To swap from TBI to CPI, you would have to change out a lot of little things from the intake manifold with CPI, Computer, fuel pump, and some other little things. Pretty much what you said. The CPI version engine was rated with more power, but a lot of people don't like it because of reliability issues.

 

your intake manifold wont fit. Vortec's have a different bolt pattern and angle

 

I've heard both ways now. I do know that there were TBI (Z) blocks produced that year, so i'm hoping there's error in what you're telling me. On the other hand, there's no reason I couldn't just swap heads, too. That would give me what I need. I guess if all else fails, I can look for an aftermarket TBI intake for '94 or even one for a carb.

Anyone else have input?

 

You can buy the edelbrock 2112(?) manifold and a carb to tb adapter. It will allow you to use the vortec heads with the TBI setup. There is really no point in swapping to the vortec motor if you are going to keep the TBI heads.

 

I was wanting to swap in the vortec motor because it doesn't knock like the TBI one does, lol. Looks like I took a chance and ****ed myself like usual.

 

look at the intake manifold bolt pattern of the heads from the cpi. i think they are the same as the tbi heads. if the new heads have 4 bolts they are the newer vortecs, and if they have 6 they will work with the old tbi manifold. then you have no problems.

 

a CPI up to 95 should work. 96 up is where the bolt pattern changed.

 

question quys, I thought I read somewhere that the balancer shaft in the cpi engine may interfere with some tbi manifolds that were not equipped with the balancer shaft?