TBI and cams

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Mattchu60

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This winter I am going to replace my motor with a GM TBI Crate motor as its worn out.

I would like to do replace the intake with the Edelbrock TBI performer. I am leaning toward using the stock exhaust manifolds over going to headers as well. Also I would like to put in a different camshaft for just a little more power over stock.

Looking at a Comp Cam, there are two which seem pretty mild:

COMP Cams#249-12-304-4
Computer Controlled Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft
RPM Range: 700-4700
Lift: .406"/.406"
Advertised Duration: 252°/252°
Lobe Separation Angle: 111°

COMP Cams#249-12-388-4
Computer Controlled Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft
RPM Range: 1000-5000
Lift: .425"/.440"
Advertised Duration: 252°/260°
Lobe Separation Angle: 112°

Not looking for crazy power, just a little more than stock.

Here is my big question - if I just did one of the above cams and the TBI intake, would I need a ECM program? Or would I be ok with running a stock computer?
 

Jims86

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5.7 TBI
This winter I am going to replace my motor with a GM TBI Crate motor as its worn out.

I would like to do replace the intake with the Edelbrock TBI performer. I am leaning toward using the stock exhaust manifolds over going to headers as well. Also I would like to put in a different camshaft for just a little more power over stock.

Looking at a Comp Cam, there are two which seem pretty mild:

COMP Cams#249-12-304-4
Computer Controlled Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft
RPM Range: 700-4700
Lift: .406"/.406"
Advertised Duration: 252°/252°
Lobe Separation Angle: 111°

COMP Cams#249-12-388-4
Computer Controlled Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft
RPM Range: 1000-5000
Lift: .425"/.440"
Advertised Duration: 252°/260°
Lobe Separation Angle: 112°

Not looking for crazy power, just a little more than stock.

Here is my big question - if I just did one of the above cams and the TBI intake, would I need a ECM program? Or would I be ok with running a stock computer?

You should be ok without a tune, but port the exhaust ports on the heads at least, this will help wake her up a little more.
 

Swims350

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if you would go thru the trouble of a cam swap why not use headers, EXCEPT for having to pass emissions or such?

I would think you'd need a tune tbi is picky but they do say computer compatible so maybe they'll be ok.
 

Mattchu60

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Not interested in headers right now as I hear too many stories on them becoming a pain in the butt by needing to be tightened all the time and coatings flaking off, hard to change plugs, etc.

Also, while we are taking about this - I'm going to take the AIR system out when this all happens. There are some plugs that run to the system from the ECM(?). Will this affect the motor in any way? Just disconnect them and put some electrical tape over them and be done with it?

Thanks!
 

Swims350

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removed my 88's air system never had any issues.
 

Jims86

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Chris, That cam he spec'ed out looks pretty mild, shouldnt really be any diiference in vacuum, which is the big deal. LSA is a biggy too, anything over 110 is good for TBI/TPI.
 

kleedus

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I wouldn't waste the money on the intake I have a tbi performer on my jimmy can't tell the difference between it and a stock tbi intake
 

Mattchu60

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Edelbrock recommends this cam for the TBI 350's

Edelbrock#350-3702
Performer-Plus Camshaft Kit
1976-95 Chevy 305-350 (TBI/LG4)
.398''/.442'' Lift
244°/264° Adv. Duration
Idle-5500 RPM Range
Lobe Separation Angle 112°

Compared to the comp cams, this appears to have less lift on the intake side, more on the exhaust side.
 

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