TBI Throttle Body Injection discussion and questions. L03/CFI tech and other performance enhancements.

High performance TBI, what do I need?

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Old Nov 27, 2006 | 10:01 AM
  #1  
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High performance TBI, what do I need?

I will be swapping a 400hp crate motor into my 91 firebird and need to know if the 670 cfm throttle body from the regular 350 will work with that much hp? I heard that you can go with the Throttle body from the 454, but I have not heard for sure if that works. If so, does it plug in to the same plug? if not, what mods do I need to make for this TBI setup to work with 400 hp?

Thanks

Last edited by dimented24x7; Nov 28, 2006 at 07:22 PM.
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Old Nov 28, 2006 | 07:21 PM
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Car: 88 Camaro SC
Engine: SFI'd 350
Transmission: TKO 500
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This gets asked alot...

Getting the TBI to work isnt a big deal. The holley unit will require that you swap out your injector connectors and TPS connector. The holley uses the old flat style TPS connector. You will also need another intake as your current one not only wont support the power but also has bores that are too small.

With 400 HP, though, the TBI wont be the big issue. The big issue will likely be the ECM. The stock computer wont be able to hack it. Neither will the aftermarket systems as TBI is somewhat specialized. (Im thinking of making this sticky material, so its a bit winded, but I think youll find it informative). In addition to the exhaust, intake, and other mods, you should consider upgrading your computer.

The options are:

EBL (www.dynamicefi.com)
TBI PCM ( https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tbi/...light=pcm+swap )
TBI PCM with MAF
Aftermarket or TPI based MPFI
Carb

EBL: EBL was developed by RBob, who is quite talented, and was one of the first to really dig into the EFI computers. Based on the stock ECMs, its got lots of bells and whistles, runs cool fans, nitrous, calculates fuel economy, etc. and comes with an add on board for the stock TBI PCM that lets you use additional outputs as well as a high speed data link. In addition to the high speed datalink and included software, it also includes much needed improvements to the code to make it more performance oriented. The system itself is quite good from what I can see. The system is also very widely used, so there is a large knowledge base. Downside? The C3 TBI ECM is one of the worst ECMs ever made. Its tough as nails, but has only the most basic hardware and is slow. In addition the code is still speed density based, so the fueling will wander around with changing air temps and conditions. Lastly, it costs around $300

93-95 TBI PCM: Its the swiss army knife of EFI. Runs bank fire, batch fire, TPI, TBI, MPFI, and both the 4L60 and 4L80-E transmissions, and you could spend a year and not cover all of the stuff they stuck in it. It is also lightyears ahead of any other OBD-1 system and served as the basis for the later OBD-II PCMs. Downside? Its COMPLICATED, and still uses speed density. Tuning the more advanced items requires you to delve into the mysterious and convoluted world of closed loop feedback control.

93-95 TBI PCM with MAF: This is the system I developed. After five years of frustration with TBI, I learned that I hate tuning, I hate speed density, I hate the car not running right, I hate having to redo the VE tables whenever I change the timing, I hate it running like dog doo whenever I mod the engine, and I also hate alot of other things. I just want to turn the damn key and drive the car already. Thats why I made my own system using mass air flow instead of speed density with TBI. Its quick to tune, runs well year round without too much fuss, and seems to work well with engine mods. In addition, the code is FREE and open source, not to mention that its a true, high resolution fueling system. You only need to supply an LS1 style MAF and PCM from a yard. Downside? The MAF doesnt like varnish, and needs to be cleaned evey six months. In addition, you also have the complicated PID idle and transmission routines like the stock PCM. They work very well, but could be a bear to tune if tuning is necessary.

MPFI: Its the most widely used system today in cars, works well, and has lots of support. If youve got a well stocked checking account behind you and you know your stuff, the sky is the limit as far as horsepower goes. Downside? Some of the aftermarket intakes and other items can really put the hurt on your wallet and the stock TPI is restrictive.

Carb: Been in use forever, and everyones used it. Nuff said. Downside? Got emmisions, care about fuel economy, live in california? Also a carb is fairly bare bones as far as fuel control goes, and wont give the precision or smoothness of FI.

If theres one part of the car you cant overlook, its the ECM. This will make or break your setup.

