1989 GMC K1500 tbi to vortec head swap

[@jamesmumford774]

Glad you took the time to share. Seems like a lot of us are passionate, about our older TBI trucks. I’m doing a similar build on my 89 Silverado step-side. That stock air induction is very restrictive, but easily modified. The silencer box, next to the fender has 4” inlet, and outlet. However it necks down to about 2” inside! It is easily replaced by 11” of 4” diameter PVC, (painted flat black to look stock). Also, the factory TBI spacer/collar is horrible for airflow. A Powercharger (aka Salad bowl) helps a lot, and fits right up under the factory air cleaner. This is assuming you are still running the factory set up. Let that awesome beast breath! By the way, nice truck, and one that actually gets driven.

[@XJon2011]

TBI motors have been known to hit a million miles. They are just underpowered and therefore less strained in factory form. But there are definitely spots for improvement which will give you more power and allow the motor to run more efficient.

[@tylicecrookedneck7617]

i really love these trucks 350 tbi and vortec. there both cool engines hard to kill. and the body style of these old 88-98 chevy pickups are really cool

[@quincyhorrell8752]

Only problem for the body was the damn door hinges

[@johnj1172]

Quincy Horrell Yep😂

[@wildestcowboy2668]

88-95 pal

[@huntervance6628]

@@wildestcowboy2668 what’s wrong with the vortec? My 96 is holding up great

[@wildestcowboy2668]

@@huntervance6628 How many miles before I answer your question..

[@redram5150]

I love TBI. It’s so easy to tune, easy to work on, and fun to modify.

[@nathanwilliams7492]

and makes no power

[@melted_pistons]

Nathan Williams but they sound cool with an open air intake🤷‍♂️

[@dyer2cycle]

..yes, and don't be fooled...I have owned the TBI and Vortec...I would MUCH rather have the TBI...if you can use the Vortec heads on the TBI, then fine..BUT..the TBI is much simpler, the Vortec is plagued with more computer/electronics/emissions crap, plastic intake manifolds/gaskets that have a nasty habit of leaking, a really sh@tty distributor/distributor cap setup, "spider" injectors that are prone to fail and cause all kinds of problems, extra cats, extra O2 sensors, etc., etc...not really worth the few extra theoretical HP gained IMHO..nope, give me the TBI....

[@supertruckertroy]

Hey what do you mean in modifying the tbi.? Thanks

[@redram5150]

@@supertruckertroy there are KZbin videos. Type TBI mods into the search bar

[@devincouch9569]

I drive an 89 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 5.7 with a modified 350 turbo transmission with a 6 clutch pack and v6 planetary gears, ungodly pulling power in 2wd with the 4wd not working now but when it did it's insane. Stage 2 Hypertech chip installed.

[@jberry1982]

I did the same thing with my 1992 Z71 I got a Lunati Roller cam with a mild lift like an RV cam and TBI spacer made a huge difference you can have those TBI heads cut for the larger valves and they flow as well as Vortec heads to

[@lio.motofab]

TBI heads are junk, the 193 heads are decent but only because they have 64cc combustion chambers instead of the 76cc chambers you see on all the other TBI heads, even then they are not as good as the 906 or 062 vortec heads.

[@stephenmontgomery6043]

I did same thing with building a different engine and what a mess I got into . I built a 406 sbc with 11x brodix heads and mechanical injection ( leftover used sprint car stuff ) for my 90 . Ended up putting an 830 holley on it with victor jr intake and changing out fuel pump .

[@jberry1982]

I also swapped over to the 1994 and later gear reduction starter

[@mark4m557]

Those Vortec heads are very nice for the money. I have aftermarket cast iron heads on my engine, and they are really nice, but the price of my heads brand new is around $1500.

[@brettb.7425]

That’s a clean ‘89.

[@dieselmech7227]

Hey you still check your comments, I'm interested in "word document with all the tips, tricks, and pointers with a parts list on how to correctly complete this job"

[@anthonyk]

Putting some headers on it would help

[@jberry1982]

Well no factory th700R4 can handle major torque well so use I superior axel Trans Kit External fan cooler with a 7 quart trans pan with cooling tubes at the bottom with a gear reduction to 4:10 ratio runs really good plus don't cheap out on the torque converter

[@YammiePro]

Nice truck man 👍🏻

[@joshuarivera7622]

Open air filter and throttle body spacer with your heads, intake, and cam, 30 over make a nice street truck. Put a mild shift kit and a Corvette servo and some headers if u dont have any already. U should be good to go and love the ride. Next u will want an LS, to get more power, lol

[@TheCadillacKidd]

thats what i said

[@patrickpickens346]

Hey thanks for the information.. Question so u don't have any problems wit the cam & TB I? & computer?

