Engine Opinions

[Colorado Cruiser]

Ok Current Cruiser Specs

Stock 350 carbed with edelbrock 600, TH350, Atlas 3.8, Toyota minitruck rear 4.56, Detroit and LC front axle 4.56, arb. Longfields and 4340 inner axles. Vehicle is built to be a rockcrawler. my 350 runs well, but when I purchased the vehicle it ocasionally would loose oil pressure. The Fix was to put the oil pick up tube back on. Not sure about damage. Engine does not use any oil.

here is the problem

I want fuel Injection. I was talking with jeremiah proffit about fuel injection systems. The howell system seems to be the most reliable and is about 1500- 1700 dollars. Jeremiah suggested I look into the Ramjet 350 = $5000. Not too concerned about the $$. Just have to save a bit longer to get the Ramjet.

The question

Is the RamJet 350 Overkill?

Will My TH350 Hold Up?

Other Options I have not Considered?

[kling-on]

Originally posted by Colorado Cruiser
... Atlas 3.8, Toyota minitruck rear 4.56, Detroit ..... Vehicle is built to be a rockcrawler. ......

ramjet = but it sounds like fun

[Colorado Cruiser]

Other Things on my mind are power to weight ratio and easy adaptablity to my th350. I know the axles will probably have problems, but this is an over time build up so the D60's will have to come later. I appreciate any advice

[Myanarchy]

You do of course realize that you can get junkyard parts for next to nothing and build your own reliable FI system. You can make it practical, cheap, and alot less than 1500-1700 dollars.
Just my $.02

[Colorado Cruiser]

I was told that because of my cam changes a junk yard system would not work as well....

[ROCK HUGGER]

You will only break parts with the Ram jet if you use to much of the skinny pedal.
You can break with a 6cyl, or a stock carbed 350, if you drive that way. Just beause you have that much HP doesn't mean you have to use all of it. I would still go for the Ramjet.

[TxCruzr]

I would look into a LS1. You can get one from Turn Key for $4500 or AA also sales them.
If I could get a LS1 for around the same as a Ramjet then I would go for it. It is a 4 bolt main over the Ramjets 2 bolt. If the Ramjet is such a high hp motor, which it is, then why the 2-bolt
Also the LS1 is all aluminum so its lighter as well.
Granted the Ramjet intake is bling bling, thats the only standout I see on it.
Just my $.02

Joseph

[Colorado Cruiser]

I didnt think the LS1 would bolt to a TH350. Is there an adapter?

[Myanarchy]

Originally posted by Colorado Cruiser
I was told that because of my cam changes a junk yard system would not work as well....

You can always tailor the junk yard system to your needs, with larger injectors, and maybe a custom chip. In the end it would still perform just as well as a howell, and be cheaper.
John

[TxCruzr]

Originally posted by Colorado Cruiser
I didnt thing the LS1 would bolt to a TH350. Is there an adapter?

I don't know...good question.

[jnau99]

I used 92 camero TPI stuff and it runs great all for about 700 with new injectors. Had it up side down and it still ran.

[Bundok]

The Howell system is not that much different than OEM Chevy stuff - it's made from off the shelf parts.

As far as cam goes, if you have a radical cam, you'll need to make adjustments but why would you rock crawl or trail ride with a radical cam? Not to say that people have not done it, but not many do?

What kind of cam are you running?

The TH350 will live behind a ramjet no problem. It's a cool motor, but its not RADICAL. 350 HP is a lot, but not even close enough to marginalize a TH350 unless you run a stahl coverter and overheat it.

Scoggin Dickey has ram jets for $4500.oo

[chef]

Man, this is just me, but I'm CHEAP! Junkyard the tbi parts and call it good. You can be done for $300 or less. I'm probably wrong, but I think even the 4.3 tbi will work with the right box and an injector change...but, then again, I'm stupid and still running carbs on everything....everything that isn't diesel That solves all your carbie problems...

[fj40charles]

If you're going to spend 1500 to 1700 on fuel injection, I'd buy a complet TBI or Vortec motor. Sell the carburated motor for around 500-600.00 to help pay for the fuel injected motor.

[bentmetal]

i would go with a vortec with a tbi mounted on it instead of the multi port.. i got a 350 with a tbi and 700r4 in a 45 and a 350 with a camaro TPI and a 700r in a 40.. if you want to look at what is involved whith either.. my shop is in gypsum so you can take a looksee if you like..... i still think a 97-99 vortec would be best

jsut my .02

[Colorado Cruiser]

When I bought the vehicle it I was told it had a mild cam.

[woody]

I purchased my complete running 1991 Chev van for $200 with a 350 TBI in it...install was a piece of cake, and the injection rocks. Swap the whole deal over, sell your existing motor...

Really, you need to know HOW big a cam is in there if you want to retrofit. I believe the numbers will be stamped on the end fo the camshaft...drop the water pump, timing cover, and cam gear and read them. Couple hours of work, $15 in gaskets, and then you know FOR SURE whats in there.

Yer coolant likely needed changing anyways....

[Pin Head]

Originally posted by woody
Put a 350 TBI in it... Swap the whole deal over, sell your existing motor...

....

Exactly. Sell your motor to a mud bog racer or someone else that can use a motor designed for WOT applications. It is overkill for rock crawling.

[Colorado Cruiser]

What do you guys thing of a 4.3 vortec? Saves weight and about the same horsepower and torque I have now?

[woody]

I don't dislike the 4.3, and if your rig is built light enough it's nice...but the 350 is not significantly heavier and the extra oooomph is nice when you want it

[Bundok]

I like the 4.3 Vortec, I have one in my "go to home depot truck" but it's not as ideal as a 350 is for a 40. For one, it may have the same tourge, but not at the same RPM. My 4.3 pickup does like to drive over stuff like a curb but the truck I have with a "truck" motor 350 in it will idle over a curb. In the truck with the 350 you have to stand on the brakes to keep it from moving. Thus, the vortec truck will get stuck in wet grass or mud where the other truck just rolls through with out wheel spin - how is that for Home Renovation wheeling!

-Stumbaugh

[Medusa]

As most of you know, I am just slightly biased

'96-99 5.7L Vortec works very well for me. My first has been running in my FJ40 for almost 6 years now. I really like these engines.

[yoda]

I converted mine to TBI. I did change the cam to an EFI friendly Crane cam. Got all the yard stuff for $125 (they told me $225, but a diff guy was there at checkout). Without the cam change I would have been done for about $300 (pump, tubing, filters, and a surge tank)

[lagwagon]

I get motors from Cordova Truck Parts in sacramento ,Ca. TBI350s w/harness and accessories,everything for a COMPLETE changeover as low as $650. Very clean takeouts and tested. with the TBI you only have15 psi or so fuel pressure and I have found them to be very reliable. You can pull codes with a paper clip also. It is a nice straight forward bolt in and you can run a/c or air compressor. The motor I found out there was a 2 week old new motor with all factory new or rebuilt parts.

[wngrog]

You can get a T350 to bolt to an LS-1. There is a thread in General about it right now.

I like the RamJet idea. I have driven a lot of TBI motors and although they are super reliable, they are weak.

If you are going to spend the jack, get yourself a motor that is FUN