Good Low Tech OEM EFI 350 Swap Engine???

[LucyProject]

It’s tough to tell in the 1000’s of threads whether this horse has already been beaten, sorry if it has.

I’m thinking about upgrading from my Gen. 1 SBC 350, to a newer 350 with OEM EFI. I’d love some input from anyone with a good knowledge base in regards to a low tech variant (model years) that won’t be a nightmare to wire up. I’d like to run a 5.7 (350) not a 5.3, so I can reuse the existing cooling system, motor monts, headers/exhaust, etc...

I guess my other option is a new Gen 1 350 and install a FiTech EFI system, but some of the reviews on that system are mixed. I want efficiency, solid power, and reliability on the trail.

Thanks in advance!

 

[spotcruiser]

Might as well do a 5.7l Vortec (1996-1999).

 

[LucyProject]

A late 80s to early 90s TBI is probably about as 'low tech' as you will get.

Personally, I wouldn't shy away from a 5.0L TBI at all. I had one in my FJ40 and it pulled it around perfectly fine with PLENTY of power(~190hp if I recall right)

But with the above said, I wouldn't pay money for one when for the same price you could grab a 4.8L or 5.3L Vortec and be virtually bolt in anyways:

1. There are gen 1/2 to LSx 'conversion' motor mounts out there for ~$60.
2. Cooling should already be up to snuff for an LS engine. The only 'odd' issue would be the upper radiator hose snaking around.
3. Headers/exhaust are 'cheap' to deal with. Hooker center dump headers are under $200 and a crossover should be under $100 to your existing exhaust.

End result is a bit more power, much better MPG, and depending upon the LSx you get, significantly lighter.

I wouldn't mind an LS swap, but I quickly get out of my depth with complex wiring ect... Also, I have headers and dual exhaust on my current Gen 1 350 set up, so there will much to change in that aspect. Beings, I'm not a welder, I'm looking for a bolt in solution with fuel injection. I'll dig in to the late 80's to early 90's rigs at the local wrecking yard to see what's available.

 

[LucyProject]

Might as well do a 5.7l Vortec (1996-1999).

Do gen 1 headers bolt up to vortec heads? I'm trying to avoid any exhaust work - small budget. I get out of my depth quickly, and am looking for a bolt-in options. I confident I can fumble my way through some simple wiring mods to make some low tech EFI options work tho. I'd get a little squeamish I brought home an engine with a serpentine belt and AC pump attached, lol...

So far it sounds like a mid to late 90's 350 would be in my wheelhouse. Any specific vehicle to look for? Van? Pickup? Camaro, haha?

I'm a novice, so the more info the better!

 

[LucyProject]

I guess I should have thought of this already, but I'm assuming a new high pressure fuel pump/lines would need to be installed as well for both the Vortec and LS versions for Chevy's newer gen engines? So just to clarify, I would need to consider the following items with the various engines:

Gen 1 Crate Engine: (1-Smile per gallon)

1. Install FiTech EFI with Command center sump for low volume fuel pumps

Mid 90's Vortec: (5-Smiles per gallon)

1. Modify the fuel delivery with a high pressure system
2. Wire up the ECM.

Late 90's LS: (10-Smiles per gallon)

1. Modify the fuel delivery with a high pressure system
2. Painfully wire up the ECM.
3. Modify engine mounts
4. Modify Exhaust
5. Modify cooling system
6. New advanced adapter bellhousing

The above is assuming that the existing toyota 4-speed manual will work without further modification??

 

[reddingcruiser]

If your 40 is anything close to a daily driver you may want to take a harder look at an LS. On its best day my throttle body 5.7 got MAYBE 17 mpg. My LS gets around 25 mpg. It doesn't take long to make up the extra cost at that rate

 

[LucyProject]

True dual makes it even easier/cheaper to do the change in exhaust. Depending upon what your current exhaust manifold looks like(center dump corvette?), a very small stub could be welding in for cheap.

Here's a look-see of my existing headers...

 

[jim land]

Why not fix your gen 1 and keep it carburated if you if you dont want to mess with wiring and ecm and fuel

Or get an Ls , i have a 87 tpi and one day I will swap it for a 5.3 ls

 

[LucyProject]

I went and tracked a few pictures down of the LSx wiring from both of my FJ55 projects.

If you take your LSx wiring down this far, you've gone WAY too far(brown FJ55 called Trail50):

This picture gave me anxiety... I closed my eyes when scrolling past the other two, haha...

That said, you are starting to sway me...

 

[LucyProject]

Why not fix your gen 1 and keep it carburated if you if you dont want to mess with wiring and ecm and fuel

Or get an Ls , i have a 87 tpi and one day I will swap it for a 5.3 ls

I DO want to swap in a LS, but I'm worried the extras I didn't think of will overwhelm me both mentally and financially. I don't have a ton of experience, wealth of knowledge, or abundance of tools or equipment, so things can get out of hand pretty quick. I'm just trying to be cautious and do what's best for my family. This is just a hobby project. It's not a daily driver. That said, I want reliability, driveability and efficiency when on the highway or offroad. So, I appreciate all your guys' input. You are slowly winning me over to the LS world, haha...

