Will TPI work? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BLUE THUNDER · 08-22-2009, 05:15 PM

Hey guys, I'm sure ya'll have seen my progress on Ol' Yeller and I was wondering if all TPI set ups are the same. I have the opportunity to buy a TPI set up that includes the computer,throttle body,runners,lower intake fuel rails,upper plenum, and mass air sensor. It all came out of an 89 camaro. Will all this work with my GM 260 hp crate motor? I know I'll probably need to change out the heads. As far as everything else, it should bolt up. Anybody running this set up? Pics wld be great. Thanks.

classicchev · 08-22-2009, 06:55 PM

Really the only difference is Mass Air to Speed density. Speed density usually have the filter on the end of the throttle body, thus sucking the hot engine air, where the mass air with the meter can suck air from anywhere cold air can be found. . Personally I woud try to get a Mass air setup because the computer will learn a few minor upgrades, where the speed density will have to be reflashed with every upgrade to the engine.

I have one in my 67, and my nephew just finished one up in his 91 Blazer.

They are decent engines,good low end torque, but the LS stuff is waaaaaaaay nicer. I wish I would have went the LS way, but when I did my engine, the LS stuff was just starting.

Darren

red71cheyenne · 08-22-2009, 07:14 PM

You can use your heads, may or may not have to shim the bolts for the angle. I can't remember which year they switched the bolts. Classicchev has the same setup as mine, loads of low end torque. Mine is speed density, so no worries about adjustments, just plug and play. And the throttle response is fantastic!

packers05 · 08-23-2009, 03:22 PM

TPI is a great truck engine I put one in a 1984 truck and it really has good low end torque, I would get a mass air setup and cam it up with a offset ground type that will help the exhaust out a little, I did it on a camaro with awesome results, everyone said it wouldnt work but it loped at idle and had great power the caAM WAS A 214/224 WITH around 460 lift. If you are gonna do all the work though I would just put in a 6.0 liter and be done

71swb4x4 · 08-23-2009, 03:40 PM

I believe 86 and older have the intakes that bolt right up to the old heads. 87 and newer bolt up to the newer style heads. That being said, it's only the angle of the center bolt that affects this and it's a fairly easy problem to get around.

BLUE THUNDER · 08-23-2009, 06:44 PM

How do you get around the bolt angle problem? The set up is from an 89 trans am, not camaro. I checked it out this morn and it's complete w/harness. What should I do?

red71cheyenne · 08-23-2009, 07:26 PM

Well, from Packers post, I think you won't even have an issue with the bolt holes. Like I said, on mine, the PO took care of it by wedging under the bolts to get the angle right.

I'd get the fuel injectors flowed and cleaned to make sure they are good, replace as necessary, install and run it! There's a good cheap book out there on TPI called the Chevy TPI swappers guide. It gives some good electrical schematics and tips on how to check trouble codes and what not. I think I paid like $9 from Amazon for mine.

classicchev · 08-23-2009, 08:16 PM

You can open up the 2 center holes on each side so you get the correct angle, or, I have 2 extra early style intakes that would make life real simple. Im sure there are some manifolds down there.

The wiring is the only challange, I personally went the Painless way because of wanting a simple install, and new wire and ends.

Darren

BLUE THUNDER · 08-24-2009, 12:03 AM

I think I'm gonna buy it. He wants $220.00 for all. I think it is a little too much. What do you think?

red71cheyenne · 08-24-2009, 02:25 AM

That doesn't sound like too bad a price. I paid more than that for about the same thing. Of course, you'll still have to get the harness, fuel pump, knock sensor, a couple other sensors and get a prom burned for your install. Just depends on what you are willing to spend.

BLUE THUNDER · 08-24-2009, 09:21 PM

What's a knock sensor and a prom?

packers05 · 08-24-2009, 09:45 PM

Just a thought here but I think you have a lack of basic fuel injection knowledge, if I were you I would buy book as suggested after reading it decide if you are willing to get all geeked up on this swap and learn the hard way by actually doing it! I have done these swaps and can say if you lack experience you can dick up a lot in a hurry, so I hope you have a go to friend that can help you with things you may stumble on or just screw up and need righted!

smokekiki · 08-25-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUE THUNDER

What's a knock sensor and a prom?

The prom is the memory chip in the computer. The knock sensor detectc knocking,or pinging and will send the info to the computer and will retard the timing.
You need to use a 350 knock sensor for a 350. and a 305 for a 305.They are tuned to the vibes of the engine they are for.

71swb4x4 · 08-24-2009, 10:25 PM

On the PROM, I had mine reburned by Brian at tpichips.com. I told him what I had for a motor, what I had deleted from the factory harness, and he did the rest.

On the harness, I bought the factory Helm manual for the car and rebuilt the factory harness. I can tell you that it took me MANY nights to do it, but I learned a TON about how the whole system worked. I would highly recommend buying the Helm manual and using the factory harness.

I bought my fuel tank from boardmember fuelcellguy. He set it up with an intank fuel pump that was all setup to work with the TPI.

Other useful links:
www.jagsthatrun.com - they have a great TPI book, and I bought my VSS and air ducting from them. Their book helped a little with the wiring harness cleanup too.
www.chevythunder.com - great resource. Also helped with the wiring harness cleanup.

71swb4x4 · 08-24-2009, 10:30 PM

Helpful board links:
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=335120
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=261609
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=239354
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=236827
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=236827
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=182500

And a picture of the manuals I used. The middle one was so-so, the ones on the ends were absolutely great.

