'62 SWB Transplant: Carbed Crate 350SB & 700R4 or Used Injected 350SB/700R4 Combo?

[Vincenthdfan]

Hello all.

I have a really nice '62 SWB C10 that I bought out of Redding California.

It has the original tired 283 V8 in it with a transplanted T5 tranny.

I'd like to put a 350 in it with a 700R4 behind it but I have a decision to make.

I found a used '92 Injected 350 with a mounted 700R4 behind it...it has 103,000 miles on the combo and it was a service vehicle with regular, documented maintenance available with it. Cost, an even $1000 for the pair.

My original plan was to keep it simple...

A brand new Crate 350 shipped to my door for $1500 and a refurbished, updated 700R4 shipped to my door for $1500 as well.

This would obviously be a lot easier swap with minimal wiring, carb, etc...

Which would be the preferable route to go here?

Would the injected motor be much better drivability wise?

Fuel mileage be better on the injected motor or is that just a matter of a good tune on the carb/timing, etc?

I'd like to hear from those that have been there, done that...input please!

Thanks in advance.

[chevy_mike]

One thing to keep in mind, most crate engines and trans usually have some sort of warranty. Anything used, if it pukes the first day out, you are stuck without any recourse. That might make a difference to ya.

[Vincenthdfan]

Well yes, that's certainly a consideration.

I was thinking more along the lines of...is it worth the hassle of the modern injection versus the old school carb for the modern drivability?

Fuel mileage differences?

Personal experiences? Anybody?

[chevy_mike]

The two biggest things I like about any EFI setup is cold start ease and change in altitude adjustment. Outside of that, if both are setup right, they are very similar.

Most see a 1-3 MPG increase not so much because EFI is better but because their carbs are not setup 100% right. Install a wide band O2 gauge and tune the carb not to run rich, you'll see about the same mileage.

I am moving this into the Engine forum as you may get more replies.

[fs64]

Recently completed a 4.3 tbi 700r4 swap into my sons daily driver 64.
Drivability with injection is good and the cold starts are great.

Cost to consider: tbi harness 375, salvage computer 75, in tank fuel pump 225 plus the cost of a tank and fuel lines.
Time commitment to wire up the system and route everything is significant.

Todd