Hi, I am considering buying an older chevy truck (1994) and was wondering if I can install a vortec 350 from newer trucks (96 & newer). What would I need to do to make it work if anything? Computer? sensors? Thanks in advance for any info you can give me...

Frank

The 94 uses EFI with two injectors mounted on top of the "carb". The Vortecs use one (two?) centrally mounted injectors with 8 little spring loaded valves. One at each intake runner. For a port injection setup vs the TBI for the 94. If smog testing is an issue, the vortecs have the vin in the computer program which gets checked in some states. So you would have to swap the complete engine, harness and maybe computer to get the vortec efi to work. An aftermarket computer doesn't exist for that style EFI. Not that you couldn't make it work. You might try Howell Engineering. He's a retired GM engineer. If anybody can do it, he can. Depending on the vortec injectors, you may be able to use an older GM computer with custom programing. Unless you can find someone whose has already figured it out, big $$. Unless you learn to modify your own program. I'm currently doing this. Not expensive, just very time consuming due to the learning curve. The 94 trucks are OBDII I believe. There is less info on modifing that style program than the older ones. If smog is not an issue, I'd go with a vortec long block, a 93 TBI setup w/ Edelbrock intake, and a custom chip. Your 4L60e trans limits your computer choices. Only 93 trucks and maybe Caprices came with TBI and an "E" trans.
93 camaros and vettes didn't have an "E" trans so you can't use their computer for a TPI setup.
Unless you are willing to switch to a non E trans too. Check out TGO (http://www.thirdgen.org) for more EFI programing info. TPI on a truck is sweet. Just depends if you have to smog it.

Thanks Scott for the info. Short of installing everything from another truck is is possible to use any other long block (with more power of course)? From what you are saying they will look at the vin on the motor. If the motor were to fail and you would have to put another engine in it then the vin number would not be there either. Correct?

Frank

It varies from state to state. CA being probably the most restrictive. They can look at the block #'s, but rarely do so. The proplem is, OBDII computers have the vin listed in the program. So if you put a 98 computer in, the vin will not match what the tech entered in from the registration. Now it should be pretty simple to change the vin in the program. I haven't researched OBDII computers so I don't know.
Not that you would pass a 94 visual inspection with a 98 intake manifold sticking up. In CA, you can swap in a newer motor and get a tag permanently attached to your car stating among other things, what year to smog it too.

Yes, you can use whatever internal engine parts you want. As long as you can pass whatever smog test is required in your state. Externally visible parts may require a # or sticker or something to pass the visual inspection. Some places only test at the sale of the vehicle. Find out what is required in your state for testing or inspection.

Originally posted by 69bigblock:
Hi, I am considering buying an older chevy truck (1994) and was wondering if I can install a vortec 350 from newer trucks (96 & newer). What would I need to do to make it work if anything? Computer? sensors? Thanks in advance for any info you can give me...

Frank You'd need a TBI vortec intake manifold and run the stock TBI system. That would allow a vortec motor in your 94 smile.gif