Converting 350 tbi to 350 carbureted

winnabowboy · March 8, 2004

I am new to this forum and looking for any help on this project. I also posted this in classic tucks. I have just completed taking out my factory 305 carbureted motor out of a 1972 c-10 pickup. I have a 1988 350 tbi, 56,000 miles, that was given to me. Now I need to figure out how to put that in my truck. 1) I am wanting to convert the 350 tbi to carbureted. Will some please let me know what I need to do to make this conversion happen. Thanks in advance. Ryan

BigDave · March 9, 2004

That motor is a first generation small block, so all you need to my knowing is a carb, and new intake manifold.

Rookie · March 9, 2004

i would also suggest a distributor. also make sure the manifold you get if for a 1986 and newer motor. other wise it will not bolt up to your heads. Edelbrock makes them.

redvett · March 9, 2004

You will have to change the whole fuel system since the pump hooked to the carb. with the pressure will flood ot out.

Why not just put the 305 in and use the TB. injection. Lots simpler. The whole injection will work OK. but you might have to change the e-prom to a 305 ci. memcal shouldnt cost more then $20-30 dollars for the OEM. chip.

DRA · April 18, 2004

You can get by with the current fuel pump by using a pressure regulator to "turn down" the pressure, otherwise disconnect the OEM fuel pump and install an aftermarket one.

Fuel injection does use a much higher pressure so you will have to do something about it when going from fuel injection to carb but it's not a difficult problem to overcome.

rpage · September 9, 2004

You can use an older intake manifold, you just need to bore out the 2 center bolt holes on each side of the manifold, and gaskets arn't a problem either. Felpro even has a gasket for this exact use. Then any carb will bolt up to the older manifold. I'd use a hei igntion out of a 85 and older 350, if you want to save money, or buy a new unit that is vacuum advanced.