TPI Install - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

muddpile · 02-20-2005, 04:00 AM

I'm sure there is some info on this site somewhere on this, but the search function won't let me search for TPI because the word is too short. Anyways, I'm thinking about maybe fuel injecting my old 72. It already has HEI, as the motor and all accessories are out of an 84 suburban, but the 4 barrel carb it came with leaves a lot to be desired. I like the idea of fuel injection, and figure that TPI is the way to go for a bolt on installation. I have figured that I need the computer, wiring harness and the intake setup itself to perform this swap, plus an electric fuel pump and fuel return line, but is there anything I am forgetting? I've seen a few trucks on here with that setup and figured I'd ask how exactly it is done. Thanks!

HeavyD · 02-20-2005, 04:14 AM

Hey Muddpile, are you going to the Draggin's car show Easter weekend in Saskatoon? There used to be a vendor there promoting tpi swaps into any older carb'd GM car/truck. Maybe he will be there again and can answer some questions?

**smitty62** · 02-20-2005, 11:54 AM

I'm beginning this conversion and trust me, the only correct way to do it is to buy a complete wrecked '90/'92 Camaro/Firebird (see www.thirdgen.org and rob it of TPI parts-then selling what's left afterward. Buying bits and pieces (and there is a LOT of them) really sucks. Believe me, I know!

Buying the TPI hardware is cheap--it's everything that that is needed to make it work that kills you. Besides, you get a serpentine belt system in the deal!

smokekiki · 02-20-2005, 04:29 PM

Check this link from Bobbyk http://public.fotki.com/blazbk/blazer_related_stuff/ Lots of great info.

smokekiki · 02-20-2005, 04:31 PM

Here is a link on putting an intank fuel pump in an older tank.. http://www.thedetailzone.com/Tanks%2...%20Install.htm

71swb4x4 · 02-20-2005, 05:06 PM

I put TPI from an 86 Camaro on my truck.
In addition to what you listed you will need the relays, O2 sensor, vehicle speed sensor, and knock sensor.
Some problems you will need to work out: thermostat housing (tough to use original one unless going with electric fans) and air intake routing.
If you use the original wiring harness you will need to modify it slightly, you will want to remove the AC wiring, wipers, and electric fans if not using.
It is also a good idea to have your injectors cleaned. I sent mine to www.cruzinperformance.com and they did a great job.
If you make any modifications like bigger injectors, getting rid of EGR, etc you will want to have your chip burned. I had mine done by www.tpichips.com for $50.
I am sure there is way more that I am forgetting.
If you use an 87 or newer you will need to modify the center manifold bolt holes slightly to work with your heads.
I have an 86 which uses Mass Air. A lot of people think Speed Density is the only way to go but I have no problems with my mass air. I have heard that it can be more forgiving with engine mods too.
There are a few people on the board who have done the swap that can help you.
The best thing I purchased was the Helm manual for the 86 Camaro that I pulled everythign out of.

71swb4x4 · 02-20-2005, 05:08 PM

Some more great references:
www.chevythunder.com
The TPI book from www.jagsthatrun.com

muddpile · 02-20-2005, 07:26 PM

Thanks for all the great information so far everyone! Those links are really helpful.

HeavyD, I will be going to Draggins on good friday and I will look for that guy you speak of. Hopefully he's there, as talking to a person who has done it helps a lot.

Smitty62, the serpentine system interests me, but as for having the rest of the car kicking around for parts, I think I'll just do a lot of research and do it piece by piece.

**smitty62** · 02-20-2005, 07:54 PM

That's ok--I'll be around to say "I told you so!"

neonlarry · 02-20-2005, 08:06 PM

A word of caution if you do it piece by piece it will get very expensive very fast. Just ask anyone who has done it that way, I'm not talking from experience I'm just taking the advice of people who have done it that way. I bought two complete engines with all accessories, harness, sensors, computer etc. for $180 plus small core charge. One of the engines is also a roller cam block this will be my 383ci. I also got an LT1 intake for $35 that I will have modified to work(flows much better, TPI gives out about 4800RPM).

sixty8c10 · 02-20-2005, 08:13 PM

this is a mod i wish to do as well...... have some but not all of the parts rounded up yet....keep us posted with your progress....someone should really do a faq on this

muddpile · 02-21-2005, 02:15 AM

I looked up TPI parts prices tonight. Maybe I do have room in my yard for a wrecked camaro after all........

