TPI in my 51 GMC - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Katrina/10 · 01-31-2015, 09:46 AM

Carburetor went bad again.

Katrina/10 · 01-31-2015, 09:51 AM

I had this TPI I bought years ago at a swap meet. My carb kept screwing up, so I decided to install this. I didn't have a wiring harness or computer, so I went to the U pull it and got that from a 1990 Buick 3.1 V6 and reprogrammed it. I think I have less than 200 dollars in the project, and it seems to run well so far.

**Advanced Design** · 01-31-2015, 09:59 AM

Nice fix for a carb problem. Looks good!

Katrina/10 · 01-31-2015, 10:09 AM

Thanks!

maxdog51 · 01-31-2015, 10:30 AM

Looks great!

Katrina/10 · 01-31-2015, 10:33 AM

Thanks, it was a fun project, and it runs much better!

octanejunkie · 01-31-2015, 11:22 AM

Pretty awesome! What heads are you running and what size injectors?

**oldman3** · 01-31-2015, 11:51 AM

Nice looking set-up...Jim

Katrina/10 · 01-31-2015, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by octanejunkie

Pretty awesome! What heads are you running and what size injectors?

The motor is an old 305 truck engine that has been in there for a very long time, so its nothing special. The heads are stock pre-85 truck, whatever that is. I think the TPI is an early IROC or Z28 (85 or 86?) so I did not have to modify the center bolt holes. The injectors are the original 305 type, so they would be 19 lb. It all works well together.

OneOffStroker · 01-31-2015, 04:33 PM

Nice install. I have a complete TPI in my attic that I'm waiting to install into the right truck. I have the complete harness from the IROC that it came from, and have already stripped all the stuff I won't need, so it should be pretty straight forward. Probably not as easy as the LS swap that I did to my last truck, but easy enough.

Did you have to reprogram your PROM? If so, who did it? I think I will need a slight tune on mine.

Katrina/10 · 01-31-2015, 05:26 PM

Thanks, I tried to make it look as neat as possible. I don't know anything about LS swaps, but the wiring harness for those looks massive! This one fit through a 1/2 inch grommet in the firewall. I did the programming myself, using a prom burner I got from Moates.net, and Tunerpro to edit the program. Any of the TPI computers are programmable with this stuff, but you have to burn chips and swap them out every time you change anything. That takes some time, but once you get it right, you don't have to mess with it.

OneOffStroker · 02-10-2015, 11:51 AM

Are you interested in burning a chip or two for mine when I get to that point?

oossuuu754 · 02-10-2015, 12:04 PM

Like your engine, here mine!

Katrina/10 · 02-10-2015, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneOffStroker

Are you interested in burning a chip or two for mine when I get to that point?

That's a possibility, it depends on which ECM you are using.

Katrina/10 · 02-10-2015, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oossuuu754

Like your engine, here mine!

Looks familiar! I used a third gen Camaro throttle cable if you have not worked that out yet.

oossuuu754 · 06-09-2015, 10:13 AM

Do you have AC in your truck? If so is your compressor and blower able to compensate for the external heat these TPIs throw out. I truly forgot just how much heat these engines are producing.

My compressor is old but is engaging and holding pressure, cools when you first start up but as the engine runs it just starts blowing hot and cold.

Katrina/10 · 06-09-2015, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oossuuu754

Do you have AC in your truck? If so is your compressor and blower able to compensate for the external heat these TPIs throw out. I truly forgot just how much heat these engines are producing.

My compressor is old but is engaging and holding pressure, cools when you first start up but as the engine runs it just starts blowing hot and cold.

No A/C in my truck, right now I wish I had it! But, I have done other TPI conversions with factory air and had no issues if it is charged up right.

oossuuu754 · 06-09-2015, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Katrina/10

No A/C in my truck, right now I wish I had it! But, I have done other TPI conversions with factory air and had no issues if it is charged up right.

Thanks. I am going to have to dig into this a little more.

Old Crow · 06-10-2015, 05:47 AM

Usually the compressor cycling on and off is a sign of low Freon charge.

My motor home started doing this to me last weekend. Unfortunately, it's an old R-12 system. Gonna have to hit my friend up and see if anybody's still got some stashed.

