Hey all I need a little info. I am going to switch from TBI to carb. My question is do I need to keep the computer to run anything? I know I need to get a lock up for the converter, but do I need it for the FUEL PUMP........ELECTRIC FAN.......or anything else.

I will be using a Vac. Advance HEI and Holley 750 and the intank factory fuel pump.




Thanks
Brian Felts

I think the computer controls the advance in distributer, but you said youll be running a vac adv. Not 100% sure about fan, but my fuel pump is mech. I think this has been asked before many times, so I would try a search.
John

double post

I can't help ya on the fuel pump.. but I'm leaning towards, no espialy if you monkey with the wiring some.
the cooling fan.. if it's got a fan relay.. no the comptuer doesn't control it, a fan switch does.

easiest way to tell.. tirn the ignition on.. turn the AC on the fan should run.

You can take out the computer. It's useless after the HEI distributor and carb are put in. I did the swap and took the POS out. It felt soooooo good to know it didn't have any power over the car anymore.

TBI


Carb:hail:

what if you have VATS? And what about torque converter lockup on an auto? I'm just asking 'cause I'm probably about to do the same thing.

Hey thats a good question what about the VATS?anybody know?



brian

The Chilton's auto manual makes no reference to VATS in the ECM topic. One way to tell is once you get the swap done, unplug the computer harness and see if it starts. If it doesnt, just plug it back in for VATS puposes.

VATS will not be affected. The ECM is only responsible for shutting off the injectors if the VATS test fails.

The fuel pump will work without the ECM. The oil pressure switch will run the pump after the engine starts.

Cool That's good to know. What about torque converter lockup? I know the tech article references making a manual switch, but is this necessary? Will I burn up the clutches in the tranny if I con't have some torque converter lockup mechanism? Does anyone sell a kit that will lockup the converter (i.e. take the place of the computer as far as the tranny goes)?

There are kits available to lock up the converter in overdrive. It's a pretty straight forward install. Just look in Summit's or Jegs catalogs you should find one there.

Steve

I am doing the TBI to carb swap this weekend along with 305-350. I have opted to use the torque converter lockup kit from Painless Wiring to allow the torque converter to lock up at speeds above 30mph. I have talked with people who have not used a kit and they say you lose gas mileage and it does cause more wear on trans. As far as keeping original sending unit and the in tank fuel pump, I am going to give it a try. I am installing the 3 port fuel regulator from mallory that will allow me to to do this and run the carb. I will update on this swap after the weekend. Next swap will be automatic to Doug Nash 5-speed

Brad

Cool. Keep me posted. I'd like to see your results.