thinking of going TBI

[85c10owner]

Recently picked up a 85 GMC with a carbed 305 with all the smog crap California could stuff in there. Found a good deal on a 1995 TBI 350 with harness and computer. Any reason not to do this swap? Don't have the money for a Vortec or ls. Had a 90k5 and it ran pretty good so was thinking it would be a good swap. Also, any reason I couldn't reuse the original 85 700r4? It would be rebuilt of course. I know 87-up has the better front pump, 30 spline input shafts and other upgrades but I don't see why I would need to change it.

 

[kleedus]

if you are good with wiring the tbi swap is pretty easy

 

[skysurfer]

Could be a little tricky with the smog test. If you tell them it has a '95 engine you'll have to meet the tougher '95 equipment and emissions standards. If you don't say anything they might still be looking real hard and asking questions about an '85 with tbi.

Your best bet is to say nothing and hope the test tech is a *******. If they start asking questions tell them the engine is from 1987 which is the first year for tbi and center-bolt valve covers.

 

[85c10owner]

Not good with wiring so I would be sending the harness out for mods.

1995 cant be as tough as my 1985 carbed 305. I can barely tell there is a engine in there under all of that vacuum hose. I know it will have to go to a referee for the engine swap and I have no problem adding the 1995 required smog stuff. This is just a driver. I had a 1990 K5 blazer with a tbi 350 and it ran pretty strong so I figured it should push my little short bed around ok too.