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Old 01-24-2014, 04:08 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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366 carb to 427 FI swap!!

Good Afternoon All,
I have a 1987 Chevy B60 with a 366 carbureted engine. I am going to swap in a 427 and was really leaning towards a 427 fuel injected with 72K miles from a 1995 GMC Topkick. When taking the parts from the donor Topkick, what should I be sure not to leave - for instance: is there a computer or ecu that runs the fuel injection system? My biggest concern is forgetting something on the donor that I'll need for this swap.

Would I be better off just swapping in a 427 carburetor engine?

Here are some pics of the engine:



Thanks for any and all input!!

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Old 01-24-2014, 04:27 PM   #2
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Re: 366 carb to 427 FI swap!!

I am going to be blunt, and you may not like my answer Keep in mind, it is just my opinion. This is one of those situations where the answer is, "If you have to ask, you probably aren't prepared to do it." Yes, there is a computer. Probably one for the trans as well, unless it is a manual. If they are both manual, that would simplify a tiny portion. You are going to need the complete wiring harness from the Topkick, along with the ECU. You will then need to figure out what all those wires do and how to rewire them. A lot of it can be eliminated, but you will need the schematics. It's not a beginners project. I will say though, that since it has throttle body injection, and I'm assuming a gm HEI one wire distributor, that would make it easier. IF you were to go for it

Swapping in a carbed 427 would be MUCH simpler...
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Old 01-24-2014, 09:33 PM   #3
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Re: 366 carb to 427 FI swap!!

The truth hurts but I'd rather get this information prior to diving into this project. Thank you for your input. There is a 1988 carbureted 427 with like 40k miles thats out there. Perhaps this would be a better and easier option for this conversion.
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Old 01-24-2014, 10:19 PM   #4
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Re: 366 carb to 427 FI swap!!

If it were me, I would stick with the carbed motor. Just for simplicity sake. Yes, FI is better, but it's in a bus, not a hotrod. I don't know that the extra work would be worth the small gain, to me at least. I love messing with carburetors, though
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Old 01-25-2014, 08:07 AM   #5
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Re: 366 carb to 427 FI swap!!

I'm going to agree with Jake on this one. I've done it , although not with those particular engines, and it wasn't particularly easy, and I do know how to read the diagrams. In any project like that there are always small things that pop up to make it even harder. I would be concerned that you would get half way through and decide you are in over your head then either abandon the project or have to pay someone to figure it out. The carburated one should be pretty much a drop in.

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Old 01-25-2014, 08:50 AM   #6
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Re: 366 carb to 427 FI swap!!

Like the other members are saying simple is best.

A full engine and trans swap to a first gen Cummins combo would be easier than swapping to fuel injection.

Any gas engine is going to have 10 times the electrical connections of a fist gen Cummins.

So yes, just swap the carb, and keep looking for a fist gen Cummins. Remember, hands down the 12 valve 5.9 Cummins is the most simple engine to transplant. It needs no electrical connection to run. All gauges are mechanical, Fuel pump is mechanical, ect.

The 5.9 Cummins is also used in industrial applications where they don't use 12 volt electric starters. They use a air motor in place of the starter that uses compressed air to turn the engine over. This is how I will start my truck after a EMP kills everything electric.

Nat
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Old 01-25-2014, 10:51 AM   #7
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Re: 366 carb to 427 FI swap!!

A $6000 5.9 engine in a 1987 school bus? Its bad enough that whatever money we put into these things, we never get back as it is.
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Old 01-25-2014, 12:24 PM   #8
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Re: 366 carb to 427 FI swap!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by opus
A $6000 5.9 engine in a 1987 school bus? Its bad enough that whatever money we put into these things, we never get back as it is.
Why would you pay that? I can buy a whole school bus for $1000 to $2000 with the Cummins engine already in it. I also have a few I would be willing to sell for under $2000.

Across the road from me is a yard with over 200 buses. Cummins 5.9, DT466, DT366, ect. If your willing to pull, any engine $1500.

Nat
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Old 01-25-2014, 12:31 PM   #9
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Re: 366 carb to 427 FI swap!!

You aren't in the states. I guess you could buy another rig with an engine in it. I wouldn't want to have my place look like a junk yard so i guess I never thought of that.
You can't find a 12v in my area period!
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Old 01-25-2014, 04:06 PM   #10
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Re: 366 carb to 427 FI swap!!

Where are you located Nat_ster? A whole yard of buses to pull parts from sounds fun to me!!

I have found a really nice 40,000 mile 1988 427 carb engine that I think I want to just buy and swap in. See how it runs - has to be better and more reliable than my 300K mile 366. I'm gonna probably go this route first. I never really though too much about the diesel thing - though i've been told to stay away from the 8.2 Detroit fuel pincher (head gasket issues etc..)
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Old 01-25-2014, 05:33 PM   #11
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Re: 366 carb to 427 FI swap!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by jaredg
Where are you located Nat_ster? A whole yard of buses to pull parts from sounds fun to me!!
Edmonton Alberta Canada

Nat
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Old 01-25-2014, 06:49 PM   #12
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Re: 366 carb to 427 FI swap!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by jaredg
Where are you located Nat_ster? A whole yard of buses to pull parts from sounds fun to me!!

I have found a really nice 40,000 mile 1988 427 carb engine that I think I want to just buy and swap in. See how it runs - has to be better and more reliable than my 300K mile 366. I'm gonna probably go this route first. I never really though too much about the diesel thing - though i've been told to stay away from the 8.2 Detroit fuel pincher (head gasket issues etc..)
Sounds like a good plan and for sure what I would do if i were in your shoes. Good luck!!
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Old 01-28-2014, 07:56 PM   #13
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Re: 366 carb to 427 FI swap!!

That 1995 427 is going to have TBI on it which is STUPID simple as far as fuel injection is concerned and there is a wealth of information on the subject. If ever there were a system that a newbie should dive into that would be it. I wouldn't be worried about the transmission either. An AT545 is the most likely transmission and it has nothing other than a detent cable to the best of my knowledge. An MT643 has lockup on the converter, but even then I believe it is just the detent cable that modulates it. If the original 427 ECU was supposed to control a transmission like a 4L80E it won't care if one isn't there.

Just some food for thought...I'm all about fuel injection where ever possible, but a carb might be easiest. Why are you swapping from the 366 in the first place? They are gutless, but the spread from the most gutless skoolie engine to the most powerful is not very wide. I wouldn't worry about reliability at 300,000 miles if it isn't giving warning signs like noise or high oil consumption. They are solid engines.
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Old 02-18-2015, 09:01 PM   #14
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Mr. Experience couldn't have said it better, I did the conversion from carb to injection and it ain't for no beginner. I must say that I had a big advantage with access to a pile of gm truck information. If I had to do it again I think I would just go look for a cummings powered bus, but thats me. Good luck and i wish you the best.
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