I have a completely stock '73 350 and I am going to install a TBI system I bought the other day. I am looking for better fuel economy and better driveability.
What I purchased:
-throttle body
-throttle body intake
-entire underhood wiring harness
-computer
-distributor

Now for the questions that I have;

What will be the best fuel pump to use? An in-tank pump/hanger assembly? In-line fuel pump? ... and if you think I should use an in-line fuel pump, which one?

Do I have to run the distributor that came with the setup or can I run the standard HEI?

I am sure as I start the swap I will come up with more questions. Thanks guys

 

1) TBI intake 4x inner bolt holes will have to be modified (filed) for intake to bolt to '73 vintage heads.

2) I would go for in tank fuel pump - it is quieter and will last longer. From what I have been told (this has not been verified) late 80's El Camino or Monte Carlo fuel sending unit with in tank FP should be a direct bolt in. I would go to my Napa store and do a side by side compare to be certain. Alternatively, use in line, self priming pump placed as close to the tank and as a low as possible. I use Carter P5001 - it is adequate for stock TBI (conversion) application as it will deliver steady 14PSI. Unless vehicle is equipped with plan on running 5/16" or 3/8" (better) return fuel line. Your gas tank sending unit should have at least three ports - Fuel supply, fuel return and vapor purge! Do no be tempted to return fuel via vapor purge line - it is too small!

3) Distributor - you have several choices. I prefer a full size HEI found on '75 to mid 80's GM cars and trucks. However, early non CCC units are of little use for FI application (can be modified, but there is an easier and faster solution). For ECM to operate you need have CCC distributor with a 7-pin ignition control module - these units DO NOT have vacuum can and have a 4 wire plug to interface to the ECM. I like this setup better than external coil, small hat distributor found on 3 gens and 87+ trucks. You'll have to modify harness - see post #8 (PDF file) in the thread below
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...ear-491-a.html

Good Luck with conversion - make sure that your engine has 15 to 18 in-Hg at idle for a stock calibration to work well enough!
//RF

 

What is that?

I am completely new to fuel injection here. I have never done any extensive work on anything fuel injected, just carburetors.
I had planned on swapping in a fuel tank and pump assembly from a 4.3L TBI Monte Carlo, but I keep getting people telling me to just run an in-line pump for simplicity.

 

Sorry - I mean to say 15 to 18 in-Hg of 'engine vacuum' at idle. If you have fuel tank and pump of 4.3L TBI Monty - you are good to go. Just update the pump with new Delco unit as OE pumps do tend to fail over time. Make sure to replace in tank fuel line with SAE 30R10 fuel submersible hose. Old stuff burst over time.

Do not be afraid of FI - TBI is very simple and straight forward.

//RF

 

Awesome, thanks

I work at NAPA here in Mooresville, so I will definitely be putting a new pump in a tank, once I find one

 

Make sure to get a tank with a baffle in it.

 

I looked in our system at NAPA and they show the same tank for an '87 Regal with CCC and an '87 Monte Carlo with TBI, so I should just be able to drop a sending unit with fuel pump right into my tank, right?

 

yes you should be able too. i used to live in statesville and went to scool at nascar technical institute miss it up that way