TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SHOWDOG · 09-18-2008, 12:16 AM

I'm looking to install a 700r4 and a tpi unit on my 67 project. Anybody have any advice? What year tranny, mass air vs speed density. Which year tpi. I'm going with vortec heads. Any help would be great!

Thanks,
Showdog

**LockDoc** · 09-18-2008, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHOWDOG

Anybody have any advice?

Thanks,
Showdog

-
Yeah, buy a wire loom...

.. j/k

I am in the process right now with a '86 Camaro setup. I am going to keep it MAF because I am a cheap a$$ AND I may want to put a cam in it at a later date. I'm attempting the wiring myself but it can be a little daunting (hence the above comment). I put the ECM and all of the relays except the fan relay on the inside firewall behind the glove box. The fan relay will be mounted on the core support so it's closer to the fan. I purchased a book on e-Bay that has a lot of good information on the wiring stuff.

Hopefully there will be some other guys chime in as there are a few that have completed this installation.

LockDoc

**steelhorse** · 09-18-2008, 08:37 AM

I dont think the tpi setup will work with vortec heads.It bolts diffently.

Ackattack · 09-18-2008, 09:38 AM

I put this combo in my 72. I used a painless harness, and the wiring was pretty easy.

I used an 87 engine. It has a roller cam and mafs. I wanted a mafs engine. Also I think in 88 or 89 they went to serpentine belt setup that may be nice too.

I just got a 700r4 from the junk yard and had it rebuilt (high performance rebuilds aren't cheap either)

One thing is I originally had 3.08 gears and it was a dog on the highway. I switched to 3.73s and it ran great. I also picked up mileage making that switch.

Oh, I know they make intake bases for the vortec heads, but they're spendy. If I were to use vortech heads on a TPI engine, I would have used a holley stealth ram intake (not much more than the vortec base, and a lot more power potential).

good luck!

Andy4639 · 09-18-2008, 12:42 PM

1986 camaro HO 305 with 700-R4 with corvette upgrades and a Street & Performance wiring harness with a V-6 ferrio computer. No mass air or knock swnors. I have about 250,000 miles on it. I installed the motor in 88. This is my everyday driver. Also installed B7M lockup switch for the torque converter.

PanelDeland · 09-18-2008, 01:46 PM

My best advice would be to use the complete drivetrain(engine/tranny) from a donor.If it's your first TPI experience the "GURU'S" say to go with a custom harness to make it simpler.I know it can be spendy but I doubt I would want to put the # of hours into one that the wiring would take then have to buy one anyway.
Just my thoughts.

cparman · 09-18-2008, 06:15 PM

two companies come to mind
www.tpis.com all about tuned port setups
www.speartech.com same

I would agree with others, IF you could get everything you need from a donor car. IE: the engine,trans, computer, and all of the factory wiring. The wiring is just so you have connectors if you need them. Buy a replacement wiring harness

Gray Ghost · 09-18-2008, 06:41 PM

I am going to do this same swap very soon. I want to retain my current block and heads [70 original] and add to it. I think my guy said the TPI was from an '89 Z28 and came with almost everything I need.

Since my motor is rebuilt and modified, Cliff recommended MAF which will 'recognize' as he put it, my modifications [mild cam, etc]. Apprently speed density can't do this.

Sure do love the look of TPI motors....yours is very nice Andy!

red71cheyenne · 09-18-2008, 07:43 PM

As Ackattack said, its all about the tranny. Be wise and have whatever one you get upgraded to at least 1992 standards. The pump and servo are the most common fail items. For the TPI, I went with an entire setup from Jim Francis at jimsperfomance.com He is very helpful and will help you build the system you want. The harness was worth it as he builds it to your specs. Speed density, knock, VSS or whatever.

Just make sure you do a lot of research at the sites listed above and have everything you need on hand before you start. Waiting on parts sucks!

**Boog** · 09-18-2008, 07:52 PM

The TPI engines are plentiful and the TPI setups seem to be reasonable pricewise. Yeah, I am looking them over too. I swore to myself this truck was NOT going to have any modern electronics on it but everyday when I start my 97 and just drive off even cold I think how nice that would be on the 69. We'll see.

Gray Ghost · 09-19-2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

The TPI engines are plentiful and the TPI setups seem to be reasonable pricewise. Yeah, I am looking them over too. I swore to myself this truck was NOT going to have any modern electronics on it but everyday when I start my 97 and just drive off even cold I think how nice that would be on the 69. We'll see.

Yep...swore I'd never own a car or truck with a computer in it.....there's that damn never word in action. I'll be eating those words gladly though for the same exact reason....I am tired of pumping the gas on cold mornings and I want better mileage!

SHOWDOG · 09-22-2008, 12:33 AM

Great ideas...........Thanks! Looks like a split between MAF and speed density. I will surely buy the entire set-up.
As usual you guys are the best.......
Thanks again!