08-22-2009, 05:15 PM	#1
BLUE THUNDER Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio Posts: 993	Will TPI work? Hey guys, I'm sure ya'll have seen my progress on Ol' Yeller and I was wondering if all TPI set ups are the same. I have the opportunity to buy a TPI set up that includes the computer,throttle body,runners,lower intake fuel rails,upper plenum, and mass air sensor. It all came out of an 89 camaro. Will all this work with my GM 260 hp crate motor? I know I'll probably need to change out the heads. As far as everything else, it should bolt up. Anybody running this set up? Pics wld be great. Thanks.

08-22-2009, 06:55 PM	#2
classicchev Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 1,936	Re: Will TPI work? Really the only difference is Mass Air to Speed density. Speed density usually have the filter on the end of the throttle body, thus sucking the hot engine air, where the mass air with the meter can suck air from anywhere cold air can be found. . Personally I woud try to get a Mass air setup because the computer will learn a few minor upgrades, where the speed density will have to be reflashed with every upgrade to the engine. I have one in my 67, and my nephew just finished one up in his 91 Blazer. They are decent engines,good low end torque, but the LS stuff is waaaaaaaay nicer. I wish I would have went the LS way, but when I did my engine, the LS stuff was just starting. Darren __________________ 67- 72 Parts collecter Last edited by classicchev; 08-22-2009 at 06:57 PM.

08-22-2009, 07:14 PM	#3
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: Will TPI work? You can use your heads, may or may not have to shim the bolts for the angle. I can't remember which year they switched the bolts. Classicchev has the same setup as mine, loads of low end torque. Mine is speed density, so no worries about adjustments, just plug and play. And the throttle response is fantastic! __________________ 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

08-23-2009, 03:22 PM	#4
packers05 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: minonk illinois Posts: 224	Re: Will TPI work? TPI is a great truck engine I put one in a 1984 truck and it really has good low end torque, I would get a mass air setup and cam it up with a offset ground type that will help the exhaust out a little, I did it on a camaro with awesome results, everyone said it wouldnt work but it loped at idle and had great power the caAM WAS A 214/224 WITH around 460 lift. If you are gonna do all the work though I would just put in a 6.0 liter and be done

08-23-2009, 03:40 PM	#5
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Will TPI work? I believe 86 and older have the intakes that bolt right up to the old heads. 87 and newer bolt up to the newer style heads. That being said, it's only the angle of the center bolt that affects this and it's a fairly easy problem to get around. __________________ 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.

08-23-2009, 06:44 PM	#6
BLUE THUNDER Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio Posts: 993	Re: Will TPI work? How do you get around the bolt angle problem? The set up is from an 89 trans am, not camaro. I checked it out this morn and it's complete w/harness. What should I do?

08-23-2009, 07:26 PM	#7
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: Will TPI work? Well, from Packers post, I think you won't even have an issue with the bolt holes. Like I said, on mine, the PO took care of it by wedging under the bolts to get the angle right. I'd get the fuel injectors flowed and cleaned to make sure they are good, replace as necessary, install and run it! There's a good cheap book out there on TPI called the Chevy TPI swappers guide. It gives some good electrical schematics and tips on how to check trouble codes and what not. I think I paid like $9 from Amazon for mine. __________________ 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

08-23-2009, 08:16 PM	#8
classicchev Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 1,936	Re: Will TPI work? You can open up the 2 center holes on each side so you get the correct angle, or, I have 2 extra early style intakes that would make life real simple. Im sure there are some manifolds down there. The wiring is the only challange, I personally went the Painless way because of wanting a simple install, and new wire and ends. Darren __________________ 67- 72 Parts collecter

08-24-2009, 12:03 AM	#9
BLUE THUNDER Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio Posts: 993	Re: Will TPI work? I think I'm gonna buy it. He wants $220.00 for all. I think it is a little too much. What do you think?

08-24-2009, 02:25 AM	#10
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: Will TPI work? That doesn't sound like too bad a price. I paid more than that for about the same thing. Of course, you'll still have to get the harness, fuel pump, knock sensor, a couple other sensors and get a prom burned for your install. Just depends on what you are willing to spend. __________________ 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

08-24-2009, 09:21 PM	#11
BLUE THUNDER Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio Posts: 993	Re: Will TPI work? What's a knock sensor and a prom?

08-24-2009, 09:45 PM	#12
packers05 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: minonk illinois Posts: 224	Re: Will TPI work? Just a thought here but I think you have a lack of basic fuel injection knowledge, if I were you I would buy book as suggested after reading it decide if you are willing to get all geeked up on this swap and learn the hard way by actually doing it! I have done these swaps and can say if you lack experience you can dick up a lot in a hurry, so I hope you have a go to friend that can help you with things you may stumble on or just screw up and need righted!

08-24-2009, 10:25 PM	#14
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Will TPI work? On the PROM, I had mine reburned by Brian at tpichips.com. I told him what I had for a motor, what I had deleted from the factory harness, and he did the rest. On the harness, I bought the factory Helm manual for the car and rebuilt the factory harness. I can tell you that it took me MANY nights to do it, but I learned a TON about how the whole system worked. I would highly recommend buying the Helm manual and using the factory harness. I bought my fuel tank from boardmember fuelcellguy. He set it up with an intank fuel pump that was all setup to work with the TPI. Other useful links: www.jagsthatrun.com - they have a great TPI book, and I bought my VSS and air ducting from them. Their book helped a little with the wiring harness cleanup too. www.chevythunder.com - great resource. Also helped with the wiring harness cleanup. __________________ 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.

08-24-2009, 10:30 PM	#15
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Will TPI work? Helpful board links: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=335120 http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=261609 http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=239354 http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=236827 http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=236827 http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=182500 And a picture of the manuals I used. The middle one was so-so, the ones on the ends were absolutely great. Attached Images __________________ 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.



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