1987 350 TBI and 1990s 350 TBI interchangeable?

[87ChevR20]

Just wondering if a 1987 5.7L 350 TBI is the same as a 1990s one?

 

[gmbellew]

I'm guessing very similar computer and sensors. 1990 has a serpentine belt setup.

 

[bucket]

The engine itself, or the actual throttle body?

 

[87ChevR20]

The engine itself, or the actual throttle body?

Enginr

 

[bucket]

Enginr

Depending on the year you get, there will be minor differences, but nothing you can't fix by simply reusing some of your old parts. Through '95 works, plus some '96 G-vans.

 

[87ChevR20]

Depending on the year you get, there will be minor differences, but nothing you can't fix by simply reusing some of your old parts. Through '95 works, plus some '96 G-vans.

So the old intake manifold would work?

 

[Hunter79764]

Vortec head started in '96 (what Bucket is referring to), those intakes are not interchangable, and I suspect the whole TBI system would have to be looked at for parts to be compatible with the '87 system, but no promises.

 

[87ChevR20]

Vortec head started in '96 (what Bucket is referring to), those intakes are not interchangable, and I suspect the whole TBI system would have to be looked at for parts to be compatible with the '87 system, but no promises.

So basically if I got a 95 or older I would be ok?

 

[GTX63]

You can pull one out and drop the other in, yes. The intake manifold and fuel delivery system are different. The pumps and belt drive system are different, but again, yes, the engine is the same.

 

[bucket]

I won't argue that the newer TBI intakes are different (I've never direct compared or checked casting numbers) but I don't recall anything preventing you from installing a '95 manifold on an '87. I only recall differences in the egr solenoid and some evap plumbing. The newer air cleaners have two mounting studs, but that's just a difference in the throttle body mounting hardware.

If the donor engine comes complete with a serpentine belt accessory setup, you can use that if you want, with minor modifications. If you use the original belt setup, you will need to use your original water pump.