Showdog

**passthebuck** · 09-18-2008, 06:38 PM

I dont know much about the TPI, but I do know that you should get the newest 700r4 you can find - the 88 & up where the ones with ehe better pumps & guts. Read up on them here:

http://www.geocities.com/crosley_az/4l80e.htm

http://www.geocities.com/crosley_az/700id.htm

71swb4x4 · 09-18-2008, 07:52 PM

My best pieces of advice:

1) Buy the whole car. There are a lot of little things you will need, having the car helps a ton.
2) Buy the Helms manual for that car. It has GREAT wiring diagramns. I used the original harness, and I would recommend that too. Cleaning up that harness taught me a TON about how the TPI worked. That knowledge made the swap MUCH easier.
3) Read these websites in depth, they have a huge wealth of information for you:
www.jagsthatrun.com
www.chevythunder.com

Other info.
I had my chip burned by Brian at tpichips.com. I told him exactly what combo I had, and he burned the chip to work with my application.
I had my old injectors cleaned and checked over by cruzinperformance.com. They flow tested them all so I knew I had good injectors at the beginning.
I bought my VSS and air cleaner ducting from jagsthatrun.com.

danman987123 · 09-18-2008, 08:54 PM

the tpi setup can be used on old and new style heads...i have done tpi setups with center bolt valve covers and others with just the 4 around.....speed density is a little more pricey in the beginning but is worth it. I just bought everything from an 89 iroc-z which is MAF and i got tranny and engine with harness and ecm but i converted to speed density...spent about 2 months looking for harness to be custom made for me. A GUY IN PENNSYLVANIA... I FOUND EFI CONNECTION, GREAT GUY, GOOD QUALITY HARNESS AND THE CHEAPEST FROM ANYWHERE.... 250 FOR EVERYTHING.....3 WIRE O2 SENSOR OR STOCK SMALL CAP DISTRIBUTOR OR LARGE....MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT....GREAT GUY, GOOD PRODUCT, I WOULD GO SPEED DENSITY BUT IF YOU DONT GETTING A NEW HARNESS IS ALWAYS BEST SO YOU WONT HAVE TO WORRY BOUT OLD CONNECTORS OR ANYTHING OF THAT NATURE....

danman987123 · 09-18-2008, 09:00 PM

MAF will recognize most modifications you do... and speed density will have to be tuned.....but in MAF....becomes more of a headache, more relays, more sensors, and MAF will not work without the sensor in front of the throttle body and proper ducting to go withit. BOTH I BELIEVE ARE GREAT but speed density is most common use for older rods....trucks....whatever...

09-18-2008, 12:16 AM	#1
SHOWDOG Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: ATASCADERO Posts: 48	TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! I'm looking to install a 700r4 and a tpi unit on my 67 project. Anybody have any advice? What year tranny, mass air vs speed density. Which year tpi. I'm going with vortec heads. Any help would be great! Thanks, Showdog

09-18-2008, 08:37 AM	#3
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Franklinton NC Posts: 1,309	Re: TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! I dont think the tpi setup will work with vortec heads.It bolts diffently.

09-18-2008, 09:38 AM	#4
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	Re: TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! I put this combo in my 72. I used a painless harness, and the wiring was pretty easy. I used an 87 engine. It has a roller cam and mafs. I wanted a mafs engine. Also I think in 88 or 89 they went to serpentine belt setup that may be nice too. I just got a 700r4 from the junk yard and had it rebuilt (high performance rebuilds aren't cheap either) One thing is I originally had 3.08 gears and it was a dog on the highway. I switched to 3.73s and it ran great. I also picked up mileage making that switch. Oh, I know they make intake bases for the vortec heads, but they're spendy. If I were to use vortech heads on a TPI engine, I would have used a holley stealth ram intake (not much more than the vortec base, and a lot more power potential). good luck! __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

09-18-2008, 12:42 PM	#5
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! 1986 camaro HO 305 with 700-R4 with corvette upgrades and a Street & Performance wiring harness with a V-6 ferrio computer. No mass air or knock swnors. I have about 250,000 miles on it. I installed the motor in 88. This is my everyday driver. Also installed B7M lockup switch for the torque converter. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

09-18-2008, 01:46 PM	#6
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! My best advice would be to use the complete drivetrain(engine/tranny) from a donor.If it's your first TPI experience the "GURU'S" say to go with a custom harness to make it simpler.I know it can be spendy but I doubt I would want to put the # of hours into one that the wiring would take then have to buy one anyway. Just my thoughts. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