Last edited by dimented24x7; Nov 28, 2006 at 09:53 PM.
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Old Nov 28, 2006 | 09:39 PM
  #3  
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Car: 88 Camaro SC
Engine: SFI'd 350
Transmission: TKO 500
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt w/ 3.23's
Also, dont forget to read all the other stickies. There is a HUGE wealth of knowledge to be gained from those and they may even answer some questions that you didnt know you even had yet.
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Old Nov 28, 2006 | 09:41 PM
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Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
I ran the stock 7747, 299, and 8746, 6395 for some time with nothing more than Flash Chip adapters soldered in. Pain in the rear!

Switched to the EBL when it came out, I was actually a Beta Tester on it. With the faster dataloging, much more performance oriented code, and its tech support dialing in the combo was much more complete and I dialed in a cam that others considered impossible with TBI on a 305. I even went as far as to dial in a Weiand 142 on my modified 350 TBI using the EBL, a VAFPR, and 2 bar MAP.

I then switched over to a PCM (16197427) from a 1995 G20 Van. Great running setup for the 3 vehicles I have tuned with it.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tbi/...6197427-a.html

After switching to the PCM, I swapped over to Dimented24x7's MAF setup.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nVQePIYzhI

The thing is a beast now after a Heads and Cam swap.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tbi/...i-zz4-cam.html

Last edited by Fast355; Dec 7, 2006 at 01:28 AM.
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Old Mar 14, 2007 | 02:56 PM
  #5  
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From: Northern CT
Car: 1986 Trans am
Engine: 5.3 LM7
Transmission: T56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: Dana 44 w/ 3.55's
Dimented24x7.....I have a question about the system you came up with. I am interested in trying it, but will the LS1 pcm work with the factory TBI setup, chip, etc? Also, how would you integrate the MAF into the TBI harness? I also wanted to know if I converted to this setup, would the GM hot cam work without custom tuning? Just want a little more pep out of my TBI, but without a lot of trouble. By the way, it's a 92 camaro with a 92 truck 350 TBI and computer.
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Old Mar 15, 2007 | 05:51 PM
  #6  
zack's Avatar
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tbichips.com try there
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Old Jun 14, 2007 | 04:54 PM
  #7  
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Car: 1989 Iroc Z
Engine: 496 BBC
Transmission: th400
Axle/Gears: 4.11
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

What kind of things do you change to run a mild cam? I've been reading the forum non stop after i bought my ostrich and all i find is scattered information everywhere..
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Old Oct 13, 2008 | 07:27 PM
  #8  
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Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

im 17 years old and i just bought an 88 Five0 camaro. i want to make big power but dont want to spend more than 1200 and can i keep the stock T5 5-speed or would i need a new tranny?
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 12:20 PM
  #9  
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Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

I am completely lost,, I do not understand how to switch over to a pcm and how to tune it I am gonna take out my 305 tbi and install my 383 stroker and I know I will have to do something I thought about the ebl but it seems really complicated then i started reading about using other computers but I am really lost....can someone explain this information for dummies Thankyou
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Old May 27, 2009 | 09:38 PM
  #10  
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From: Tampa, Florida
Car: 92 Camaro RS, 25th Anniversary
Engine: 305 cid, 5.0L V8, TBI
Transmission: 700R4, 4 Spd Automatic Transmission
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

I just bought a 92 RS with a 305 TBI. I started to replace the air filters with a K & N air filter, installed a Tornado device, replaced the breather, PCV, fuel filter and fuel pump and replaced the preheater tube. The car runs great and I'm saving to buy the component for a tune up and serviice the radiator with performance parts from Summit Racing plus many more projects are planned when the money is right. I want to know what high performance parts I need for my TBI.
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 04:13 PM
  #11  
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From: pomona, ca
Car: 1989 camaro Rs or iroc clone??
Engine: 5.oh tpi
Transmission: borg warner t5 world class
Axle/Gears: 3.23-GU5
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

Originally Posted by M1tch
What kind of things do you change to run a mild cam? I've been reading the forum non stop after i bought my ostrich and all i find is scattered information everywhere..
i put a mild cam on mine as well, the specs sheet indicates that an ADJUSTABLE fuel pressure regulator is needed.....i cant find one to this date......unless im looking at the wrong places :/
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Old Oct 5, 2009 | 02:49 PM
  #12  
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From: Aurora, IL
Car: 1992 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Stock Open Rearend
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

very good info I still have the 5.slow tbi and eventually I want to mod it cause I hate how slow the car is right now.
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Old Oct 7, 2009 | 03:21 PM
  #13  
naputir's Avatar
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Engine: 305 tbi
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

what kind of cam did u put in ur camaro intake exhuast valve lift
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Old Oct 7, 2009 | 03:31 PM
  #14  
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Engine: 305 tbi
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

