Recommendations for TBI system on Buick 350

[mad_science]

Sometime soon a friend is going to send me a mystery megasquirt setup that he got in exchange for doing some work on someone else's car. I'll figure out exactly what's coming (or if it's any good) a bit later. A few basic planning questions for now...

The vehicle in question is a '69 Jeep Wagoneer with a Buick 350. (yes, that's what Kaiser was putting in at the factory then). I want to go to EFI primarily for driveability: better starting, part-throttle response and running at angles when offroad. Better mileage would be nice, but I know I can't cheat physics. The highest I'll ever rev the thing is probably 4500rpm, and top-end power is a lower priority anyway.

Is there any reason to do anything other than the factory 2bbl manifold with a Chevy 350 TBI adapted to it?

I see used 4bbl TBI setups from other aftermarket companies showing up on eBay, or see other people recommending the TBI from a 454 for certain builds. For the effort involved to set all this up, spending a little more time and money for a power bump is probably worth it. The question is whether there's a real power bump to be had over that "base" 2bbl + tbi system.

[trakkies]

The 350 is, of course, what became the Rover V-8. Which never used TBI - but there are two different port injection manifolds/plenums for that, one by Rover, the later by BMW. The Rover one in two forms - the original for the US market (emissions) and the UK one for performance/economy. But for an engine which revved to 6000 rpm. The later BMW one was tuned for torque, which means it's not popular for an aftermarket conversion. But may be ideal for your purpose.
The Rover V8 is probably the most common engine used for transplants in the UK - and also likely the biggest single user of MS.

[mad_science]

Unfortunately, the Rover/Buick/Olds 215ci (and immediate descendants) don't have interchangeable intakes with the Buick 350. The port arrangements are different (ex Vs intake) and I believe the deck height is different.

[trakkies]

Ah - sorry. I had the idea at least some of the engine was the same. I've read articles about using the 350 crank in the Rover block. So back to sleep for me.