best way to get a 350 TPI - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Low87 · 01-22-2003, 10:36 AM

I've wanted to put a 350 TPI in my truck for longer than I can remember. It looks like I just may be able to do it this summer. What's the best way to go about it?
By a 350 to rebuild and a used TPI to rebuild? Or would the cost of doing that equal just buying a new TPI kit from a manufacturer? Trying to figure out the best way to go about putting this engine together.
I'd also like to hear from anyone who's done this swap.

85Silverado · 01-22-2003, 10:51 AM

Easiest way...find a rear ended Camaro with wanted engine in the junkyard...but chances are they already pulled it for you....ask around. Also be sure to get it all from the donor car...wiring, computer, etc.. Trying to piece it together from parts here and there is tough i was told.

YankeeWhite · 01-22-2003, 11:27 AM

I just looked for a complete car, an 87 T/A. It has a 305, but the only difference was the injectors and adjustable fuel regulator. For a 350, just up the pressure, someone had put the adjustable regulator on already.
I'm probably putting this thing on Ebay soon, as I need to buy sheetmetal more than I need TPI/700R4.

SCOTI · 01-22-2003, 01:32 PM

I thought there was a difference between 305 & 350 operating parameters? If your motor needs rebuilding anyway, why not go w/the ramjet 350 & get vortec heads, tpi, & fewer wiring hassles? Trying to interface the stock GM computer wiring w/your trucks wiring could very well justify spending more initially for the simplicity of the ramjet pkg. Just a thought.

Tom · 01-22-2003, 02:19 PM

ramjet computers operate in [closed, open?] loop at all times, meaning it dosent adjust the ratio with O2 sensors and such. Also makes upgrading a pain as the computer wont learn the new stuff.

Low87 · 01-22-2003, 05:20 PM

I've got a 305 TBI right now, so a lot of the wiring is already there. At least, I think it is. This will get interesting.

SCOTI · 01-22-2003, 05:54 PM

They make a retro kit (availible through Street-n-Performance) that upgrades the system for open/closed loop operation. But if you already have the TPI stuff try T.P.I.Specialties as they seem to have alot of info available.

Cole's 87 · 01-22-2003, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tom
ramjet computers operate in [closed, open?] loop at all times, meaning it dosent adjust the ratio with O2 sensors and such. Also makes upgrading a pain as the computer wont learn the new stuff.

http://azspeed-marine.com/fuelinjection-6.html
Look here Tom that little prblem got fixed its not a cheep fix but one that will work

**Captkaos** · 01-23-2003, 05:04 PM

But you can junk the ramjet EFI and plug another computer up to it and be home free....

Why a TPI? Why not the LT1 Manifold? I suggest checking out S10wildsides (Mike Noonan) webpage: http://www.s10wildside.com/ He has gone though his complete wiring harness during his swap and is very friendly/helpful.

You can modify yours to work, with a little help. check http://www.diy-efi.org You will have to make a new harness, but the guy I am dealing with http://www.jimsperformance.com can get you a harness for about $150

01-22-2003, 10:36 AM	#1
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	best way to get a 350 TPI I've wanted to put a 350 TPI in my truck for longer than I can remember. It looks like I just may be able to do it this summer. What's the best way to go about it? By a 350 to rebuild and a used TPI to rebuild? Or would the cost of doing that equal just buying a new TPI kit from a manufacturer? Trying to figure out the best way to go about putting this engine together. I'd also like to hear from anyone who's done this swap. __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

01-22-2003, 10:51 AM	#2
85Silverado Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin Posts: 198	Easiest way...find a rear ended Camaro with wanted engine in the junkyard...but chances are they already pulled it for you....ask around. Also be sure to get it all from the donor car...wiring, computer, etc.. Trying to piece it together from parts here and there is tough i was told. __________________ Paul D. '78 C20 Scottsdale 350ci 3 speed with granny gear 14 bolt rearend My trucks are "Car-Guy safe".......which pretty much means death trap in the hands of a normal civilian.

01-22-2003, 01:32 PM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,943	I thought there was a difference between 305 & 350 operating parameters? If your motor needs rebuilding anyway, why not go w/the ramjet 350 & get vortec heads, tpi, & fewer wiring hassles? Trying to interface the stock GM computer wiring w/your trucks wiring could very well justify spending more initially for the simplicity of the ramjet pkg. Just a thought. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

01-22-2003, 02:19 PM	#5
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,714	ramjet computers operate in [closed, open?] loop at all times, meaning it dosent adjust the ratio with O2 sensors and such. Also makes upgrading a pain as the computer wont learn the new stuff. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

01-22-2003, 05:20 PM	#6
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	I've got a 305 TBI right now, so a lot of the wiring is already there. At least, I think it is. This will get interesting. __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

01-22-2003, 11:27 AM	#3
YankeeWhite Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Manhattan KS USA Posts: 117	I just looked for a complete car, an 87 T/A. It has a 305, but the only difference was the injectors and adjustable fuel regulator. For a 350, just up the pressure, someone had put the adjustable regulator on already. I'm probably putting this thing on Ebay soon, as I need to buy sheetmetal more than I need TPI/700R4.

01-22-2003, 05:54 PM	#7
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,943	They make a retro kit (availible through Street-n-Performance) that upgrades the system for open/closed loop operation. But if you already have the TPI stuff try T.P.I.Specialties as they seem to have alot of info available. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

01-23-2003, 05:04 PM	#9
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	But you can junk the ramjet EFI and plug another computer up to it and be home free.... Why a TPI? Why not the LT1 Manifold? I suggest checking out S10wildsides (Mike Noonan) webpage: http://www.s10wildside.com/ He has gone though his complete wiring harness during his swap and is very friendly/helpful. You can modify yours to work, with a little help. check http://www.diy-efi.org You will have to make a new harness, but the guy I am dealing with http://www.jimsperformance.com can get you a harness for about $150 __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

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