[@Dbeattie299]

nice 327 chevy you got there

[@Dbeattie299]

@@gavi15T hard to miss painted like that you know

[@lio.motofab]

5.7 is a 350 😂

[@stoker20]

If you don't get rid of the swirl port heads as your first mod it seems like a waste of time changing anything else. My 89 c1500 5.7 5spd runs so well I really don't want to change anything. I made a factory order in 89 to get it. Have maintained it as close to like new condition as possible but have been thinking about turning it into a hot rod.

[@rogeliopena250]

That flow master is installed wrong the inlet is on the tail pipes. It’s building back pressure for sure get that fix and you could tell a big difference

[@markday2198]

You couldnt use a duel plane intake with your TBI ! Any aftermarket companies make an intake for more airflow you know of ? Thanks for posting !

[@wtf_nene3333]

I got the same one but mine is a 1994 with the tbi 350

[@tomking8597]

Love the build. Post the part numbers

[@nathanmetcalf6234]

I have an 88 k5....just blew my head gaskets...I have a motor I pulled from a 97 Chevy pickup..wouldn't that have the vortex heads?.can I use the motor from the 97 with the intake manifold from my k5? They are both throttle body though the lugs aren't the same

[@williamdon3442]

I have a 98 Sierra it’s got a vortec what year did they switch from a standard 350 to the 5.7 vortec did they just change the heads??? Can someone please explain

[@Chanchito510]

Around how much For All the Changes to this Truck? What was the HP?

[@joshuarivera7622]

Oh and definitely put a hotbox ignition and coil. They love it.

[@BOOSTEDLEMONADE]

Joshua Rivera hot box ignition ????

[@Soullessservant]

Hey man! I have a 91 Chevy 1500 pickup. Just got my vortec heads and had it machined so I can fit a tbi intake.. if you could send me over the tips and tricks it would be greatly appreciated

[@jamesmullins2132]

What’s the cast number of your heads? Or does it not matter what casting number you get? Wanting to swap my heads

[@jenniferrich1938]

How did it go? What was all needed or did the heads drop rite in and work?

[@badassbees3680]

Bullshit...

[@krispyypegs8411]

ok so you swapped the heads and the intake manifold and that's all?

[@parrishbrainerd8238]

I have a 95 z71 motor smoking and just worn out. I was looking to buy a crate motor and ran into a 5.7 vortec head marine engine at summit in the bargain room. Purchased the intake from summit so I could run the tbi and put it all in truck. I'm running into some problems and I'm not sure what the problem is to tell you the truth. I don't know if it's not having the egr or if it's a timing issue. Truck starts up and idles ok for a few min and seems to load up and die. Tried to drive it and it ran ok for about 30 seconds and dies. I'm at a point where I'm pulling hair out any help would be great.

[@untearly8212]

When u put vortec heads on did u use the same tbi rockers and push rods?

[@Levisnteeshirt1]

Try the 1in open tbi spacer and the 14lb fuel pressure spring

[@ramosfarm82]

hey man! I have a 1989 chev signal cab Just got my vortec heads and had it machined so I can fit a tbi intake.. if you could send me over the tips and tricks it would be greatly appreciated, and were did u buy it

[@JuanLopez-px6kt]

Put new mirrors on it like the 96 to 98 be supper nice

[@octoman_games]

I just bought a 1995 Yukon GT, 5.7 TBI 350 SB, what do you recommend?

[@shawnmcclure7282]

Love it man! Nice z 71 stepside too! I have a 93 k1500 blazer and a 87 gmc v1500 on 6" and 37s. I bought some used heads had em checked for cracks and have same intake new been looking everywhere for slmeone who did it. Did u have to change your throttle bracket?

