converting a 454 to tbi
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 89
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From: Oklahoma
converting a 454 to tbi
Is it possible to put a 454 tbi from a truck on a c3 and still use a hei distributor with tach drive and vacumn advance. Also is there a good post on just how to do the swap? I have a complete system from a wrecked pu and just thought I might not waste it if I put it on my 71 454. Thanks
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
From: Eastern Shore Virginia
454 tbi
With enough determination and resources most anything can be accomplished, but the question is would it really be worth it. Probably a low performance can of worms most of us wouldn't want to open. I'd bet that after all was said and done you'd be less than satisfied. Of course, just my opinion.....
The oe computer needs a crank postition/tach signal from the distributor, my guess is that your distributor (aftermarket?) doesn't have the provision to supply the signal that the computer wants. Then there is the issue of getting the right programming (really hard to imagine that the truck program would be anywhere near optimal for your car).
Carb tuning has come a long way. Something to seriously consider.
The oe computer needs a crank postition/tach signal from the distributor, my guess is that your distributor (aftermarket?) doesn't have the provision to supply the signal that the computer wants. Then there is the issue of getting the right programming (really hard to imagine that the truck program would be anywhere near optimal for your car).
Carb tuning has come a long way. Something to seriously consider.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Alta Loma CA
It can be done. I am running that system on my 350. At first I had it with a tach drive distributor. I have since upgraded to a computer controlled HEI and MSD.
As I bought this as a kit I can't explain how to set it up. As to performance, mine has a Holley throttle body which I belive is 650cfm. The stock throttle bodies are only 350cfm, which will never provide enough fuel for yours or my setup. It does run very well the way it is. I'm not going to mentiion the vendors name because I can't recommend them. I had several issues with them in getting it setup.
But I do belive you can make it work with a larger throttle body.
Now that being said, with what I learned in the process, if I had to do it over again I would use a TPI setup. I'd change it out for the TPI now but don't have the funds to d it. Besides a 5spd conversion is my next big project anyway.
As I bought this as a kit I can't explain how to set it up. As to performance, mine has a Holley throttle body which I belive is 650cfm. The stock throttle bodies are only 350cfm, which will never provide enough fuel for yours or my setup. It does run very well the way it is. I'm not going to mentiion the vendors name because I can't recommend them. I had several issues with them in getting it setup.
But I do belive you can make it work with a larger throttle body.
Now that being said, with what I learned in the process, if I had to do it over again I would use a TPI setup. I'd change it out for the TPI now but don't have the funds to d it. Besides a 5spd conversion is my next big project anyway.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville Indiana
Theres a good recent thread on the Fast EZ system, it looks pretty slick. Pretty pricey though! I have it down lower on my list hoping the price comes down when its not so new or the next best new thing comes out.
