TBI vs. Carb

[GoobersBlueBurban]

I have a 1987 Suburban 4x4 with TBI. I like the TBI but i also like the tunability of a carb. I wanted to see what some of your opinions are of TBI vs. Carb.

[JIMs70GMC]

I guess I'd have to say it's a toss up. I've tuned q-jets but I like the convenience of the tbi I have now. Definetly a big price difference to replace. Of course I'm comparing a 1970 4 bbl q-jet to my current 1989 TBI.
Over on CK5 they have a couple threads on tbi tuning/mods etc....

[Tink]

The tuneability of a carb is nice. But, I like TBI for convience, easy of starting, simplicity to rebuild and for me, wheeling... won't stall out on inclines like a carb.

[stueber68]

TBI all of the way for me. Yeah you can tune a carb but the problem is you have to tune a carb. TBI, install it and forget it. Carb = maintenance. A TBI unit is not tempermental to temprature or altitude, and there are no floats to go bad.

[gchemist]

20 Year upgrade in technology
No more dieseling at shut down
No more sticking choke and other linkage
Get rid of the Carb input filter connection
No more leaking / varnished linkage, floats, jets, set screws, etc
Closed loop control of combustion for altitude, gas, engine condition, etc
Module swap repair of system, i.e. , injectors, computers, sensors, etc
Electronic diagnostics
No new Quadrajet carburetors available, no upgrade possible with old system
Technology proven in all modern engines since about 1986
http://www.california.com/~eagle/howell.html

[skillet]

That's a tough one. I have one of each and I like them both. I do like many of the qualities of TBI, such as driveability on cold mornings. I have decided that when I replace my '69 it will be with a fuel injected truck, just as a practical reason of better gas mileage, driveability and less tinkering with the carb. Fuel injection is interesting and I think if someone can work on a carb, he can learn to work on fuel injection. I will go with throttle body injection, like from '87 to '95.

[cdowns]

fuel injection tho nice / if it craps on you 100miles from home is near impossible to juryrig to limp the 100miles to your garage//carbs the more the merrier

[skillet]

Originally Posted by cdowns

fuel injection tho nice / if it craps on you 100miles from home is near impossible to juryrig to limp the 100miles to your garage//carbs the more the merrier

That's one of the best points of carburetors and probably the main reason I haven't been able to part with my '69 and go totally fuel injection.

[Bob Gervais]

I prefer the simplicity of the TBI system for my stock 87. Although, once I rebuild it with more performance in mind, it would be nice to have the tuning of a carb. Especially with the wideband O2's and readers available now, it's getting easier to tune right in the driveway, with no need for custom chips being burned.

So, I guess stock = TBI, not so stock = carb.

[Russell]

Tuning a TBI is just as easy, if not easier than tuning a carb

If you can multiply, divide -- You can do up your own chip for your truck with ease

Costs about 60 - 70 bucks to get set up to burn chips in the first place, but that is paid off after two chips.

[Bob Gervais]

Originally Posted by Russell

Tuning a TBI is just as easy, if not easier than tuning a carb

If you can multiply, divide -- You can do up your own chip for your truck with ease

Costs about 60 - 70 bucks to get set up to burn chips in the first place, but that is paid off after two chips.

I had no idea it was that cheap to do. Most of the tuning I've been involved with has been newer cars (OBD2), and costs quite a bit to get going.

Got any info on the chip burning stuff?

[JonnyTechMech]

Originally Posted by Bob Gervais

Got any info on the chip burning stuff?

I second that request!!!

[Captkaos]

http://www.passtimeracing.com/eric/Cars/EFI/index.htm
http://www.tunercat.com/
http://www.xtronics.com/memory/EPROM.htm

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/...5&page=1&pp=20

[JonnyTechMech]

Thanks Captkaos,

I love this board!!!!!

[Captkaos]

No problem.

[junkyardpartseeker]

how hard is it to go from carb to tbi on a 84 suburban? thinking of doing it to mine. It has a 350 with a quad on it now.

Tommy

[skidder]

Junkyardpartseeker: For a factory setup you will need an 87-91 fuel tank c/w in tank pump, the tbi intake, computer, and harness. The supply fuel line will need to take up to about 15 psi and a return fuel line is required(there is probably already one there). I put this system on my 72 Blazer an I am happy with the results.

[phantom dually]

I like the TBI vs the carb. I am going to change the motor in my Daily driver. It has a 305 TBI now and I will be putting in a 350 TBI. A friend of mine said go carb you will get better performance. While that may be true I LOVE the reliability of the TBI and it will stay for a DD truck.

[87 GMC]

Convert it to mulit-point, my both of my TBI trucks are haunted.

[screwballl]

Originally Posted by cdowns

fuel injection tho nice / if it craps on you 100miles from home is near impossible to juryrig to limp the 100miles to your garage//carbs the more the merrier

if you have extra parts around like many of us do, it would be wise to bring along some sockets and an extra carb for your engine, something that will get you another 50 miles to town for TBI parts or diagnostics... just keep it sealed in a box or something in a hidden compartment or behind the seat...
always have a backup.

[84 400]

myy bbuddy has a 94 gmc 1500 and hates his tbi. if i were going to mess with the computers and such i would go mutie point but that is pricey. I love my carb but hat the warm up factor and tuning can be a pain but with the right tool it is a breaze. nall opion. and with a carb the motor is not as fuel effisent. if i were u i would stay tbi cause u have the comp and all.