09-18-2008, 06:15 PM	#7
cparman sharp as a marble Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: atlantic beach,florida Posts: 1,082	Re: TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! two companies come to mind www.tpis.com all about tuned port setups www.speartech.com same I would agree with others, IF you could get everything you need from a donor car. IE: the engine,trans, computer, and all of the factory wiring. The wiring is just so you have connectors if you need them. Buy a replacement wiring harness

09-18-2008, 06:41 PM	#8
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! I am going to do this same swap very soon. I want to retain my current block and heads [70 original] and add to it. I think my guy said the TPI was from an '89 Z28 and came with almost everything I need. Since my motor is rebuilt and modified, Cliff recommended MAF which will 'recognize' as he put it, my modifications [mild cam, etc]. Apprently speed density can't do this. Sure do love the look of TPI motors....yours is very nice Andy! __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

09-18-2008, 07:43 PM	#9
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! As Ackattack said, its all about the tranny. Be wise and have whatever one you get upgraded to at least 1992 standards. The pump and servo are the most common fail items. For the TPI, I went with an entire setup from Jim Francis at jimsperfomance.com He is very helpful and will help you build the system you want. The harness was worth it as he builds it to your specs. Speed density, knock, VSS or whatever. Just make sure you do a lot of research at the sites listed above and have everything you need on hand before you start. Waiting on parts sucks! __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty

09-18-2008, 07:52 PM	#10
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,453	Re: TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! The TPI engines are plentiful and the TPI setups seem to be reasonable pricewise. Yeah, I am looking them over too. I swore to myself this truck was NOT going to have any modern electronics on it but everyday when I start my 97 and just drive off even cold I think how nice that would be on the 69. We'll see. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

09-22-2008, 12:33 AM	#12
SHOWDOG Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: ATASCADERO Posts: 48	Re: TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! Great ideas...........Thanks! Looks like a split between MAF and speed density. I will surely buy the entire set-up. As usual you guys are the best....... Thanks again! Showdog

09-18-2008, 06:38 PM	#13
passthebuck Sisyphus was my mentor! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario CANADA Posts: 984	Re: TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! I dont know much about the TPI, but I do know that you should get the newest 700r4 you can find - the 88 & up where the ones with ehe better pumps & guts. Read up on them here: http://www.geocities.com/crosley_az/4l80e.htm http://www.geocities.com/crosley_az/700id.htm __________________ passthebuck #5642 -TWO 1967 GMC 910's. One with L6/3-on-the tree and the other with 355 w/435hp & a 700r4. -a 2013 Honda Civic as my "sensible" car Last edited by passthebuck; 09-18-2008 at 06:41 PM.

09-18-2008, 07:52 PM	#14
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! My best pieces of advice: 1) Buy the whole car. There are a lot of little things you will need, having the car helps a ton. 2) Buy the Helms manual for that car. It has GREAT wiring diagramns. I used the original harness, and I would recommend that too. Cleaning up that harness taught me a TON about how the TPI worked. That knowledge made the swap MUCH easier. 3) Read these websites in depth, they have a huge wealth of information for you: www.jagsthatrun.com www.chevythunder.com Other info. I had my chip burned by Brian at tpichips.com. I told him exactly what combo I had, and he burned the chip to work with my application. I had my old injectors cleaned and checked over by cruzinperformance.com. They flow tested them all so I knew I had good injectors at the beginning. I bought my VSS and air cleaner ducting from jagsthatrun.com. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

09-18-2008, 08:54 PM	#15
danman987123 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: texas Posts: 127	Re: TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! the tpi setup can be used on old and new style heads...i have done tpi setups with center bolt valve covers and others with just the 4 around.....speed density is a little more pricey in the beginning but is worth it. I just bought everything from an 89 iroc-z which is MAF and i got tranny and engine with harness and ecm but i converted to speed density...spent about 2 months looking for harness to be custom made for me. A GUY IN PENNSYLVANIA... I FOUND EFI CONNECTION, GREAT GUY, GOOD QUALITY HARNESS AND THE CHEAPEST FROM ANYWHERE.... 250 FOR EVERYTHING.....3 WIRE O2 SENSOR OR STOCK SMALL CAP DISTRIBUTOR OR LARGE....MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT....GREAT GUY, GOOD PRODUCT, I WOULD GO SPEED DENSITY BUT IF YOU DONT GETTING A NEW HARNESS IS ALWAYS BEST SO YOU WONT HAVE TO WORRY BOUT OLD CONNECTORS OR ANYTHING OF THAT NATURE....

09-18-2008, 09:00 PM	#16
danman987123 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: texas Posts: 127	Re: TPI - 700r4 HELP!!!!!!!!!! MAF will recognize most modifications you do... and speed density will have to be tuned.....but in MAF....becomes more of a headache, more relays, more sensors, and MAF will not work without the sensor in front of the throttle body and proper ducting to go withit. BOTH I BELIEVE ARE GREAT but speed density is most common use for older rods....trucks....whatever...



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