Have a mutual friend that bought an 86 Monte EFI 4.3 in nice shape with a stuck 4.3 that has sat for a decade or two.
I suggested finding a SBC to drop in since the 4.3 is stuck and needs at least rings and a hone. He asked about an LS swap but since he already has an EFI monte some of the stuff you would have to do to swap an TBI SBC is already done and its just easier. He doesnt want a race car he just wants something that runs and is fun. Basically a TBI 350 is $250-500 that has a warranty from a salvage yard and can be running in 2 weekends whereas an LS swap will cost $1500+ and take months.
What year TBI 350 would be a good fit? He needs obviously the long block, manifolds, and intake assembly. The EFI 4.3 accessories bolt on but didn't TBI SBC of those years get a serpentine belt drive?
He is looking for the easiest TBI 350 that can go in with minimal work and minimal parts hunting.
I think an 89-93 cop car caprice L05 TBI 350 is the best drop in option? How much harness rework is needed, can the TBI Monte harness be used and just swap ECM from the caprice? I think 87+ F body 350 is out since they are all TPI. I read the cars get roller cams, do all cars (caprice, roadmaster ect) also get serpentine belts? What about C1500/tahoes? Will the V8 manifolds from a car or pickup generally drop in the same spot as a 4.3 TBI g body?
I suggested finding a SBC to drop in since the 4.3 is stuck and needs at least rings and a hone. He asked about an LS swap but since he already has an EFI monte some of the stuff you would have to do to swap an TBI SBC is already done and its just easier. He doesnt want a race car he just wants something that runs and is fun. Basically a TBI 350 is $250-500 that has a warranty from a salvage yard and can be running in 2 weekends whereas an LS swap will cost $1500+ and take months.
What year TBI 350 would be a good fit? He needs obviously the long block, manifolds, and intake assembly. The EFI 4.3 accessories bolt on but didn't TBI SBC of those years get a serpentine belt drive?
He is looking for the easiest TBI 350 that can go in with minimal work and minimal parts hunting.
I think an 89-93 cop car caprice L05 TBI 350 is the best drop in option? How much harness rework is needed, can the TBI Monte harness be used and just swap ECM from the caprice? I think 87+ F body 350 is out since they are all TPI. I read the cars get roller cams, do all cars (caprice, roadmaster ect) also get serpentine belts? What about C1500/tahoes? Will the V8 manifolds from a car or pickup generally drop in the same spot as a 4.3 TBI g body?