I have a 93 Chevy 1500 2wd Vin-K 350 w/ Auto OD
The engine blew at 152,000 mi. and is now on a stand in my garage. It's going to need a minimum of punched .030, pistons, rings, and bearings. The problem is I really can't see putting this thing back together with the gas milage of a V-8 for a sad 200 HP that GM is rating this thing at. So I was thinking about a set of GM Vortec Heads from JEG's, approx. 10.4:1 Compression, a Comp Cams 0.444 TBI Cam (12-402-4), GMPP intake, and 670 cfm Throttle Body. This is basicly a higher compression version of the L31 engine used in production trucks from 1996-2000 with the addition of a Towing Cam and a larger TBI. On DynoSim I estimated this to be worth 350 HP and 425 ft.lb.
My Problem is what do I do for Computer Programing to keep the EFI in check? I have contacted Hypertech and Jet and they no longer offer custom chips. The Cam profile is sopposed to be for TBI so is it possibly a profile I can use with the existing chip. The L31 Vortec didn't come out till 1996 when everything switched to OBD-II so I would think that rules out pirating a chip from another vehicle. Also I live in western PA and can't seem to find a speed shop capable of tuning EFI. I found one site that shows how to make a cable to connect the diagnostic port to a laptop and has a free software download, but it only seems to be for veiwing information stored by the computer, and seemed difficult to distinguish at that. I even consitered swapping the TBI for a 750 Demon 4 bbl carb, but was told the transmission would not work without a Throttle Position Sensor, not to mention Emissions and further gas milage issues. Any thoughts will be Very, Very much appriciated.
Thanks,
PatGoFast  

If you thought that the laptop information was hard to decipher (which I even think it is myself!) then programming/burning your own chip is probably not for you. There has to be some companies out there that will do this for you yet, and I don't see a way to keep the stock programming and keep this engine running decently. Have you tried Superchips or Fastchips? How about Tuned Port Injection Specialists (TPIS)?

But, first things first. Do you really want to put an engine together pushing 10.5:1 compression with iron heads and try to sneak it by on pump fuel? You could very well have a pinging machine. Your heads are still iron, your cam is still small (because of your OE EFI) so maybe finding a way to cut down your compression to 9.5-9.8:1 may be of some advantage. I mean there is no question that engine would require pump premium with 10.4:1 compression and if your gas prices are anything like mine, the price range between E10/regular and 91-93 octane premium is too much for me. I know you're thinking that extra compression can get you 1-2% more power but in reality if you're setting the timing back to compensate and trying to run cheap gas you're building a much more in-efficient engine if you would've stuck with more conservative compression levels.  

I looked at TPIS.com, they want $575 to burn a chip for a custom cam and head combo. Also checked out the forums for the Do It Yourself setups and software and found alot of people complaining about the software, equipment and results. This is why I was hoping for some insight from anyone having attempted a similar project that might have any tips or things to be aware of. Also I agree with the compression, I will back it down to around 9.5:1. Still have gotten no comments on what options I might have to run the stock overdrive tranny without the computer if I end up having torun a 4 bbl. carb.
Thanks for your input.  

Check into www.affordable-fuel-injection.com, I recently put one of their TBI systems on a 87 Jimmy, and it runs great, super responsive.  I am sure if your combo isn't too wild they could burn you chip that would work.  Their prices are reasonable too.  Check them out, let us know what they say.  

I just completed an 87 K20 restoration...I had a 383 stroker built that includes the Edelbrock performer aluminum heads pt # 60859 along with the TBI manifold #3704 and a crane hyd. roller cam # 104225. Lift 438/452  On top I have the Holley 670 TBI unit on top.  This combination runs just fine with stock peramiters.  However a cooler thermostat and a chip mod and it really wakes this beast up.  One big plus with the Holley the idle position is adjustable.  It's importand because using a mush bigger cam the idle needs to be set higher.  Be glad to send pics.

I'll say this it's not plug n play.  You will have to fine tune.  But when you're finished you have one strong package over stock.  I just passed NJ emissions too!  Goog luck.  

Brian at TBIchips.com seems to be held in very high regard. Apparently he has even worked with a company to build engines that are designed to work directly with a specific chip he has burned.

I've heard nothing but good things about him, from answering questions to services provided.  

i have a 87 1500 with a 383 stroker. im about to put a holley 750 carb on it because i want to get rid of throttle body. im pretty sure the transmission will work with carb. i dont see why it wouldn't. you can also check out megsquirt.com to burn a chip for you.  

Well, i have a 94 that i got 223k out of before it went and i did exactly what you are doing it is 30 over new rod, pistons, and the crank was turned 10 under. My cam is 420 and 443 with a mild duration that is the key to the comp. it hates big duration. I have had some major problems and have gotten good advice from CHP family so, what i can tell you this, 1. you need to find out which tranny do you have if you a 4l60e then it will not work if you go to a carb but, a 700r4 will, I have also heard good things about Brian i will be turning to him soon to burn me a chip. Now i purchased a tbi from a place called x-treme 4x4 and it has worked well, the vortec heads are another good investment i am oredering some right now so thats good, but the key to all this is to do everything you are going to do the motor first then burn a chip if not you will have to keep burning them to compensate for any new changes you make. i am hoping to have mine finished in a month i am having problems with the timing but that is minor i hope this helps and good luck  

i just talked to jet laike alst week about a custom chip and they faxed me a questioneirre to fill out and send back and i did and they sen tme a qoute so whoever you talked to at jet was an idiot.  also hypertech never did custom chips as far as i know.  but for the best price and quality you should contact motorvation they will make you happy.  for $389.00