Russell · 02-21-2005, 04:14 AM

I am one of the people who built it peice by peice due to a not so well described ebay auction, its adds up real quick...

71swb4x4 · 02-21-2005, 09:12 AM

Yes, it's very wise to get the whole car. I bought an 86 for $400, and was able to sell $800 in parts off it, and I kept the TPI and tranny.

**smitty62** · 02-21-2005, 10:34 AM

Yep, every TPI outfit listed on Ebay says "complete"

The only way you're ever going to get a complete setup as a unit is to buy the car.

Don't you have a cousin, uncle or girl friend that will let you park a wreck at their place?

sixty8c10 · 02-21-2005, 02:58 PM

aren't camaro's and firebirds the same?.....reason i ask is i got acces to a 87 firebird 305 tpi

smokekiki · 02-21-2005, 03:03 PM

Yes,the firebird/ta and camaro had the same tpi setup.

**smitty62** · 02-21-2005, 03:34 PM

Unless you're going to run a heavily modified engine, I'd stay away from an '87 MAF--use a MAP computer (ECM) system--like a '90/'92 Camaro or Firebird. The MAF hardware is fine. For stock or near stock, MAP or speed density systems are more reliable, simpler to install, and neater under the hood--they just won't tolerate very high lift/duration cams.

71swb4x4 · 02-21-2005, 05:33 PM

I have MAF, no problems here. Easy to install, runs awesome.

smbrouss70 · 02-21-2005, 09:04 PM

I don't have fuel injection on my truck, but I have read everything that I can get my hands on about TPI. I think that since Chevrolet went back to MAF on the LT1's and everything after, that there was some reason for it. I believe the MAF is a more accurate way of reading the amount of air going into the engine. I'm not trying to say I know it all, because I have no hands-on experience with either set-up, just letting you know what I have read (& noticed on my 04 Silverado).

**smitty62** · 02-21-2005, 09:22 PM

If you will note, I did not degrade the operation of MAF--I said the MAP was simpler, easier to install and more reliable due to fewer parts--no MAF sensor, no ESC, cold start injector. etc., etc. The MAF is superior when it comes to a modified engine operation. But for near stock, the SD system is the way to go IMO.
Yes, GM went back to MAF, but it is light years away from the MAF's of 20 years ago.
BTW--I've read a little too.

smbrouss70 · 02-21-2005, 09:52 PM

I'm not trying to start an argument, but I believe I am going to go with a MAF system due to the fact that I want to end up with around 400 HP (far from the stock TPI engines.)

I agree that the SD system is easier to install and much neater, due to not having to have the intake ducting routed through your engine bay. I guess it just depends on what you after in the long run.

And, I do believe you have read about it, probably more than I have, since you are in the process of installing this right now, and I'm just trying to plan what I want right now.

smokekiki · 02-22-2005, 09:15 AM

The filter should be ducted away from in front of the rad wether You have maf or map.I converted my maf to a map.www.jagsthatrun.com has ducting to custom build a nice intake.

02-20-2005, 04:00 AM	#1
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	TPI Install I'm sure there is some info on this site somewhere on this, but the search function won't let me search for TPI because the word is too short. Anyways, I'm thinking about maybe fuel injecting my old 72. It already has HEI, as the motor and all accessories are out of an 84 suburban, but the 4 barrel carb it came with leaves a lot to be desired. I like the idea of fuel injection, and figure that TPI is the way to go for a bolt on installation. I have figured that I need the computer, wiring harness and the intake setup itself to perform this swap, plus an electric fuel pump and fuel return line, but is there anything I am forgetting? I've seen a few trucks on here with that setup and figured I'd ask how exactly it is done. Thanks! __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

02-20-2005, 04:14 AM	#2
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,180	Hey Muddpile, are you going to the Draggin's car show Easter weekend in Saskatoon? There used to be a vendor there promoting tpi swaps into any older carb'd GM car/truck. Maybe he will be there again and can answer some questions? __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man"

