Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Truck:1990 Chevy K 1500 4.3 V6
I wanna try swapping a throotle body from a 350 V8 to this V6 engine, would it cause any problems? They look identical just different numbers on top.
Answer -
The TBI units carry different numbers because their flow rates are different. The V-8 TBI is calibrated for more flow than the V-6 TBI.
Without forced induction (supercharging), an engine can only draw in a certain amount of air. Adding more fuel, without the corresponding increase in air flow, will only make the vehicle run rich, exceed emission standards, and possibly cause the catalytic converter to overheat (which may cause a vehicle fire).
The proper ration for fuel to air is one part fuel to 14.6 parts air. In other words, you need a much greater increase in air flow if you want to add more fuel to your engine.
I found out after asking you the question that the V8 TBI was off a 305. I understand the rule still applies, now is there a way to get more air flow? I know I should just get the correct injectors now ,but just out of couriosity I was wondering about upping the air flow. How to do that and what kind of ways would it change it from factory,and could that throw off the ECM? Sorry if you feel like Im wasting your time with this follow up question but you had a well explained answer for me on the other question. It just got me thinking ,is there anyway it could be possible to gain power from doing something like this?(fuel economy go down?)
AnswerThere are only marginal gains to be had by adding a free flow exhaust system, porting cylinder heads, and changing intake manifolds (if a performance manifold existed for the engine).
To add more air and make more power the engine has to have forced induction (or supercharging as it is commonly called).
Supercharging is neither easy or cheap. In today's computer-controlled engines, it would require reprogramming the computer, probably with a custom designed program. It would also likely cause an emission compliance problem.
Forced induction can make the engine more economical, but there is no practical way to recover the investment it would take to achieve it in today's engines.
If you want more power, trade your vehicle in for one with a bigger engine. I know all about under-powered vehicles: My 130 horsepower diesels are in vehicles weighing 4,800 pounds and 5,600 pounds empty. I trade neck-snapping and tire-burning performance for economy of 15 to 22 mpg.
