[1hotroc]

Hello ! Got my eye on buying a clean 95 Astro. I really want to put a tpi 350 in it . It’s one of those weird years that is obd 1.5. I want to retain the factory gauges and I want to retain ac . Should I go with a vortec 350 from 96 up? Or 95 V8 which has the crappy TBI? Or can I make the tpi small block work with just changing engine harness and Ecu? This 95 as you know has a CPI 4.3. Can’t find enough solid info on these swaps most are for early gen 1 astros that had the tbi v6. Thank you

 

[Mmusicman]

Do you have emissions standards where you live?
This might determine your options.

In my world, I threw a simple carbureted 350 in mine.
One fuel line, and one wire to HEI is all it takes.
Fits like it was made for it.. all the accys, A/C, and pulleys from V6 fit the V8.
Many years later it's going 100%!

 

[M_a_t_t]

You can transfer the sensors for the gauges from the v6 to the v8. All my gauges work. I also carb swapped mine. It was originally from a 94 G30 and was TBI.

 

[Huckleberry]

I'd recommend a '96 or later Tahoe.
Already has a Vortec V8 and 4WD with low range,
and they're sooo much easier to work on than vans.
I'll show myself out.

 

[1hotroc]

The more I think about it I think I need the 96 and up vortec 350 . 95 already has the vortec v6 , Unlike the V8 of same year with TBI . Sorry don’t want to go backwards with throttle body injection or a carburetor.

 

[Mmusicman]

Backwards? In my world I see carburetion as an upgrade for simplicity, reliability, AND performance.
I know professional racers who still prefer them.

But I get your point.
If I were going FI.. then I would want the better system too.
Wouldn't want to miss out on all that wiring, computers, sensors, etc etc.

Just having fun...
Get a van first.. then we'll talk more lol

 

[markmitch]

My recommendation is to buy a wrecked 96 and up truck with the vortec, get the whole truck, then you can swap the whole engine and harness. And you have spare parts to put aside in case you need them. My 89 has a 98 AWD frame under it with a TBI 350 in it. The TBI set up is better for me because I live in a cold state and don't wish to deal with a choke. And my van was TBI to begin with. The TBI is an easy system and one can have custom chips burned for it for better power and torque.

 

[MechBob]

OK, not going to get into the stuff about-"where the alternator, or a/c mounts" I am not up on that stuff, but as far as the fuel system, terms get throw out and misconstrued, so here is a bit of info.
First, early Astros(and others) were carbed, or TBI, throttle body injection.
Then came CPI, central port injection.One central injector, with 6 poppet valves.
Then,96 and up, came SPFI, but more precisely--Central Sequential Fuel Injection (CSFI) system. With a single injector for each cylinder, the CSFI system has a much more efficient design than its predecessor.
A great system, but more difficult to service.
Interestingly,a CPI, electrical plug is exactly the same as a TBI injector plug, also a cause for problems when older, have repaired/replaced quite a few.
So, as far as "fast and easy", not swapping wiring harnesses, dropping in a 350 throttle body, add jumper wires to the injector, as both fire at once anyway, and swap in a 350 ECM.
Now that will give you more to think about.
Going to a CSFI will require a harness swap, but, generally, make more HP, run cleaner, and, engines last longer, as they do with any/most fuel injection systems.
Have fun.

 

[AstroWill]

You can make pretty much anything work, cheapest/easiest is going to be an SBC with the same fuel injection system and transmission, swapping the PCM. Read up on our fuel systems here: Astro-Safari-Info - Fuel System

 

[Big_kid]

I put a TBI 350 frm a G20/Roadmaster into my 95 Astro, I felt it was the best choice for my particular wants and needs. I have a long and rambling thread on it, if you have questions let us know.