Project MULE - 350 Vortec Tuned Port Injection build on 91 Suburban.

[pma4x4]

(UPDATED 07-05-2014)

We have found out our Suburban (as great as it is) is just out of power when loaded down and hitting the hills.
We decided to go with a SBC just due to the fact I found one real cheap and I don’t have to switch much of anything on the truck. Other engine ideas were explored, 5.3, 6.0 7.4 vortec and even the 8.1. The deals I ended up with for the main parts of this project just said “SBC”.

Below is the initial list of parts. I have already spoke with Compcams and TPIS. With all the info and weights I had Compcams recommended the cam in the list below. I have been doing some serious research even picked up a few reference books. Now this is not my first time building a motor but it is my first time building (per-say) a fuel injection system. If you see something wrong or I am missing please don’t flame me as this is my first initial list of something new. Input is always welcome.

Engine short block: 99 5.7 Vortec
Heads: EQ CH350C Vortec Heads (with pre-'87 intake bolt pattern)
Cam: compcams XR264HR #8-501-08
GMPP Roller lifters #12499225
Chevrolet Performance Timing Chain Sets 12371043
Est 9.5:1 CR
90-92 Tuned Port Injection
Stock runners
Stock TB
Stock Corvette (Pre '87) TPI intake
24lb blue top injectors
BBK Adjustable fuel psi regulator #BBK-1714
Speed density setup
1227730 ECM
All new sensors.

Other stuff
ALDLdorid app
Tunerpro on the laptop
1320 Electronics ALDL Blutooth transmitter

I have read some stuff here on the forums and I would really like to avoid having to write cusom .BIN files like I have seen here. As much as I know I need to get it running. Data log with Tunerpro send that info off to someone and they will burn a proper EPROM.

[Fast355]

We have found out our Suburban (as great as it is) is just out of power when loaded down and hitting the hills.
We decided to go with a SBC just due to the fact I found one real cheap and I don’t have to switch much of anything on the truck. Other engine ideas were explored, 5.3, 6.0 7.4 vortec and even the 8.1. The deals I ended up with for the main parts of this project just said “SBC”.

Below is the initial list of parts. I have already spoke with Compcams and TPIS. With all the info and weights I had Compcams recommended the cam in the list below. I have been doing some serious research even picked up a few reference books. Now this is not my first time building a motor but it is my first time building (per-say) a fuel injection system. If you see something wrong or I am missing please don’t flame me as this is my first initial list of something new. Input is always welcome.

Engine short block: 99 5.7 Vortec
Heads: ‘ 99 L31 heads with valve springs redone to .520”lift provided heads are good.
Cam: compcams XR264HR #8-501-08
GMPP Roller lifters #12499225
Melling double roller timing chain
Est 9.5:1 CR
’89 Tuned Port Injection
Stock runners
Stock TB
Scoggin dickey TPI Vortec intake #SD3816
24lb blue top injectors
BBK Adjustable fuel psi regulator #BBK-1714
MAF Sensor
1227165 ECM
New stand alone harness from Howell EFI
All new sensors.

Other stuff
ALDLdorid app
Tunerpro on the laptop
Red River ALDL Blutooth transmitter

I have read some stuff here on the forums and I would really like to avoid having to write cusom .BIN files like I have seen here. As much as I know I need to get it running. Data log with Tunerpro send that info off to someone and they will burn a proper EPROM.

IMO since you have a computer controlled automatic and a vortec engine already, stick with OBD2 and upgrade to the 0411.

Your factory accessory brackets will not work with TPI without modification.

[pma4x4]

I have the last year of a non computer 700R4. 1991 was an overlap, the 2wd 454s saw the first year of the 4L80E. I know I will have to find new brackets. The vortec spider FI is already missing parts. and I am plus money in the pocket for the TPI stuff.

[Fast355]

I have the last year of a non computer 700R4. 1991 was an overlap, the 2wd 454s saw the first year of the 4L80E. I know I will have to find new brackets. The vortec spider FI is already missing parts. and I am plus money in the pocket for the TPI stuff.

My mistake, reading your post, I thought the truck was a 99 Suburban. Makes more sense now. Not sure why you want the junky 165' MAF system on the truck. I have messed with them in the past and the 7730 MAP based system is worlds above the MAF setup in tuneability and driveability. The MAF systems are plagued with problems from burn-off relays to an out of production MAF that is troublesome at best.

[pma4x4]

Everything I have read says the MAF is a better option (but more expensive). It can offer better mileage since it reads more accurately and is more forgiving when using larger cams and vacuum changes. The MAPs seem very sensitive and picky.

I know ECMs are not expensive, the 7165 is just what I ended up with in the whole deal.

[Fast355]

Everything I have read says the MAF is a better option (but more expensive). It can offer better mileage since it reads more accurately and is more forgiving when using larger cams and vacuum changes. The MAPs seem very sensitive and picky.

I know ECMs are not expensive, the 7165 is just what I ended up with in the whole deal.

Definately the opposite with the TPI. I was regularly getting 21-23 mpg in the G20 with lean cruise enabled at 16:1 air/fuel ratio and had no power sacrifice. At 70-80 mph as soon as I rolled on the throttle and put a load on the motor it would come alive and accelerate. I was running S-AUJPv4 which had provisions for a wideband input, a/c clutch control and dual e-fan control.


You could run the Austrailian MAP 165 code from the old Holden 5.0 cars in your 165 ECM.

[EagleMark]

Everything I have read says the MAF is a better option (but more expensive). It can offer better mileage since it reads more accurately and is more forgiving when using larger cams and vacuum changes. The MAPs seem very sensitive and picky.

I know ECMs are not expensive, the 7165 is just what I ended up with in the whole deal.

MAF of today that may be true, not the MAF sensor and computer control of yesterday your talking about using.

I'd never swap anything to a 7165... and if I had one it'd be the first thing to change!

Now recently I've learned that the Australians have a new mask made for the 7165 titled $12P but I don't know enough about it to advise...

[lionelhutz]

The reason you read those kind of comments is because people thought those old MAF systems didn't need as much tuning as a MAP system because it measures the airflow. Both need tuning to work well once the engine changes. So, tune the MAP system for the engine and you're good.

Personally, I just couldn't bring myself to dump $400 on a TPI base so I can adapt the TPI system designed to for 305's onto my 350 engine. I'd rather try something like a Weiand Stealth Ram.

Most everything wiring-wise already exists to run a MAP based system on your current harness. You'd probably need to re-pin the ECM connectors, lengthen/shorten some wires under the hood and split the TBI wires into 8 injector wires. I just couldn't see myself paying $500 for a harness that duplicates 80% of what I already have. Also, wouldn't you want a harness that integrates into the truck, using the power feeds, brake switch, VSS wiring etc that already exists under the dash?

[Fast355]

I can however tell you first hand I had a similar build (ported vortecs with 2.05/1.60" valves and doug thorley tri-ys) and it pulled my 1983 G20 conversion van around with authority. My G20 had 3.08 gears, factory G80 locker, and the stock 1,600 rpm torque converter. Flooring it from a dead stop, would smoke the 295s all the way through first gear.

[Fast355]

Mark,

$12P IS GREAT!!! I have had first hand experience tuning it on a 5.7 that was swapped with a GM 846 cam, vortecs and stealth ram intake.

http://pcmhacking.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=356

[pma4x4]

I consider myself pretty good with PCs, building electronics, soldering, heck I sell Automotive electronics. but when you guys start talking .BINs and $12p stuff all I see is greek! I'm not afraid to try new stuff but I would like to have this as plug n play as possible.