CHVYPWR

Helping a friend research this swap. He has an '84 El Camino with a carb'd 350, and he's wanting to put a TBI system on it off a '91 305 Camaro. Whats going to need to be done for his engine to run with the computer/TBI? I have the Camaro (I'm parting it out) so I'm kinda needing to know what I need to pull. We've gotten different responses on this, Some saying use all the Camaro stuff and just change the chip. Also, we've been told use nothing but the TBI and get an aftermarket comp and harness. We're basicly looking for the easiest, cheapest swap possible (arn't we all )
Engine specs: 350, Vortec heads, bored 30 over, flat tops, with cam listed below.
Can the computer run the TBI with this cam with a custom chip?
Cam specs:
Vendor Summit
Product Line Summit Camshafts
Cam Style Hydraulic flat tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range 1,500-4,000 RPM
Intake Duration 050 in Lift 204
Exhaust Duration 050 in Lift 214
Advertised Intake Duration 262
Advertised Exhaust Duration 272
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.420
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.442
Lobe Separation (degrees) 112 degrees
Intake Valve Lash (in) 0.000 in.
Exhaust Valve Lash (in) 0.000 in.

1981TTA

You'll definitely want to pull the engine side harness and all the sensors available (MAP, Coolant Temp, etc). Also grab the fuel pump relay. The knock sensor will be in question. For the TBI computers, I think there's a separate ESC module to read the sensor and report back to the computer. Since knock characteristics generally change with engine bore, I'm not sure how well a 305 sensor/module would work on a 350...? If you're conservative when initially tuning the timing, you won't *need* this right away. But, it is good to have for protection later.

Things you'll need that aren't on the car (or won't transfer):

1) Chip burning equipment. DIY PROM has a lot of information on what's available. You'll definitely want to learn how to tune this in after the swap. The computer may "run" the engine. But, the overall behavior of the system will probably not be to your liking.

2) You may have to make some sort of fuel sump to keep the Camino from starving for fuel while turning with a relatively low amount of gas in the tank. (Turning like on freeway on/off ramps.) Competition Engineering makes a preformed sump that you can weld onto existing gas tanks that might work for about $60. Also, I'm not very familiar with the El Camino line. But, if you can find a "cousin" GM platform vehicle that had FI, you might be able to swap gas tanks. FI tanks have baffles built in that keep the fuel from "sloshing" away from the pickup.

3) You'll need to add a return fuel line from the TBI to the gas tank.

4) Fuel pump.

5) Check the size of the TBI injectors. You might have/want to get larger ones for the 350 if the 305's are small(er). This will be even more true with engine component changes that allow more air into the engine (like camshafts ).

6) Carb-to-TBI adapter plate. Holley has these for ~$30. This assumes you're not swapping a TBI intake manifold onto the 350.

I think the easiest *and* cheapest route will be taking everything from the Camaro. The only other things you'll have to spend on should be tuning equipment (might be cheaper than aftermarket ECM?) and fuel system modifications. And, the fuel system modifications need to be done regardless of the ECM you install.

Good luck!

ShiftyCapone

iTrader: (7)

1981TTA pretty much hit everything on the head. You will need a 350 ESC module and knock sensor for that motor. I would get new ones that were found on the LO5 caprice cars. You are going to need a alot of chip work. I would get that down before you do anything else. Also, why would he be swtiching to carb when he will be drastically reducing power by straying from it?