454 TBI conversion kit

[bkahler]

I ran across this offering on ebay of a TBI conersion kit for a stock 454. I'm curious if anyone might be familar with the company or the kits they offer.

The 454 I'm putting in my Argosy is stock with the exception of the Edelbrock Performer 2 intake manifold and Comp Cams 11-203-3 rv cam. So it's obviously not quite stock

I'm going to ask them what would need to change to make it work. I hadn't realized TBI kits were this cheap.

Brad

[martin300662]

Definitely interesting, they have three different options for the 350 small block including a port fuel injection option.

[r carl]

I would just get this.
Rochester Quadrajet Carburetor 454 7 4 Chevy Electric Choke Like Edelbrock 1904 | eBay

[bkahler]

Why would I want a quadrajet when I already have an Edelbrock 1406? Besides I was asking about a TBI system not another carburetor.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by martin300662

Definitely interesting, they have three different options for the 350 small block including a port fuel injection option.

The price is definitely reasonable. If your 350 is stock it might be something to consider.

For importing your Argosy to the UK does it have to be stock?

[martin300662]

Good question Brad, and from what I can tell there is no definite answer.

What I do know is I will have to match the spec relating to the chassis number/VIN, so I can't change the configuration or engine size.

The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) will decide the 'class'. Bella actually sits between 2 classes;

Class IV — Cars, including 3-wheeled vehicles more than 450 kg unladen weight, taxis, minibuses and ambulances up to 12 passenger seats, Goods Vehicles not exceeding 3,000 kg Design Gross Weight (DGW), motor caravans and Dual Purpose Vehicles.

Class V — Private passenger vehicles, ambulances, motor caravans and dual purpose vehicles with 13 or more passenger seats

By weight she should be Class IV, but I have to wait and see. Before they issue a V5C certificate (a registration document similar to a title) they will want to carry out an IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) test, which for a vehicle older than 1991 should not include emissions compliance.

If I was trying to register a vehicle newer than 1991 with a 350 small block it simply would not get through without fuel injection, so I can old see having fuel injection as being a positive.

[Keyair]

If you want to go TBI don't waste money on an aftermarket wiring kit. The word is that they are great but you will end up cutting and modifying it anyway. The original OEM harness is great quality and cheap/free.
I will post some links with good info later today.

[Keyair]

Sorry... Didn't click on the link...
Looks a nice kit, but its a lot of money for what it is.

[bkahler]

Martin, do you have any guaranteed way of finding out what you can and can't do prior to loading it on a ship?

I would hope so!

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Keyair

Sorry... Didn't click on the link...
Looks a nice kit, but its a lot of money for what it is.

Can you show me a kit or combination of parts that is cheaper and doesn't require any effort on my part except for installation?

One of the reasons I've always discounted the idea of going to TBI is the cost. Seems like all of the other conversion kits out there were a lot more expensive and need configuring to match your vehicle. I don't have the time or energy to try and piece things together to make a kit for my particular engine configuration.

This one on ebay appears to be a bolt on kit. I did get a response back from the seller and he said it would match up well with my current engine mods.

Theres somrthing to be said for simplicity

[Keyair]

I have some suggestions coming Brad...

In the meanwhile, here is a link to the UK type approval book...
https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...iva-scheme.pdf

[Waipio Rim]

Here's one that I have had bookmarked for awhile:

http://www.affordable-fuel-injection...mplete-system/

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Waipio Rim

Here's one that I have had bookmarked for awhile:

CHEVROLET Complete TBI System | Affordable Fuel Injection

Steve, thanks for the link. Seems to be in the same price category and similar kit components.

Brad

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Keyair

I have some suggestions coming Brad...

In the meanwhile, here is a link to the UK type approval book...
https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...iva-scheme.pdf

That's the kinda reading I do when I'm having a hard time falling asleep

[Tuco]

From what I have read over the years these kits require tuning after instillation. Contact the manufacturer of the kit to confirm this is or is not the case.