wat kind of parts are u putting no your camaro
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Old Aug 16, 2010 | 08:57 PM
  #15  
dieselman's Avatar
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Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

the stock regulator can be modified to become adjustable-- google "ultimate tbi mods", it can also be modified to become a "vacuum referenced adjustable fuel pressure regulator" if you have fabrication skills, or you can buy one with or without vacuum reference .
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Old Aug 19, 2010 | 03:15 PM
  #16  
nickhil2003's Avatar
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From: Michigan
Car: 1982 trans am
Engine: 350
Transmission: 4 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

i believe the 670 cfm is from the 454, the 350 only flows 450
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Old Jun 22, 2011 | 12:22 PM
  #17  
blackblazer717's Avatar
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From: Mass
Car: 92 Rs
Engine: 4 Bolt "010" 383
Transmission: 700R4 trans brake Hughes 3K convert
Axle/Gears: BW 9Bolt 3.70's
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

I have a adjustable FPR in mine i believe i got it gtom tbiparts.com. nice billit pieces, direct replacment of the stock style one.
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Old Jul 7, 2011 | 08:44 PM
  #18  
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Car: 92 RS
Engine: L03 with Holley Sniper EFI, headers
Transmission: T-5, hurst billet shifter
Axle/Gears: 3.08 posi
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

Originally Posted by dimented24x7
This gets asked alot...

Getting the TBI to work isnt a big deal. The holley unit will require that you swap out your injector connectors and TPS connector. The holley uses the old flat style TPS connector. You will also need another intake as your current one not only wont support the power but also has bores that are too small.

With 400 HP, though, the TBI wont be the big issue. The big issue will likely be the ECM. The stock computer wont be able to hack it. Neither will the aftermarket systems as TBI is somewhat specialized. (Im thinking of making this sticky material, so its a bit winded, but I think youll find it informative). In addition to the exhaust, intake, and other mods, you should consider upgrading your computer.

The options are:

EBL (www.dynamicefi.com)
TBI PCM ( https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tbi/...light=pcm+swap )
TBI PCM with MAF
Aftermarket or TPI based MPFI
Carb

EBL: EBL was developed by RBob, who is quite talented, and was one of the first to really dig into the EFI computers. Based on the stock ECMs, its got lots of bells and whistles, runs cool fans, nitrous, calculates fuel economy, etc. and comes with an add on board for the stock TBI PCM that lets you use additional outputs as well as a high speed data link. In addition to the high speed datalink and included software, it also includes much needed improvements to the code to make it more performance oriented. The system itself is quite good from what I can see. The system is also very widely used, so there is a large knowledge base. Downside? The C3 TBI ECM is one of the worst ECMs ever made. Its tough as nails, but has only the most basic hardware and is slow. In addition the code is still speed density based, so the fueling will wander around with changing air temps and conditions. Lastly, it costs around $300

93-95 TBI PCM: Its the swiss army knife of EFI. Runs bank fire, batch fire, TPI, TBI, MPFI, and both the 4L60 and 4L80-E transmissions, and you could spend a year and not cover all of the stuff they stuck in it. It is also lightyears ahead of any other OBD-1 system and served as the basis for the later OBD-II PCMs. Downside? Its COMPLICATED, and still uses speed density. Tuning the more advanced items requires you to delve into the mysterious and convoluted world of closed loop feedback control.

93-95 TBI PCM with MAF: This is the system I developed. After five years of frustration with TBI, I learned that I hate tuning, I hate speed density, I hate the car not running right, I hate having to redo the VE tables whenever I change the timing, I hate it running like dog doo whenever I mod the engine, and I also hate alot of other things. I just want to turn the damn key and drive the car already. Thats why I made my own system using mass air flow instead of speed density with TBI. Its quick to tune, runs well year round without too much fuss, and seems to work well with engine mods. In addition, the code is FREE and open source, not to mention that its a true, high resolution fueling system. You only need to supply an LS1 style MAF and PCM from a yard. Downside? The MAF doesnt like varnish, and needs to be cleaned evey six months. In addition, you also have the complicated PID idle and transmission routines like the stock PCM. They work very well, but could be a bear to tune if tuning is necessary.

MPFI: Its the most widely used system today in cars, works well, and has lots of support. If youve got a well stocked checking account behind you and you know your stuff, the sky is the limit as far as horsepower goes. Downside? Some of the aftermarket intakes and other items can really put the hurt on your wallet and the stock TPI is restrictive.

