Hey guys, I have a few questions i'd like to pick someone's brain on. First off, my father bought a wrecked '99 Chevy Express 3500 with a 5.7 Vortec. Now im thinking about pulling the engine and dropping it into a '84 Trans Am.

My questions are: What will I need to pull from the van to use the Fuel Injection system in the T/A? Do I need any aftermarket wiring harnesses?

Will the engine mate to a T5?


Thanks Guys!

 

The last time this type of question was posed, those who know a lot more about the Vortec EFI than I jumped all over it and said, "Don't do it!" Apparently, that FI system isn't very friendly to performance improvements, and has issues that aren't pocketbook friendly when they come up.

A much simpler solution would be to get a Vortec Performer intake manifold and put your current q-jet system on it.

For the T5, you'll need a one-piece rear main seal style flywheel. Get one for an '86-'92 f-body application and everything will bolt up just fine.

 

Thanks, five7kid

I wasnt thinking of doing any thing drastic, performance wise. I'd just want a reliable V8 in my car. The car currently has a 350 Carb, and Im not too fond of the Carb'd engines.


Maybe a bolt on or two on the Vortec and thats about it. Does anyone have a list of what I'll need to do the swap?

Thanks!

 

I totally agree with five7 on this one. Being a mechanic, trust me, that FI system sucks, and its not user friendly(for lack of better words). Everything is under the upper intake, and the fuel "spider" is plastic lines. Its a cheaply made setup, but it costs out the @$$ for parts. Use your current setup or a different induction. You'll be happy in the long run.

 

That was probably me in my Budget 350 Build on the TBI forum. The intake setup on the Vortec Trucks SUCKS! The spider injection blocks flow within the plenum and are limited to about 24 lb/hr @ 60 PSI.

 

it is true that the injection system sucks but they make an upgrade kit for it that i here clears up all problems with it for around $200. if you can get the engine for cheap or free from your father it would be worth it.

 

well the Vortec long block would be a great engine to swap under your current carb. The Vortec injection is a pain in the butt, but the vortec 5.7 moves my big fat Tahoe around pretty good! (i wasted a v8 explorer the other day ) To keep it simple you could do a TBI or a TPI setup on it. The stock Vortec cam is pretty lame but the heads flow like gangbusters so you would have an awesome engine with just a cam swap with a carb on top. If you feel like wiring then put a TPI setup on it and get ready to buy rear tires weekly!

 

The FMPI (Flexible Multi-Port Injection) conversion for the CSFI Vortec engine is little more than actual injectors put onto the end of a spider setup. The flow rate is the same and is non-upgradeable.

 

My dad also has a 2002 GMC Savana 1500 Conversion Van with a 5.7 Vortec. And man... that thing moves.




Thanks for all the info guys. I want to know whats the best EFI setup to go with. Im not too fancy with Carbs.

Now, what would be a good Cam to upgrade the stock Vortec cam?

 

I've got one of those (1998 Cobra Conversion, 365 CID, LT4 cam, thorley headers, and custom tune) and my dad has one too (1997). At 6,000 lbs they will still spin the tires up to about 30-40 MPH and flat go from 40-90+.

 

I would find or buy a 86-89 TPI parts car and run TPI on it. Even if you kept the stock cam with a TPI intake it would run good. Since the Vortec motors have roller cams just get a stock LT1 cam and run a stock port matched TPI intake. That would be a breat combination.

 

I just finished building my motor a couple weeks ago. still working bugs out. I built a 355 with flat tops and a set of vortec heads. I went with the tpi setup. Had to buy the sdpc base for it but it is well worth it. This thing has so much power that unless i let the car coast from a stop before i hit the gas it will lay rubber down everytime. I caught 2nd and 3rd while in drive and i was only halfway in the accelerator. I say go with the tpi and get the base for the vortecs. I love mine. You'll love it too