88 Gmc K1500 / 5.0
G.A.S.
02-21-2008, 02:32 AM
I have the engine from this truck, 88 GMC K-1500 4x4 and I want to use it.
It has the 5.0ltr.
What would be keeping me from using a distrubitor from an older chevy in this engine? one with the coil in the cap. a HEI ignition.
I have herd something about the heads and intake.
can someine fill me in please.
the way I understand it is that this engine will not except that distributor unless you change the heads.
something to do with the intake being off set, is this true?
It has the 5.0ltr.
What would be keeping me from using a distrubitor from an older chevy in this engine? one with the coil in the cap. a HEI ignition.
I have herd something about the heads and intake.
can someine fill me in please.
the way I understand it is that this engine will not except that distributor unless you change the heads.
something to do with the intake being off set, is this true?
MT-2500
02-21-2008, 08:48 AM
Does it have a carb or TBI fuel injection?
MT
MT
G.A.S.
02-21-2008, 09:48 AM
I'm sorry, thought I added that.
it has the TBI.
I really wouldnt mind installing my endelbrock intake to this as well as the HEI ignition.
I herd that cant be done. ?
it has the TBI.
I really wouldnt mind installing my endelbrock intake to this as well as the HEI ignition.
I herd that cant be done. ?
MT-2500
02-21-2008, 11:30 AM
With TBI you will have to stay with the dist for it.
One of them computer deals where it needs dist reference and spark to trigger injectors.
But if you have a carb and intake for the older engine you can change over to carb and use the older HEI dist/ign.
I have changed the older point style dist/ign over to the HEI dist/ign.
Gives better and hotter spark.
The dist shafts and gear have stayed the same for many years.
On the newer votec engines the intake and head matchup/fit may have changed where a older intake may not fit.
Good luck
MT
One of them computer deals where it needs dist reference and spark to trigger injectors.
But if you have a carb and intake for the older engine you can change over to carb and use the older HEI dist/ign.
I have changed the older point style dist/ign over to the HEI dist/ign.
Gives better and hotter spark.
The dist shafts and gear have stayed the same for many years.
On the newer votec engines the intake and head matchup/fit may have changed where a older intake may not fit.
Good luck
MT
777stickman
02-21-2008, 02:48 PM
The difference between Vortec and the older style is this:
There are 6 attach bolts on each side of the intake manifold.
The 2 center attach bolts on each side on a Vortec are almost straight up as opposed to the other 4 on each side being angled in towards the center of the motor.
On the older style all 6 bolts on each side are angled the same.
Hope this helps.
There are 6 attach bolts on each side of the intake manifold.
The 2 center attach bolts on each side on a Vortec are almost straight up as opposed to the other 4 on each side being angled in towards the center of the motor.
On the older style all 6 bolts on each side are angled the same.
Hope this helps.
G.A.S.
02-21-2008, 03:42 PM
Ok, So I would have to change the heads.
Next question would be, what type of head can I use. Would a head off another 305/350/400 off an older style engine work? something that had the same HEI ignition I want to use.
Next question would be, what type of head can I use. Would a head off another 305/350/400 off an older style engine work? something that had the same HEI ignition I want to use.
MT-2500
02-21-2008, 04:51 PM
The 88 TBI engine should have the old style heads.
The vortec V8 uses the new style heads and intake.
Stick man may be able to tell you what year the vortec came out with new style heads.
But even on it you should be able to get a carb intake to fit it from aftermarket.
Good luck
MT
The vortec V8 uses the new style heads and intake.
Stick man may be able to tell you what year the vortec came out with new style heads.
But even on it you should be able to get a carb intake to fit it from aftermarket.
Good luck
MT
777stickman
02-21-2008, 08:12 PM
I have the engine from this truck, 88 GMC K-1500 4x4 and I want to use it.
It has the 5.0ltr.
What would be keeping me from using a distrubitor from an older chevy in this engine? one with the coil in the cap. a HEI ignition.
I have herd something about the heads and intake.
can someine fill me in please.
the way I understand it is that this engine will not except that distributor unless you change the heads.
something to do with the intake being off set, is this true?
OK, let go back to the beginning.
1st. You say you have an '88 5.0 TBI that you "want to use", but you don't say what you want to use it in?? You've got almost 370 posts and should know on this forum that all the info is needed.