[@shawnmcclure7282]

@@gavi15T I just now seen this sorry! Thanks for the reply. I never did the swap yet because of time and money and was dailying the 87 but now got a 11 Silverado doing good gonna do the swap soon. Can u email your build sheet by chance

[@jasonfenn3391]

Good afternoon ☕️ from Ontario Canada 🇨🇦.. what you did to you 350/5.7 is exactly what I want to do to mine . I own a 1995 GMC Sierra regular cab 2500 4x4 with 8 foot box .. and automatic.. I've got 062 vortec heads put away right now the only problem I'm having is finding and aftermarket intake that will bolt to the heads and still be able to keep my throttle body carb.. now I know edelbrock doesn't make one because I did call them..I was on Google looking and there didn't appear to be anyone that I could find . The only one that I could find that made an intake was General Motors. From there performance line. But here in Canada that intake cost $900.00 bucks . Well I was going that and I didn't.. I put the build on hold and it's been on hold now for a few years.. so my question to you is what brand of intake is that. That you showed sitting in the box in the video and where did I get one.. if you could help me out I'd appreciate it very much.. and thank you

[@DunkDrives]

Hey man, I'd be really interested in that parts list you have. I'm based in the UK and have a '92 TBI Chevy G20 I'd like to chuck some vortec heads at. Be really useful to have a list so I can pre order and make sure I have everything before I start.

[@thomasdeardurff6126]

Did you ever get that parts list? I'm building the same G20 tbi 350 with vortec heads. Looking to keep the tbi on vortec.

[@jasonwennblom3507]

looking to do this on my 95 tbi 350

[@Dylpickle1997]

Did you end up doing it?

[@jasonwennblom3507]

Dylan Hindley no I didn’t ended up buying a cummins

[@jeffreyculberth1440]

Can you run the stock vortec heads rockers and pushrods on the tbi motor or are different rod length/ rockers required?

[@jeffreyculberth1440]

@@gavi15T what a speedy response thanks so much. So then if I used the vortec Cam and lifters I would be good to use the vortec rods whereas if I used flat tappet as per the tbi block I would just have to use the tbi pushrods? Am I understanding this right?

[@koltonsatvmadness5373]

Does it have a check engine light due to no EGR I’m assuming

[@brandonayers3338]

It’s an 89 they don’t have any of that junk

[@1611-DaleW]

Picking up a 5.7 vortec tomorrow to put in my 95 2500. I'm planning on using a 4bbl intake with tbi adapter so I can use my tbi. Planning on putting long tube headers on it as well. I'm sure I'll have to get chip. Anything you recommend that I should do?

[@torquewisdomgarage]

What Summit heads did you use. I know they are Vortec. But like the looks of the ones you showed in plastic. Do you have a part number?

[@torquewisdomgarage]

[e-mail]

[@sonik310k]

Where did you get you're chip? I did the vortec heads and tbi intake but it won't run right

[@Blakep7704]

What exhaust manifolds did you use and where is the O2 sensor?

[@Blakep7704]

@@gavi15T so you have a list of parts you'd send

[@josephroy4132]

What's the difference.. How does it run with it installed vs when it was stock

[@Sweettoothb6]

Did you put the vortec heads straight or had to do some work

[@lupecalderon1956]

@@gavi15T can you send me your build list and chip info? Thanks! [e-mail]

[@Blakep7704]

Did you do any tuning to the ECM?

[@rondockery2108]

Hey Gavi how did you get your check engine light to stay off?.. also did the chip make a difference?

[@boxerawd2153]

Love the video bro I know it’s old but I’m actually thinking of doing this similar setup to my 1993 Buick RoadMaster wagon 5.7tbi any kind of advice would be greatly appreciated hope that beautiful truck is still rockin and rolling 💯

[@XJon2011]

Did ever put the vortec stuff on the TBI motor?

[@martinmelero3612]

Hello, just saw your video. Shoot me parts #’s for your intake & heads please

[@fivevenomstyle6337]

My suburban with this 5.7 tbi does this weird "ghost in the machine" thing where randomly when I go to cold start it, it will turn over and over, but not fire up. Let it sit for a day or so, and it will just fire up and run fine. I hear the fuel pump kicking in, and it is fairly new, so any thoughts on what I might try. I've had mechanics look at it, but it of course starts just fine. No check engine lights on. It's pretty annoying, any help would be appreciated.

[@fivevenomstyle6337]

@@gavi15T Thanks, I will check into that.