02-20-2005, 11:54 AM	#3
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	I'm beginning this conversion and trust me, the only correct way to do it is to buy a complete wrecked '90/'92 Camaro/Firebird (see www.thirdgen.org and rob it of TPI parts-then selling what's left afterward. Buying bits and pieces (and there is a LOT of them) really sucks. Believe me, I know! Buying the TPI hardware is cheap--it's everything that that is needed to make it work that kills you. Besides, you get a serpentine belt system in the deal! __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty Last edited by smitty62; 02-20-2005 at 11:57 AM.

02-20-2005, 04:29 PM	#4
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,474	Check this link from Bobbyk http://public.fotki.com/blazbk/blazer_related_stuff/ Lots of great info. __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

02-20-2005, 04:31 PM	#5
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,474	Here is a link on putting an intank fuel pump in an older tank.. http://www.thedetailzone.com/Tanks%2...%20Install.htm __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

02-20-2005, 05:06 PM	#6
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	I put TPI from an 86 Camaro on my truck. In addition to what you listed you will need the relays, O2 sensor, vehicle speed sensor, and knock sensor. Some problems you will need to work out: thermostat housing (tough to use original one unless going with electric fans) and air intake routing. If you use the original wiring harness you will need to modify it slightly, you will want to remove the AC wiring, wipers, and electric fans if not using. It is also a good idea to have your injectors cleaned. I sent mine to www.cruzinperformance.com and they did a great job. If you make any modifications like bigger injectors, getting rid of EGR, etc you will want to have your chip burned. I had mine done by www.tpichips.com for $50. I am sure there is way more that I am forgetting. If you use an 87 or newer you will need to modify the center manifold bolt holes slightly to work with your heads. I have an 86 which uses Mass Air. A lot of people think Speed Density is the only way to go but I have no problems with my mass air. I have heard that it can be more forgiving with engine mods too. There are a few people on the board who have done the swap that can help you. The best thing I purchased was the Helm manual for the 86 Camaro that I pulled everythign out of. __________________ 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.

02-20-2005, 05:08 PM	#7
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Some more great references: www.chevythunder.com The TPI book from www.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.

02-20-2005, 07:26 PM	#8
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Thanks for all the great information so far everyone! Those links are really helpful. HeavyD, I will be going to Draggins on good friday and I will look for that guy you speak of. Hopefully he's there, as talking to a person who has done it helps a lot. Smitty62, the serpentine system interests me, but as for having the rest of the car kicking around for parts, I think I'll just do a lot of research and do it piece by piece. __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

02-20-2005, 07:54 PM	#9
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	That's ok--I'll be around to say "I told you so!" __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

02-20-2005, 08:06 PM	#10
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	A word of caution if you do it piece by piece it will get very expensive very fast. Just ask anyone who has done it that way, I'm not talking from experience I'm just taking the advice of people who have done it that way. I bought two complete engines with all accessories, harness, sensors, computer etc. for $180 plus small core charge. One of the engines is also a roller cam block this will be my 383ci. I also got an LT1 intake for $35 that I will have modified to work(flows much better, TPI gives out about 4800RPM). __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

02-20-2005, 08:13 PM	#11
sixty8c10 MY EX DRIVES A BROOM Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Herington, KS Posts: 869	this is a mod i wish to do as well...... have some but not all of the parts rounded up yet....keep us posted with your progress....someone should really do a faq on this __________________ They say nobody's perfect. I'm a nobody, so I must be perfect. Building Nemo -1968 C10 Long Bed FRED -1947 KB-2 International

02-21-2005, 02:15 AM	#12
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	I looked up TPI parts prices tonight. Maybe I do have room in my yard for a wrecked camaro after all........ __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

02-21-2005, 04:14 AM	#13
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	I am one of the people who built it peice by peice due to a not so well described ebay auction, its adds up real quick... __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

02-21-2005, 09:12 AM	#14
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Yes, it's very wise to get the whole car. I bought an 86 for $400, and was able to sell $800 in parts off it, and I kept the TPI and tranny. __________________ 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.