2nd. You wanted info on a dist change and "MT" addressed that. You wanted info on intakes and that was addressed. Now you want to change heads??
3rd. Most all of us on this forum got involved to be able to give helpful advice to folks who need it. But our advice is only limited to the info we receive!!
4th. Whew!!!, blew off that steam!!
5th. Chevy started the Vortec change-over in maybe '86 and finished in maybe '88. Another indication for Vortec heads is center bolt valve covers.
6th. Most ALL aftermarket companies make intakes for old style or Vortec heads.
It has the 5.0ltr.
What would be keeping me from using a distrubitor from an older chevy in this engine? one with the coil in the cap. a HEI ignition.
I have herd something about the heads and intake.
can someine fill me in please.
the way I understand it is that this engine will not except that distributor unless you change the heads.
something to do with the intake being off set, is this true?
OK, let go back to the beginning.
1st. You say you have an '88 5.0 TBI that you "want to use", but you don't say what you want to use it in?? You've got almost 370 posts and should know on this forum that all the info is needed.
2nd. You wanted info on a dist change and "MT" addressed that. You wanted info on intakes and that was addressed. Now you want to change heads??
3rd. Most all of us on this forum got involved to be able to give helpful advice to folks who need it. But our advice is only limited to the info we receive!!
4th. Whew!!!, blew off that steam!!
5th. Chevy started the Vortec change-over in maybe '86 and finished in maybe '88. Another indication for Vortec heads is center bolt valve covers.
6th. Most ALL aftermarket companies make intakes for old style or Vortec heads.
2000CAYukon
02-21-2008, 08:48 PM
The TBI heads have a different intake bolt pattern than 86 and early intakes. The Vortec heads (starting in 96) also have a different intake bolt pattern.
The block is a Gen I block with a 1 piece oil seal. You can use older style heads, vortec heads or even TBI heads and the intake just has to match the heads.
Also, the TBI block did not have a roller cam but can be modified to accept one.
//2000CAYukon
The block is a Gen I block with a 1 piece oil seal. You can use older style heads, vortec heads or even TBI heads and the intake just has to match the heads.
Also, the TBI block did not have a roller cam but can be modified to accept one.
//2000CAYukon
G.A.S.
02-22-2008, 03:48 AM
OK, let go back to the beginning.
1st. You say you have an '88 5.0 TBI that you "want to use", but you don't say what you want to use it in?? You've got almost 370 posts and should know on this forum that all the info is needed.
(what I put this in shouldnt matter and in my second post I appoligized for not having that infromation.)
2nd. You wanted info on a dist change and "MT" addressed that. You wanted info on intakes and that was addressed. Now you want to change heads?? (No, I dont want to have to change heads. my questions lead me to ask that after the fact. If I cant put an older intake and distributor on the newer vortec engine, of course the next question would be would the heads fit that block.
again, sorry.)
3rd. Most all of us on this forum got involved to be able to give helpful advice to folks who need it. But our advice is only limited to the info we receive!! (I understand your point. I do as well.)
4th. Whew!!!, blew off that steam!! (Me too)
5th. Chevy started the Vortec change-over in maybe '86 and finished in maybe '88. Another indication for Vortec heads is center bolt valve covers.
6th. Most ALL aftermarket companies make intakes for old style or Vortec heads.
(and I appoligize:)
1st. You say you have an '88 5.0 TBI that you "want to use", but you don't say what you want to use it in?? You've got almost 370 posts and should know on this forum that all the info is needed.
(what I put this in shouldnt matter and in my second post I appoligized for not having that infromation.)
2nd. You wanted info on a dist change and "MT" addressed that. You wanted info on intakes and that was addressed. Now you want to change heads?? (No, I dont want to have to change heads. my questions lead me to ask that after the fact. If I cant put an older intake and distributor on the newer vortec engine, of course the next question would be would the heads fit that block.
again, sorry.)
3rd. Most all of us on this forum got involved to be able to give helpful advice to folks who need it. But our advice is only limited to the info we receive!! (I understand your point. I do as well.)
4th. Whew!!!, blew off that steam!! (Me too)
5th. Chevy started the Vortec change-over in maybe '86 and finished in maybe '88. Another indication for Vortec heads is center bolt valve covers.
6th. Most ALL aftermarket companies make intakes for old style or Vortec heads.
(and I appoligize:)
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