should I shave off the TBI ridges around the ports below the fuel meter? What about a different cleaner? If the ridges are removed, should I go with a taller air cleaner or nah, since a no-ridge TBI provides a more direct path for cleaner air? I also figure I should keep the stock air cleaner casing with the zip tube coming from the fender panel for cooler air, right?
Smoother exhaust: JBA shorties, or something else? I just follow @wb292 's tips.

 

[Erik the Awful]

Having gone a little ways down the TBI modification path, I'd leave it stock or yank it to install aftermarket injection. I don't know how feasible aftermarket FI is for you.

 

[SpitShine_PL]

Having gone a little ways down the TBI modification path, I'd leave it stock or yank it to install aftermarket injection. I don't know how feasible aftermarket FI is for you.

It's all about the money. Someone might or might not have a kit down here.
Any recommendations?

 

[Erik the Awful]

I went with a Holley Sniper, and some of the sensors are cheap garbage, but overall it works as advertised. All installed and running, expect to spend about $1200. If you want the matching distributor it's around $2000.

I went with a Sniper after spending about $200 on TBI upgrades and realizing I'd need another $400 to be able to tune my own chips. Then you also have to learn how to tune. At the time I got a refurbished Sniper straight from Holley for about $800 - they're closer to $1000 now.

I really need to go back out in the shop and show a step-by-step how to on how to install one on one of our trucks with all the extra pieces, part numbers, and costs.

 

[SpitShine_PL]

Oh, cool, good to know!
(The Polish import duties are gonna rape my wallet again, LMAO!)

 

[0xDEADBEEF]

Kinda OT, but in my experience the only way to go faster and improve economy at the same time is to remove weight.

 

[SpitShine_PL]

That is not incorrect. It would mean the 3rd row seat out of the car most of the time, as I have planned anyway...
...and let's keep Spontaneous Weight Removal by Oxidation™ out of this equation!