how do i go about switching from a carb to TBI? what exactly do i need to get? i have the stock 305 in the 83 camaro.

 

Draglover

Under ideal situation a donor TBI equipped Camaro would be a logical place to start. Having a complete donor is also a lowest cost conversion provided that you did not pay too much for it. Otherwise going to local favorite J-yard is next pace to locate the pieces. A more expensive way is to order a conversion kit from EFI kit companies, but you get almost a complete kit for what you need.

Details.

Since you have '83 and it is equipped with CCC Q-Jet you can re-use some sensors

Conversion process is not that difficult, except that you have to plan things ahead and be very patient

 

sweet thanks. what exactly do i need like i need to replace my manifold and every thing right is there anything else i need besides the manifold and throdle body?

 

There are couple of approaches to your conversion.

1) Since you have '83 I assume that you have Gen-I SBC which uses conventional intake manifold pattern. Trying to bolt in Gen II TBI intake manifold from a Gen-II donor would require modifying four center bolts. It can be done, but it is not fool (idiot) proof. Personally, I do not like it. If you are not up to it Arizona TPI supplies manifolds already machined, ready to go.

2) The easy way is to get TBI on to a Q-Jet intake with an adaptor plate - check out the usual suspects: Mr Gasket, CFM Technologies, Turbo City or make your own. Important - watch for the overall height since Camaro has a low hood line!

A good conversion project overview can be found here:
http://www.myelcamino.net/tbi1.htm

3) If you want to swap intake manifold you have a very limited selection of true after market TBI manifolds - I have installed Holley 300-49 in my truck, but probably such installation will not clear stock Camaro hood - it is a high rise manifold.

4) In your post you did not mention which transmission you have in you Camaro. Please note that TV cable setups may require some bracket fabrication to get proper geometry.

5) The list:
a) ECM and harness - preferably get a complete and unmolested harness, ECM, and all sensors. Look for '89-'92 TBI F-bodies with 1228746 - this is probably the most common C3 ECM used in TBI Camaros. There are later P4 series PCM's which have much better programming. Ask Fast355 for info.

b) Computer controlled distributor - you may already have this on your CCC controlled Camaro which can be identified by the absence of a vacuum advance can and a 4-pin harness connector. Later units (small hat) use external coil which is prone to fail.

c) Sensors and modules (minimum list): MAP, ESC, Knock Sensor, New 3-wire O2, CTS, IAT, EGR control valve, AIR control valve. The last two - check your '83 if they are controlled by CCC ECM you can re-use them with TBI.

d)TBI body and fuel pump. Get a complete unit from a donor with IAC and TPS still attached. Verify that you have 5.0 L injectors (Green/White RPD 5235279) Replace in tank FP with a new Delco TBI FP

e)Start a journal - record part numbers and donor information - some mix and matching can be done, but you have to be careful!

f) Have plenty of time - and do not give up!

OK - that's my two cents worth on conversion - part number list that's another story!

 

dam you explained that pretty well haha how much do you think all that would cost about? (rough estimate)

 

Draglower

You ask tough questions!!! It all depends - to achieve lowest cost is to get lucky on J-yard (Pick your part in my neck of the woods) on their 50% off sale days (labor day coming up) by getting a complete donor car and lifting everything of it in one swoop. Ball park figure, it can be done under $700. Remember that you'll have buy some new parts -FP, NBO, filters, etc, but most of it can be had from J-yard. If you have a good local J-yard that you can deal (bargain) with that's another story all together - if you know what I mean...

I did carb to TBI conversion on my 75 C20. Parts acquisition - over period of about four month while collecting parts, since I could not get the whole donor (truck) unmolested. On the plus side I know my TBI system inside and out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfxuOOliRdg
//RF

 

ooh ok thats not tobad i guess. thats a nice video truck sounds pretty good.