I was just looking at this: Chevrolet Performance 6.2L L94 Long Block Crate Engines 12685690 For a new long block, it isn't really any more costly than a fully dressed Gen 1 with FiTech EFI. But, it's not clear if it comes with the ECM. I will call around to the local wrecking yards to see what they may have.

 

[jim land]

Do Ls engine need a vss?

 

[pb4ugo]

Why the need for a new motor or efi? Does it run bad?

 

[LucyProject]

Why the need for a new motor or efi? Does it run bad?

The previous owner blew the slave cylinder, and didn't get it fixed right away as it was not his daily driver. The problem was, his windshield sprayer on his hood was missing, and on rainy days, water dripped into the carb. after a couple years of sitting, it rusted his rings to the cylinder walls (seized). At that point, he decided he didn't care enough to get it fixed, and it sat for another 6 years...

That's where I come in. I offered to take it off his hands for $2400. I figured for under $3k, I could put a new motor in it, and have a running FJ for under $5500. The problem is, the deeper I go, the more I want to do. It went from a rebuild - to a rebuild and EFI - to a crate motor with EFI - to a Vortec with EFI - to and LS with EFI - to a Cummin's R2.8... $$$$ ...and then back to LS - then back to Vortec - then to on the fence about everything...

LOL...

 

[RustyRanger]

This picture gave me anxiety... I closed my eyes when scrolling past the other two, haha...

That said, you are starting to sway me...

Your also going to have to have a bung welded into the tank for a return line with pretty much all of the FI systems if what I've read is right.

 

[White Stripe]

First question I would ask you is what is the emissions requirements where you live? Some states are more of a pain in this regard than others.

 

[LucyProject]

Does anyone have any experience with BD Turnkey Engines? It looks like you can get a quality LSx engine from him, and he's rewired the ECM, as well as taken out a lot of the guesswork all for a reasonable price (in my opinion). According to him, I'd need the following:

1. LSx Truck Engine, from BD Turnkey: $3100
2. LS Clutch kit, from Advance Adapters: $670
3. LS engine mounts, from AA: $162
4. Taurus 3.6 fan, from Ebay: $75
5. Power Steering Pump relocate: Necessary?
6. Connect to existing exhaust: ??

 

[trainwreck517]

Couple of suggestions depending on budget and what you want to do with the FJ.

Since there is already a SBC in the fj, the lowest cost solution would be to get a Gen 1 SBC, rebuild it yourself (or get one already rebuilt). This can be done for <1k, maybe even <$500 if you can get a good used engine off craigslist. Then figure +1300 for fitech, sump and fuel lines.

I personally went with the gen 1 SBC, fitech sump and fitech efi, using the fitech to control timing and the efan.:

Pros for the gen 1 sbc route is cost, fairly reliable, been very pleased with the fitech system (have them on 2 vehicles now).
Cons: We're talking about 50 year old engine, not as efficient as LS, weighs more than aluminum block LS

This route works out great for me, since I just intend on wheeling and driving to and from the trail head. Never mind the fact that I am still running a 3 speed (NV4500 swap coming soon).


If you intend more on daily driving it, then the fuel efficient, reliability and smoothness of an LS will out shine an Gen1 sbc in every way.

Depends on what you plan to do with the jeep, and what else it needs (brakes, steering, suspension, drive train, etc) and budget. If budget is no concern, then LS route would be the way to go (maybe R2.8 would be better). Otherwise Gen 1 SBC is a good low cost option, which can leave more money left over for other parts.

In any efi option you go with, you'll need to run a high pressure pump. For this I'd recommend a sump setup with low pressure mechanical pump feeding the sump, and high pressure in the sump feeding the engine. Helps avoid fuel starvation while wheeling.

 

[melvinjo]

Gen I or II with FITECH

 

[LucyProject]

Couple of suggestions depending on budget and what you want to do with the FJ.

Since there is already a SBC in the fj, the lowest cost solution would be to get a Gen 1 SBC, rebuild it yourself (or get one already rebuilt). This can be done for <1k, maybe even <$500 if you can get a good used engine off craigslist. Then figure +1300 for fitech, sump and fuel lines.

This is what I was planning on doing with my existing 350, but it has a lot of rust in the cylinder and heads. It started life in the FJ as a crate motor. By time I yanked it, sent it off for a rebuilt and bought the fitech system, if was pushing $3000 with new fuel pump, intake and water neck. That leaves me with an old HEI, water pump, alternator, etc... and a rebuilt engine. For not much more money, it looks like I can swap in a used LS. It's a tough call, but on long highway trips, the LS driveability and efficiency would be pretty nice. Plus I would get a big power jump. Honestly, though, everytime I think I made up my mind, the grass starts looking greener on the other side.

 

[LucyProject]

I don't know about BD Turnkey but what engine are you getting for $3100? Unless it is a 6.0L Gen 3/4, that seems VERY expensive. You can get plug in harnesses for ~$800 with no issue. I bought my complete ~30k 2004 6.0L engine for $1800 in 2009.

It would be a low mileage turnkey Gen III 2006 5.3L L59 with new cam and springs, ECM tuned to my rig, modified OEM harness with OBDII port.

I realize it's quite a bit more that the junkyard engines, but he takes them, cleans them up, runs diagnostics on them, etc... Basically, I'd be paying extra for the piece of mind, simplified wiring harness, and tune for my specifica application.