02-21-2005, 10:34 AM	#15
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Yep, every TPI outfit listed on Ebay says "complete" The only way you're ever going to get a complete setup as a unit is to buy the car. Don't you have a cousin, uncle or girl friend that will let you park a wreck at their place? __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty Last edited by smitty62; 02-21-2005 at 10:39 AM.



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02-21-2005, 02:58 PM	#16
sixty8c10 MY EX DRIVES A BROOM Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Herington, KS Posts: 869	aren't camaro's and firebirds the same?.....reason i ask is i got acces to a 87 firebird 305 tpi __________________ They say nobody's perfect. I'm a nobody, so I must be perfect. Building Nemo -1968 C10 Long Bed FRED -1947 KB-2 International

02-21-2005, 03:03 PM	#17
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,474	Yes,the firebird/ta and camaro had the same tpi setup. __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

02-21-2005, 03:34 PM	#18
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Unless you're going to run a heavily modified engine, I'd stay away from an '87 MAF--use a MAP computer (ECM) system--like a '90/'92 Camaro or Firebird. The MAF hardware is fine. For stock or near stock, MAP or speed density systems are more reliable, simpler to install, and neater under the hood--they just won't tolerate very high lift/duration cams. __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

02-21-2005, 05:33 PM	#19
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	I have MAF, no problems here. Easy to install, runs awesome. __________________ 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.

02-21-2005, 09:04 PM	#20
smbrouss70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rayne, LA Posts: 2,784	I don't have fuel injection on my truck, but I have read everything that I can get my hands on about TPI. I think that since Chevrolet went back to MAF on the LT1's and everything after, that there was some reason for it. I believe the MAF is a more accurate way of reading the amount of air going into the engine. I'm not trying to say I know it all, because I have no hands-on experience with either set-up, just letting you know what I have read (& noticed on my 04 Silverado). __________________ Steven "If dogs don't go to heaven, when I die I want to go wherever they went." -- Will Rogers R.I.P. Oscar R.I.P. Ratchet 1967 Pontiac GTO - Dad was the Original Owner 1970 Chevy 2wd SWB "Oscar's Truck" 1970 Chevy 2wd Blazer "Ratchet's Blazer" 2013 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax/Allison Z71 LTZ "Brown Sugar" 2017 Chevy Suburban "BDB" 2020 Chevy Blazer Premier "Foxy" Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Shop Build

02-21-2005, 09:22 PM	#21
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	If you will note, I did not degrade the operation of MAF--I said the MAP was simpler, easier to install and more reliable due to fewer parts--no MAF sensor, no ESC, cold start injector. etc., etc. The MAF is superior when it comes to a modified engine operation. But for near stock, the SD system is the way to go IMO. Yes, GM went back to MAF, but it is light years away from the MAF's of 20 years ago. BTW--I've read a little too. __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

02-21-2005, 09:52 PM	#22
smbrouss70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rayne, LA Posts: 2,784	I'm not trying to start an argument, but I believe I am going to go with a MAF system due to the fact that I want to end up with around 400 HP (far from the stock TPI engines.) I agree that the SD system is easier to install and much neater, due to not having to have the intake ducting routed through your engine bay. I guess it just depends on what you after in the long run. And, I do believe you have read about it, probably more than I have, since you are in the process of installing this right now, and I'm just trying to plan what I want right now. __________________ Steven "If dogs don't go to heaven, when I die I want to go wherever they went." -- Will Rogers R.I.P. Oscar R.I.P. Ratchet 1967 Pontiac GTO - Dad was the Original Owner 1970 Chevy 2wd SWB "Oscar's Truck" 1970 Chevy 2wd Blazer "Ratchet's Blazer" 2013 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax/Allison Z71 LTZ "Brown Sugar" 2017 Chevy Suburban "BDB" 2020 Chevy Blazer Premier "Foxy" Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Shop Build

02-22-2005, 09:15 AM	#23
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,474	The filter should be ducted away from in front of the rad wether You have maf or map.I converted my maf to a map.www.jagsthatrun.com has ducting to custom build a nice intake. __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

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