[TomKirk]

Originally Posted by bkahler

I ran across this offering on ebay of a TBI conersion kit for a stock 454. I'm curious if anyone might be familar with the company or the kits they offer.

The 454 I'm putting in my Argosy is stock with the exception of the Edelbrock Performer 2 intake manifold and Comp Cams 11-203-3 rv cam. So it's obviously not quite stock

I'm going to ask them what would need to change to make it work. I hadn't realized TBI kits were this cheap.

Brad

I'm old school Chevy guy. So for an old school big block, I would stick with carburetion.

Ditch the Qudra-Jet and convert to an Edelbrock carburetor. They're easy to install, easy to set up, and easy to maintain.

Tom

[Keyair]

LOL Brad, I hear ya.

Ok, so let me have at this TBI/EFI topic for a bit....
This is something Derek(CrazyVW) and I have been back and forth on for a couple of years... So I have a lot of time invested already.

I LOVE the idea of TBI/EFI for our rigs... lots of advantages including reliability under all conditions, temps and altitudes. More torque/power and fuel economy.
Also the ability to "see" via computer controls what is happening or wrong from the cockpit.

Personally, I am leaning/going toward a stock GM TBI setup.
Here is why:
1/ Its my only option to pass smog here in CA. I can put the complete system I took off my '87 454 Suburban, and pass inspection with the Referee as an "Engine Swap".
2/ It's reliability is proven over millions of vehicles and miles. If something goes wrong on the road, parts are readily available.
3/ It's cheap to buy and retrofit, and also maintain.

Downside is that it is less sophisticated than new or aftermarket systems.
They have controllers that can program and change settings and self tune.
But break down on the road, and you are SOL.

I am still working thru my own plans, but this is where the info and action is!
GearHead EFI Forums

And here is the specific GM TBI/TPI section, with how to's and the like.
GM EFI Systems

I already have my systems(in fact I have 2), but by my experience a few our at our Pick and Pull would net me everything except the fuel pump for less than $150... add a max of $150 for a pump, and another $100 for new sensors, and you would have it. Add a couple of hours of wire clipping to suit our custom situation and you are there...

If I was looking at aftermarket EFI, this one looks awesome, and is pretty close to your budget... The basic unit supports up to 600hp and cost $995(not inc fuel pump).
FiTech Fuel Injection

[Keyair]

We could discuss the pro's and con's of Carb vs EFI all day, but that is NOT what this thread is about!
Lets keep on topic!

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Martin, do you have any guaranteed way of finding out what you can and can't do prior to loading it on a ship?

I would hope so!

Originally Posted by Keyair

I have some suggestions coming Brad...

In the meanwhile, here is a link to the UK type approval book...
https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...iva-scheme.pdf

As a personal import of a vehicle assembled in 1975, I spoke to the DVLA they said I have to comply to IVA regs that were in place at the time of manufacturing so don't have to meet type approval....it's the same as importing a vintage car, you don't have to meet current standards.

That said I won't know for sure until I do the importation process. I already suffered this once in the past; during 2006-2007 I lived in New Jersey and bought a US registered Triumph bike. The bike was assembled in the UK and meet UK regulations at the time of assembly. When I moved back to UK in late 2007 I wanted to take the bike back with me, but when I started the IVA process it was going to cost half the value of the bike, and because I hadn't owed it for a year would have to pay duty (20% of value), so I just didn't bother - I sold it to a friend on condition he would sell it back if I came back. When I came back in 2009 he wouldn't sell it back so I had to spend 2 years searching for it's twin.

One of the reasons for buying (and registering) Bella when we did was I will have more than a years ownership before shipping her back....as such I am exporting personal property so the UK government can't claim duty.

The uncertainty is around how much it will cost to get through the applicable IVA not whether it can be done.

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by Keyair

We could discuss the pro's and con's of Carb vs EFI all day, but that is NOT what this thread is about!
Lets keep on topic!

Opps....apologies I immediately went of subject!