Thread: S10 V8 swap

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Putting a V8 in a 88 S10 Blazer with a 4.3 TBI. It came out of a fuel injected truck and can not put a mechical fuel pump on the block. I'm probibly gonna go with a Holley 650 Double Pump. What would be the best way to get fuel to it? I was wandering if maybe someone makes a low pressure electric pump that will simply take the location of the factory one. Or maybe a in-line regulator?

If neither of those are posible, and I get an in-line electric pump, what do I need to do with what is currently in the tank? The truck is gonna be a street/strip setup. Feed some ideas guys, much appreciated

If there is a pump in the tank remove it, put an electric fuel pump back by the tank, put a regulator up by the carb.

The fuel pressure of a TBI isn't that far off for a carb.Well really it is but not as bad as a CPI 4.3.Keep the in tank pump and get a regulator that has a return line on it and put a fuel pressure gauge in line under the hood to set the pressure.You use the 4.3 return line like it was on the 4.3.

You know just a thought.Your saying the engine came out of a EFI truck.Was that also a TBI??. With that you might have some other options.

Yes Gary, it was a TBI as well. I looked up the pressure specs and was surprized to see that it is only 9 to 13 psi. I figured it to be at least 30 psi. Makes me wonder if I even need a regulater, but it certainly can't hurt. I think that will be the way I go. But first, Gary, what other option did you have in mind?

Oh, and while we are on the subject of V8 swap, I have been planning to do the same treatment to my personal S10. It too is a 4.3 TBI, but is a 1993 with a 4L60E trans. How will the transmission react if I carburate this thing being that it's shifting is computer controlled?

Originally Posted by Bigbzc

Yes Gary, it was a TBI as well. I looked up the pressure specs and was surprized to see that it is only 9 to 13 psi. I figured it to be at least 30 psi. Makes me wonder if I even need a regulater, but it certainly can't hurt. I think that will be the way I go. But first, Gary, what other option did you have in mind?

Run the TBI V8 with the V8 ECU,the V8 harness or parts of the harness.

Originally Posted by 1gary

Run the TBI V8 with the V8 ECU,the V8 harness or parts of the harness.

Yeah that was my original plan for my 93 because of the transmission but this guy is pretty stuck on carburation. If it doesnt affect the shifting in the 93 I will probibly carb mine too but only because it will be cheaper

My point is by the time you buy a carb,manifold,and HEI dizzy,you really not saving anything.I mean you already own the TBI system from the donor vehicle.Also you don't get as good starts,gas mileage,or in some cases performance.TBI's don't have to be expensive.Sure if your looking at Pro Edelbrock system they do cost tons.And at some point all of us might have to face the reality that we have to use a EFI system and learn what they are about.Once a basic understanding of that come to past,they are not that hard to tune.This in only one example of a Chip burn and there are hundreds out there.

TBI CHIPS CAR MODS

One other thing you need to know is the HEI dizzies are huge compared to one come a EFI system.So in-part of the s10 V8 swap your going to bang with a sizable hammer firewall clearance.More so with the HEI.Then to get them back out after the swap isn't a fun day.

Well Gary, you just talked me into keeping the TBI in the 93, but I think my friend is still gonna want to go carb in his 88 Blazer. If so we will definately have to race and compare mpg and such. Actually, I might push him in the direction of the carb so I can get some cheap V8 parts.

What about injectors? I've heard that if you use the 4.3 units that it will run lean and was just thinking about putting some Venom injectors in it (which oddly are the same part # between the V6 and 8)

Originally Posted by 1gary

One other thing you need to know is the HEI dizzies are huge compared to one come a EFI system.So in-part of the s10 V8 swap your going to bang with a sizable hammer firewall clearance.More so with the HEI.Then to get them back out after the swap isn't a fun day.

Gary could he use a small base HEI with a divorced coil with the TBI ? or are they even set up for an TBI..?

Originally Posted by 406Rich

Gary could he use a small base HEI with a divorced coil with the TBI ? or are they even set up for an TBI..?

The TBI's coil is already divorced but you can't use it with the carb engine. Only way I know of to put a smaller distributor is an old points style. Dont mind beating the hell out of the firewall anyway, it's good stress relief

Originally Posted by bigbzc

. Dont mind beating the hell out of the firewall anyway, it's good stress relief

:lol: :lol:

Originally Posted by Bigbzc

Yes Gary, it was a TBI as well. I looked up the pressure specs and was surprized to see that it is only 9 to 13 psi. I figured it to be at least 30 psi. Makes me wonder if I even need a regulater, but it certainly can't hurt. I think that will be the way I go. But first, Gary, what other option did you have in mind?

You'll have to use the regulator as 9-13 pounds will be to much for "any" carb. Be sure and get a regulator with 3 ports (in,out & return) and set it for about 4 lbs.

Originally Posted by Bigbzc

The TBI's coil is already divorced but you can't use it with the carb engine. Only way I know of to put a smaller distributor is an old points style. Dont mind beating the hell out of the firewall anyway, it's good stress relief

Looking @ the stock 4.3 & the 305/350 distributers they are the same except for the pickup & trigger wheel and the good part is they are both the small diameter caps and will work with your coil,TBI & a v-8 puter and they are $150 from NAPA.
So I would say grab the dist.,ECM (computer) and v-8 TBI intake off a 93 v-8 full size pick up.and you should have every thing you need as all the connectors & sensors will be the same on both vehicles.