getting a Vortec?

CrohnieBoy · February 10, 2003

I have a 1995 Chevy 1500 Ext Cab. It has the 350 in it. Currently I have 124,000 miles and it is running fine. But... I know some day it will have to give out. Thus my question. Should I rebuild the 350 or swap engines and get a Vortec? Is there a "swap kit": for a 350 to a Vortec? Thanks.

carguru · February 10, 2003

You can always rebuild the engine and get a Vortec sticker.

The biggest difference between the engines in the '95 and the '96-'99 are the fuel delivery method (throttle body vs. mulitport) and engine management (OBD1 vs. OBD2). The newer engines are drop-ins as long as you get a complete engine and the computer that goes along. Other than that, you would probably have to upgrade the fuel pump to a higher pressure unit. Unless you are talking about putting something other than a 350 in.

95whtZR2 · February 10, 2003

Also think about this... What do you use the truck for, do you hot rod it, pull trailers and such, 4wheel? The reason I ask is the TBI is more tame in the power to rpm ratio, and CPI has its power at higher rpm's. The TBI (Throttle body)-What yours has now, compared to the CPI(?)(Central port)-I think that is what the vortechs used from 96-99, the TBI has less trq and hp than the CPI does, but it isn't very much, I think maybe 10-20 for each. But the big difference is where the power is at RPM wise. For example, my 4.3L is CPI and my Bro's 4.3L is TBI, mine has 200hp at approx. 4500rpm, and 265(I think) ft-lbs. at approx. 3500rpm. My bros. has 185 hp at 2500 rpm, and 245 ft-lbs, at, I think, 2200 rpm. Like I said I am not sure of all the figures, but I know they are close. Good luck in deciding what to do.

Tom

varmint2506 · February 10, 2003

I have a 1995 Chevy 1500 Ext Cab. It has the 350 in it. Currently I have 124,000 miles and it is running fine. But... I know some day it will have to give out.

Unless you run the crap out of it, don't count it out yet. I have almost 300k on my '89.

I asked a similar question not to long ago. I figured my '89 would be quitting soon also. I think you could re-build that '95 with some mod's. and see more power than the Vortec. I like the TBI better then the CPI anyway. It has a whole lot quicker throttle response on the low end.

timk49 · February 10, 2003

I agree , Dont count your engine out at 124,000 miles it should go fine for many more miles. It's the transmission I t6hink you should worry about. My previous truck was a 95 1500 4x4. The engine was still strong but the trans was getting week and I had already replaced the transfer case. I'd stay with the stock 5.7 and save my money for the new transmission.

SnakeEyeSS · February 10, 2003

my truck is getting close to 170, still a monster. You can EASILY get Vortec power out of your engine for around 500 bucks, I did. plus, the Vortec's can carbon up, and my TBI hasn't even gotten close with a good deal of city driving.

Kansas Kid · February 11, 2003

Seems like we are forgetting that the fuel injection system is not the only difference between a 95 and 96 motors. The biggest difference is probably the cylinder heads. The cylinder heads on the TBI motors are awful compared to the Vortec cylinder heads used on the 96 and later truck motors. These cast iron Vortec cylinder heads are very cheap and are good for around 30-40 Hp right out of the box compared to the stock heads. If I were you I would keep your TBI setup, and when it comes time to rebuild your motor I would get a set of Vortec heads and a TBI/Vortec intake manifold from GM Performance Parts. I can assure you that you will notice a difference....

CrohnieBoy · February 12, 2003

Thank you all for your responses.

I agree that this engine should run for a long time. It is still very strong with 120K+ miles on it.

I was just doing a little planning/dreaming.

The primary use of this truck is a year round daily commuter. I also tow a pop-up camper and 2 jet-ski's with it in the spring/summer months. And the occasional load of lumber or drywall or mulch.

Again, thanks for all the responses!