The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Pulling TBI wiring from car with 350 engine

Hi,
I am pulling the 350 engine and 700r4 Trans from an old 1991 Caprice police car to put into my 55/57/58 BBW project. I have a wiring diagram but some of the wiring goes up into the dash harness, etc. Can anyone out there give me some pointers concerning pulling the old wiring harness and being sure that I get all that I need for the system to work correctly?
Thanks!

There is a book available on swapping GM EFI systems that might help.

It gives very helpful information that should help you sort it out. It would be nice if I could remember the title, but I see it often at Barnes and Nobel so I don't think it would be hard to find.

If you have time (ie. the donor car is yours) remove the dash and follow every wire. You'll find that all wires will lead to such things as the headlite switch, gauge cluster, ac controls etc...

If you are pressed for time (at the junkyard or the mrs. wants it gone) yank the dash, take what you need and then return whats left to the junkyard.

1991 caprice was throttle body fuel injection which makes it a little easier. It only requires about 9lbs of fuel pressure. You could get fancy and use the in-tank fuelpump or just snip the harness close to the tank (s/b 3 wires, 2 for +/- pump and 1 for fuel level) use an after market frame mounted pump using these leads.

Be sure to get the computer, all underdash wiring and switches, the fuel pump wires, fuse block and what ever else looks important.

Hope this helps you alittle.
Scott

It would be easier to buy a new wiring harness from someone such as street and performance, especially if you are making any changes from stock (i.e. no smog pump)

I just finished installing TBI on my 1986 C20-454 with GM in tank fuel pumps "2 tanks"
Before you go through all the trouble of striping the old harness and sensors check these guys out www.affordable-fuel-injection.com
They sell wiring harness,complete kits,and just about anything you'll need for the conversion
hope this helps
good luck

I agree with Jimbob and tabdoo, One bad wire in the old harness can ruin everything. Believe me I know, had one bad in my harness and it took me a solid month to find it.

WOW!

I’m really impressed and encouraged by the # and quality of responses!! Let me see if I can address them all.

OldSub (Steve): I would be very interested in looking at that book. If you come up with the name let me know. Also, if I find it I will post it on the site also.


51 Rust Bucket: Thanks for the advise. Since I am blessed with more time than $$$$ I think that I will try to remove it all myself first, fit it, test it, then decide if I need to go another route. By the way, I love the Suicide Doors. If this were not my first one I might try them too. Maybe the next go-around!

jimbob1957 & tabdoo16: I was really hoping that someone would come up with an alternative to the stock harness. I want to give it a try, but I feel better if I have another option in the back pocket (other than a manifold and carburetor). Thanks!

tabdoo16: By the way – I am seriously impressed at your project and welding skills – It looks great!! I hope that mine can look ½ as good. I am also encouraged to see the ’80 steering column match to the 700r4 – I was planning on using that vintage column too.

wilbur: Very cool truck! I really got a kick to see how you pulled the cab off with the engine hoist! That’s exactly how I pulled mine off! Is the gas tank an aftermarket or from a donor? Also, I could not get your second page of pics (the one with the motor to load).

Thanks again and keep it coming if you have any other ideas or input.

Carl

Carl, the fuel tank is 70 mustang, modified for efi.

I reloaded the motor pics.
Tagged motor.
Myself and my father (His 32 Ford 2DR Sedan) Are going to have professional pics taken and I will post them after it happens.