chevy 350 tbi

[C_I_A03]

Ok, I'm doing the dilligent thing and trying to search, but I'm also going to post the question up here. I need to do something to help out my engine in the fuel guzzling it does. I could get my hands on a Chevy 350 tbi Efi for 300 bucks (follow this link to see it....http://atlanta.craigslist.org/pts/561117723.html) but want to know if it'll work on my 360 w/ out modification of the engine. I don't have much to spend (who does) and know i won't be getting major gains, but anything would be better than what i get now. TIA

Stephen

[GWChris]

What do you get now?

[Chevelleguy]

You will only pick up 1-2mpg over a properly tuned carb by switching to TBI. Your best gain is in drivability and throttle response. I love mine, but I wouldn't do it for fuel economy. With the lift I get 11-12. When it was stock w/carb, I got 13-15. After the lift, 10-11. I got 1 mpg back with TBI.

[cajun_lad]

mpg's, what's that????


I thought these things registered gpm's ... (gallons per mile)

[AlsChopShop]

1-2mpg should be your increase. if you really want better mileage you should switch to a manual as well or buy a honda.

Al

[xupe45tgp]

Originally Posted by AlsChopShop

or buy a honda.

Al

[C_I_A03]

yeah yeah, should've expected the honda crack. I get around 7-9 mpg, at least that's what my avg over the past 6 fill ups is. If it's not going to be anything significant, then I'll probably pass on it, as I don't mind anything about the engine, just its love of the petrol.
And i don't know where to start on tuning a carb. I really have to been shown stuff to understand, least wise things such as the tune. It's a new carb and I had my mech look at it to tune it. He told me if my fam hadn't been going there for years, he'd tell me to hike it down the road as he only has one guy on his staff that still really knows how to do it. I really need someone to show me step by step on this.

Stephen

[JohnIL]

I ran into the same problem. My mechanic had one guy who knew how to tune a carb. It was his father. Unfortunately, his father died a couple days before I asked. I live near the Illinois state capital city and nobody in town is willing to touch a carb. So, I asked a lot of questions on hear and read a good book on Holley carbs. After lots of research and lots and lots of trial and error, I think I have the carb pretty well in tune. I'm not sure what my mileage is yet, but I'm hoping for something in the 11-13 range. I hope you have better luck finding a mechanic that still works on carbs than I did. Good luck.

John

[Chevelleguy]

The carbs on these rigs are very simple. No magic involved, just making sure everything is the way it is supposed to be. Your mileage sucks! When I got mine, it was getting 6mpg. Had a blown power valve.

[BarryL]

The truth is, if you can't tune a carb, you are not going to be able to tune a FI unit designed for a different engine. Without ALL the modern goodies (FI, lock up convertor AT, low rpm gear ratio), FI by itself is not going to help much. Rebuild your carb. If it's a 2150, it is pretty simple. And cheap.

[GWChris]

Stock carb is simple, and easy & inexpensive to rebuild, and it's a very good one - there's something wrong with yours, or with the emissions systems or engine.

You should get 11-13mpg. A TBI system won't get you much, if any, better mileage.

[C_I_A03]

I just had the new one repalced as I had a small fire occur in my older one. I attpemted to rebuild it, but that didn't fix my problem. Hopefully I won't be spending all day at the office today and plan to remove a lot of the emissions. Before that maybe I'll try and see what can be tuned. I know where the screws are at and about adujsting them and all that, I just don't know what's good and not, maybe a tach meter would help?