[@shawnmcclure7282]

Did you ever get it fixed?

[@shawnmcclure7282]

sounds like a intermittent fuel pump relay

[@Avregeboy211]

Did u change the fuel pump did it to mind and feels like it is starving for fuel

[@1DonJulito]

Do you still have the list and part numbers???

[@1DonJulito]

@@gavi15T [e-mail]

[@garrettknight8550]

Is that the L05 engine?

[@alexlinks7023]

What intake did you use? I haven't been to find a TBI to vortec head intake.

[@limabravo6065]

If you haven’t installed the heads yet return that intake and get a vortec carb intake with a tbi adapter you’ll save like $200

[@shawnmcclure7282]

i should of done that too

[@hidinfrombiden6251]

My brother recently did the same setup on his truck and it's back firing through the throttle body real bad. Seems to be a timing issue. Tried several adjustments on timing and nothing seems to help. Truck cranks and idles flawless though, it's just if you try to give it any throttle it starts backfiring and popping through the tbi. Any of you guys with experience with this swap wanna help us out? I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

[@badassbees3680]

@@hidinfrombiden6251 camshaft lobe GONE

[@whiskeyniner6416]

Thought it sounded fairly good. Did you have to do any custom chip work for the bore, heads and intake?

[@thomasdeardurff6126]

@@gavi15T Where did you get the custom chip? I'm building something similar.

[@mojojojo3361]

Tbi sucks carb it bro

[@bustedmechanics4202]

Did you use the vortec head gaskets or just the tbi

[@tonyrocha1435]

On your left value cover what is that tube connected to? i dont know exactly where it goes. does it go in the airflow casing?

[@tonyrocha1435]

gavi15T [e-mail]

[@joserubio6348]

Greetings, a question The oil pump of this engine has to be low pressure or high pressure in engines without rebuilding?

[@richardluxton3165]

Did you use the vortec distributor?

[@octoman_games]

Vortec heads can get this baby close to 400hp

[@ian_jc]

Whats the part number for the head conversion kit, and part number for intake. Might look into doing this for my 1991 gmc sierra k2500

[@Jamesr222]

gavi15T can you send me that as well?

[@jaimecampos6228]

@@gavi15T sen me the parts number for heads and intake vortec

[@dominicreyes6194]

@@gavi15T hey if anyone has that write up can you send it to [e-mail] please. Appreciate it

[@jumaih1]

Are you running the stock computer and chip?

[@raynardaldaya6003]

I have a 1988 Chevy GMC stepside c 1500 turn keys and won't start

[@coty397]

Did you have to adjust the computer at all?

[@413-n9k]

How much did the heads cost u

[@liamhay6638]

How much did these heads cost you thinking about getting these same ones for my truck.

[@liamhay6638]

gavi15T [e-mail]

[@liamhay6638]

gavi15T if you want we could use Instagram to

[@956edgar08]

man..put some 20" all terrains with 33's and its gonna be a beauty....nice truck

[@candyman3107]

isn't that what white people do tho :/

[@shootermcgavin2819]

@@candyman3107 white people aren't known for ruining vehicles with oversized rims. Thing is, you know that too O_O

[@StacyRNix]

Could u tell me what intake manifold u using for the vortec heads. What brand and part number?

[@StacyRNix]

[e-mail]

[@Blakep7704]

Can you send me a parts list?

[@joshjohnson2384]

Where did you buy the intake and heads?

[@TheRoguelement]

Who told you don't use any header's I'm wondering ? Was it intentional or you just forgot ?

[@juanmunoz7326]

Did you just change the heads and intake manifold or what else was needed?

[@juanmunoz7326]

gavi15T Was the cam flat tapped and can i have the part number for the heads and yes the vortec bolts are more vertical than the pre vortec heads and why the chip what was it programed for?

[@juanmunoz7326]

gavi15T Can you send me part numbers for everything except the intake manifold. Its nice to see people still work on the small blocks i have a 94 chevy 5 speed rwd iam from Albuquerque New Mexico.

[@dylanmassingale9175]

Do mind telling me the part numbers for the heads, intake, and chip. Email is [e-mail]. your help would defiantly help me out.