1project2many · 06-10-2015, 07:43 AM

TPI is the best truck intake system Chevrolet never put on a truck. Combine it with a low end cam and you've got a real stump puller. Get some 3.08 or 2.73 rear gears with a 700R4 and you'll have a mild little cruiser that can achieve nice economy.

2tractors · 06-10-2015, 09:04 AM

I've got carb problems with my 283 in 33 plymouth. It's got vortec heads and roller cam with air. Runs rich even with a 650 holley and stumbles. Gonna do the swap one of these days. Good job on yours.

Katrina/10 · 06-10-2015, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1project2many

TPI is the best truck intake system Chevrolet never put on a truck. Combine it with a low end cam and you've got a real stump puller. Get some 3.08 or 2.73 rear gears with a 700R4 and you'll have a mild little cruiser that can achieve nice economy.

I totally agree with that! I've been very happy with it so far, anytime I want to drive my truck, just turn the key and take off.

**Rickysnickers** · 06-10-2015, 09:56 AM

So when does that TPI setup start running out of breath? I've been told it's around 4500 rpm, is that true?

Katrina/10 · 06-10-2015, 10:49 AM

Yes, that's true, 4500 to 5000 is about it. If you want to make power higher than that RPM, they are not the best choice. But a great intake system for a street cruiser.

**Rickysnickers** · 06-10-2015, 10:36 PM

Ok. Is that due to the intake itself or the head design?

01-31-2015, 09:46 AM	#1
Katrina/10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ocean Springs, MS Posts: 1,746	TPI in my 51 GMC Carburetor went bad again. Attached Images __________________ Gary 1971 Chevrolet C/10 1951 GMC 100 1977 GMC C15 1955 Chevrolet 3100

01-31-2015, 09:51 AM	#2
Katrina/10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ocean Springs, MS Posts: 1,746	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC I had this TPI I bought years ago at a swap meet. My carb kept screwing up, so I decided to install this. I didn't have a wiring harness or computer, so I went to the U pull it and got that from a 1990 Buick 3.1 V6 and reprogrammed it. I think I have less than 200 dollars in the project, and it seems to run well so far. Attached Images __________________ Gary 1971 Chevrolet C/10 1951 GMC 100 1977 GMC C15 1955 Chevrolet 3100

01-31-2015, 09:59 AM	#3
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Nice fix for a carb problem. Looks good! __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

01-31-2015, 10:09 AM	#4
Katrina/10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ocean Springs, MS Posts: 1,746	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Thanks! __________________ Gary 1971 Chevrolet C/10 1951 GMC 100 1977 GMC C15 1955 Chevrolet 3100

01-31-2015, 10:30 AM	#5
maxdog51 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Chicago, IL. Posts: 105	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Looks great!

01-31-2015, 10:33 AM	#6
Katrina/10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ocean Springs, MS Posts: 1,746	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Thanks, it was a fun project, and it runs much better! __________________ Gary 1971 Chevrolet C/10 1951 GMC 100 1977 GMC C15 1955 Chevrolet 3100

01-31-2015, 11:22 AM	#7
octanejunkie Registered User Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Santa Monica Posts: 264	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Pretty awesome! What heads are you running and what size injectors? __________________ Déjà vu. It's that feeling you get when you hit your thumb with the hammer a second time '59 Chevy 3100 Stepside

01-31-2015, 11:51 AM	#8
oldman3 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: West Plains, Missouri Posts: 7,559	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Nice looking set-up...Jim __________________ my build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=459839 Jimbo's long bed step build:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=464626<br />

01-31-2015, 04:33 PM	#10
OneOffStroker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 282	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Nice install. I have a complete TPI in my attic that I'm waiting to install into the right truck. I have the complete harness from the IROC that it came from, and have already stripped all the stuff I won't need, so it should be pretty straight forward. Probably not as easy as the LS swap that I did to my last truck, but easy enough. Did you have to reprogram your PROM? If so, who did it? I think I will need a slight tune on mine. __________________ 1972 C10 "Shop Truck" Build - EFI, 5-speed, Posi, and Patina http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=834292 1957 Chevy pickup - Twin Turbo 5.3/NV3500, Jag IFS & IRS, AirRide http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=606987 Check me out on YouTube - "Tiny Garage Fabrication" http://www.youtube.com/oneoffstroker