Carb: Been in use forever, and everyones used it. Nuff said. Downside? Got emmisions, care about fuel economy, live in california? Also a carb is fairly bare bones as far as fuel control goes, and wont give the precision or smoothness of FI.

If theres one part of the car you cant overlook, its the ECM. This will make or break your setup.
Is there a link where I can download your open source TBI PCM with MAF software?
Reply
Old Jul 11, 2011 | 03:22 AM
  #19  
dimented24x7's Avatar
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From: Moorestown, NJ
Car: 88 Camaro SC
Engine: SFI'd 350
Transmission: TKO 500
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt w/ 3.23's
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

I can just email it all to you. PM me with your email, and Ill forward it. If you tell me what you plan to run, I can make you a starter bin to get the tune a little closer than whats in the stock code.
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 02:05 AM
  #20  
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Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

Give pheonix Engines a call. My cousin and I installed one of their 365hp crate engines in his TBI truck. runs great.
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Old Aug 27, 2012 | 12:26 PM
  #21  
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From: Seymour, IN
Car: 10 Camaro SS
Engine: Stock LS3
Transmission: TR6060
Axle/Gears: Factory LSD 3.45
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

Regarding the TB's themselves...

I don't know about the 454 tb but I know the 350 tb only does about 450 cfm stock. Without the injector pod I think the unit actually flows somewhere around 575-600 cfm, but again the issue is the injectors getting to intimate with the incoming air.

Due to the bugs I'v e heard about the 454 tb, I'd probably do a ported 350 tb with ultimate mods. Will probably actually give you better throttle response, since it's better matched to the cid of the engine.

-J

Edit: And wow I didn't realize the thread was old lol

Last edited by lonewolf583; Aug 27, 2012 at 12:29 PM. Reason: Timing
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Old Jul 1, 2013 | 08:20 PM
  #22  
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From: Grand Rapids MI.
Car: 88 Firebird Formula W/T-Tops
Engine: 5.0 (305)
Transmission: Auto
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

Ok so I have a 88 firebird formula 5.0, I just bought a 350 vortec out of a 99 Yukon ... It's fuel injected, my problem is I bought it because the cover over my filter says "FUEL INJECTION" , but everyone is telling me that my year firebird is carbureted and will cost a lot to swap it or change intakes, can someone please reassure me that this will be a "SIMPLE" swap. Thanks - kush @over the limit CC
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Old Jul 5, 2013 | 12:32 PM
  #23  
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From: Chasing Electrons
Car: check
Engine: check
Transmission: check
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

I don't believe that any '88 f-body's have a factory supplied carburetor. So yours should be TBI. To use the Vortec engine will need a Vortec intake manifold. Your L03 manifold won't work.

Can use a real TBI Vortec intake, or use a Vortec carb intake with an adapter plate. IIRC, the Vortec heads are not set up for EGR. So if that is required need to tap into the exhaust for EGR gases.

Will need to up the fuel pressure along with possibly needing larger injectors. Along with a way to tune the ECM.

RBob.
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Old Jan 28, 2014 | 09:41 AM
  #24  
meadows55's Avatar
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Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

Hey. I have a 1988 firebird with the 5.0 tbi and I'm not sure what cam to go with. I plan on getting the world parts s/r torquer heads and the edlebrock performer tbi intake manifold. Any ideas on the cam I should get?
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Old Jun 30, 2017 | 05:04 PM
  #25  
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From: San Diego, CA
Car: 1994 454 big block jet boat
Engine: mild build BBC 454
Transmission: na
Axle/Gears: na
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

I have this for sale if you want the baddest "stock" TBI. 750cfm with 85# marine injectors. Lots of extras too.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engine-drivetrain-suspension-parts/745203-custom-machined-2-barrel.html
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Old Nov 4, 2017 | 03:36 PM
  #26  
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Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

Just Tryin ta Get this Strait! Knott Sure my other message was sent?! lookin fer place that milles bores TBI.s,av Cross Fire that need major Boring,lf you or Anyone you know has the tools,or shop that specializes,send me lnfo! wud Be Much Appricaited! Stevmister; Email stevmister@yahoo.ca , or reply hear!
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Old Feb 25, 2018 | 01:41 PM
  #27  
F Body guy's Avatar
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From: New Hampshire
Car: 1989 Formula
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R
Axle/Gears: 3.90
Re: High performance TBI, what do I need?

Hello all
Hey I want a little more performance out of my stock 89 305 motor. Are any of the aftermarket TBI units better than others? So far the only mods to the car have been cat delete, 3.90 post and three inch exhaust with high performance muffler. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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