[@johnhayes9437]

1st truck got stolen...sold second one because of worry about 2nd theft and insurance problems.... miss it

[@DrivenbyGears]

Nice

[@juanquintero1866]

Can anyone help I got a 92k1500 4x4 with a 5.0 engine 200k is there anything I can do so I can have more power towing?

[@drummaboiferguson2144]

What head gasket u use what year

[@TheMadawg67]

have you heard of a corvett bumper thats what i have on my 90 gmc

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

its called a roll pan my friend.

[@dltpaoloestrada]

Hi what are the part numbers for heads and intake manifold

[@mariosalaices4169]

Will those same vortec heads bolt up to my stock 89 350 tbi engine?

[@Alphawolf2325]

So what's the progress on this?

[@asseatinslasher6081]

Hey man..I love in Iowa.. I got a 96 Chevy pick up 5.7, are you good at motor work? I don’t know anyone to get it pulled out for a cleaning and upgrades..I’ll pay good ass money bro I need help with this ol girl

[@asseatinslasher6081]

gavi15T Altoona Iowa bro

[@jayrilla93]

asseatinslasher still need help??

[@christopherpoucher483]

I just got a free set of 906 heads

[@bobbielinder8551]

94 was first year for z71

[@jenniferbravomarcano2880]

Amigo tengo un motor 350 Chevrolet tbi recién echo el problema es q en frío marca más de la mitad el medidor de aceite y luego viene callendo a 0 cambie bomba de aceite otra ves y nada quite el tapa válvula y apenas medio le llega aceite más no sale a chorrito le hice servicio al radiador cambie aceite nuevamente y nada. Ayuda q puede ser..?

[@hectortorres6822]

I’m interested on doing this to my 92 c1500 if you can send me info I wold appreciated

[@randy1ization]

how does the new cam get along with the ECM, FUEL MANAGEMENT ECT.. also where did u get your tensioner pulley and do u have a part number for it,, nice truck.. I have an 89 scottsdale 4x4 that was converted from auto to manual.

[@randy1ization]

THANKS VERY MUCH ! [e-mail]

[@randy1ization]

ive got the 89 scottsdale with the long bed. these old truck are going to be highly sought after soon, just like the c10s are already,, these are the last of the real trucks.

[@randy1ization]

has summit worked out the cracking valve seat issues on the vortec style heads.

[@darryladams519]

It's a 350 cubic inch V8

[@RedEyedPatriot]

Marina blue I think

[@zachp1604]

Can you send me an email please. I'm doing the conversion and would like the word document.

[@chrisaverett7611]

@@gavi15T [e-mail]

[@RahSapper]

Do you stil have that list by chance ?

[@RahSapper]

gavi15T [e-mail]

[@jujuperez1282]

Could u email the list as well bro for the head conversion I'm also converting to carb instead of tbi if that helps my email is [e-mail]

[@crazycomanche4193]

My alternator and compressor are on opposite sides than yours are

[@willfleischauer]

U ever dyno this truck

[@peeweekirkland8177]

Do you have a roller or flat tappet cam

[@peeweekirkland8177]

So I'm guessing mine is flat also. Cause I've been looking and rollers are high

[@peeweekirkland8177]

gavi15T I'm hoping to have that same effect in my bbody. But I'm like you I'm not trying to break the bank just to have power. Once I start the process and have all my parts ordered I'll post a video of it

[@mwilliamshs]

4:21 "...Edelbrock cam, it's non-roller..."

[@joeycastillo4935]

Can get this

[@harp440]

How did you hook up egr?

[@grandparolie]

gavi15T so with your EGR not hooked up will be affect something why I’m asking is my truck just hit 25 years so no emissions are required now and are you running the stock computer and where did you get you chip and another thing it sounds good and have you run a LS engine in a truck how did you come out? Thanks! X Can you let me know what else you had to do to get it to run and my truck has a 4L60e Transmision?

[@YukonDan]

how much $ are you into this?

[@anthonymilette9814]

how do you "harden" the rods.... wtf

[@texasinnovativeperformance6439]

Are you running after market cam

[@texasinnovativeperformance6439]

gavi15T how does it work with computer and how much power is it adding

[@texasinnovativeperformance6439]

gavi15T what's the name and what was the cost

[@texasinnovativeperformance6439]

gavi15T trying to run a cam and turbo

[@texasinnovativeperformance6439]

gavi15T k thanks I subscribed and left a like look forward to your upload