01-31-2015, 05:26 PM	#11
Katrina/10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ocean Springs, MS Posts: 1,746	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Thanks, I tried to make it look as neat as possible. I don't know anything about LS swaps, but the wiring harness for those looks massive! This one fit through a 1/2 inch grommet in the firewall. I did the programming myself, using a prom burner I got from Moates.net, and Tunerpro to edit the program. Any of the TPI computers are programmable with this stuff, but you have to burn chips and swap them out every time you change anything. That takes some time, but once you get it right, you don't have to mess with it. __________________ Gary 1971 Chevrolet C/10 1951 GMC 100 1977 GMC C15 1955 Chevrolet 3100

02-10-2015, 11:51 AM	#12
OneOffStroker Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 282	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Are you interested in burning a chip or two for mine when I get to that point? __________________ 1972 C10 "Shop Truck" Build - EFI, 5-speed, Posi, and Patina http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=834292 1957 Chevy pickup - Twin Turbo 5.3/NV3500, Jag IFS & IRS, AirRide http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=606987 Check me out on YouTube - "Tiny Garage Fabrication" http://www.youtube.com/oneoffstroker

02-10-2015, 12:04 PM	#13
oossuuu754 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 395	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Like your engine, here mine! Attached Images __________________ ---Shawn Cecil-1953 5 window build thread Skymangs..Chris of Old Sarge customs had a shop fire and was severly injured. To help with the medical bills and expenses a fund has been set up here....http://gofundme.com/c49h5mjx8 More details are here...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post7253189

06-09-2015, 10:13 AM	#16
oossuuu754 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 395	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Do you have AC in your truck? If so is your compressor and blower able to compensate for the external heat these TPIs throw out. I truly forgot just how much heat these engines are producing. My compressor is old but is engaging and holding pressure, cools when you first start up but as the engine runs it just starts blowing hot and cold. __________________ ---Shawn Cecil-1953 5 window build thread Skymangs..Chris of Old Sarge customs had a shop fire and was severly injured. To help with the medical bills and expenses a fund has been set up here....http://gofundme.com/c49h5mjx8 More details are here...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post7253189

06-10-2015, 05:47 AM	#19
Old Crow Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Fox, AR Posts: 394	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Usually the compressor cycling on and off is a sign of low Freon charge. My motor home started doing this to me last weekend. Unfortunately, it's an old R-12 system. Gonna have to hit my friend up and see if anybody's still got some stashed. __________________ Old Crow '54 Chevy Panel, '00 Bounder 36S, '95 Jeep YJ

06-10-2015, 07:43 AM	#20
1project2many Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lakes Region NH Posts: 3,200	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC TPI is the best truck intake system Chevrolet never put on a truck. Combine it with a low end cam and you've got a real stump puller. Get some 3.08 or 2.73 rear gears with a 700R4 and you'll have a mild little cruiser that can achieve nice economy.



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06-10-2015, 09:04 AM	#21
2tractors Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Hawkinsville,Ga. Posts: 65	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC I've got carb problems with my 283 in 33 plymouth. It's got vortec heads and roller cam with air. Runs rich even with a 650 holley and stumbles. Gonna do the swap one of these days. Good job on yours. __________________ How to tell when your getting old--- Aunt B starts looking good!

06-10-2015, 09:56 AM	#23
Rickysnickers Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Eagle, ID Posts: 3,059	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC So when does that TPI setup start running out of breath? I've been told it's around 4500 rpm, is that true?

06-10-2015, 10:49 AM	#24
Katrina/10 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Ocean Springs, MS Posts: 1,746	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Yes, that's true, 4500 to 5000 is about it. If you want to make power higher than that RPM, they are not the best choice. But a great intake system for a street cruiser. __________________ Gary 1971 Chevrolet C/10 1951 GMC 100 1977 GMC C15 1955 Chevrolet 3100

06-10-2015, 10:36 PM	#25
Rickysnickers Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Eagle, ID Posts: 3,059	Re: TPI in my 51 GMC Ok. Is that due to the intake itself or the head design?

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