? about adding TPI? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**smitty62** · 02-05-2005, 02:53 PM

I'm getting together the stuff I need to add TPI to my '68 and have a few ? Did (or should) you use a short water pump? long? --or serpentine? Stock fan and shroud or electric?
Please keep in mind my heads are 186's with accessory holes. Pics of your setup would surely be appreciated to: ras36@yadtel.net Thanks!

**smitty62** · 02-06-2005, 01:00 AM

Bumpety

Russell · 02-06-2005, 01:18 AM

You can use whatever you want

If you do want to run the V-belt setup, make sure that the alternator bracket isn't gonna cause issues. I dunno if your truck has that driver's side alternator bracket, or if it has one of the newer passenger's side brackets that goes up overtop of the alternator, but with the newer pass side, the top of the alt bracket will hit the throttle body. With serp, you may have to clearance the tensioner pulley a bit, but it does depend on the different setups

**smitty62** · 02-06-2005, 09:48 AM

Sounds good! Are you running an electric or stock fan? If it will work, I'll be using the stock '68 alt. bracket. Also was thinking I would use a '94/'96 Impala SS plastic duct elbow to get intake away from radiator heat--do you think that would work? Do you have any pics of your setup? Thanks!

71swb4x4 · 02-06-2005, 11:59 AM

Here is how I routed mine to get it out of the way of the fan. I used all of my stock front end (alternator, water pump, fan, etc.

**smitty62** · 02-06-2005, 12:45 PM

Yeah! That'll work! What elbow did you use ? I'll have to route to clear an A/C compressor too. What air filter do you plan on using? I know there are more '67/'72 TPI installations out there--so how 'bout some pics? Thanks Guys

71swb4x4 · 02-06-2005, 01:41 PM

I got my elbow from www.jagsthatrun.com same place I got my vehicle speed sensor from. The elbow is a 4" x 3" 90 degree. The 4" side goes on the throttle body. I cut about an inch off it to pull it away from my fan a little more. I have a cone filter coming off the mass air sensor.

Russell · 02-06-2005, 05:04 PM

I am using electric fans myself, and I plan to rig up the Trans Am Air induction setup to work in my truck

**smitty62** · 02-06-2005, 09:34 PM

OK, do you guys see any reason this (see pic) couldn't be adapted to the TPI mouth? (I won't be using a MAF sensor). Maybe use the original MAF boot? (I've got one of those). It's intended for use on a 'Vette.

71swb4x4 · 02-06-2005, 09:36 PM

If you are going to run electric fans it shouldn't be a problem. Not sure if you have enough room with an engine driven fan. Try to get some measurements from the seller just to be sure.

BobbyK · 02-07-2005, 02:35 PM

I went with a pair of 14" electric fans when I did my conversion.The K+N filter I use interferred with the stock clutch fan setup.
Although I believe with the rubber 90 in 71swb4x4 pic you'd be able to run the factory fan.
Here's my set-up.
I made the metal shroud the fans are in.

Here it is installed.

The TPI

**smitty62** · 02-07-2005, 03:39 PM

Bobbyk--that sure looks nice. What did you use for a water inlet under the plenum? I understand it's difficult getting a hose under the TPI and I don't want to use one of those $55 aluminum outlets!!

I would also really like to get the air intake away from the radiator without spending a fortune. Great job!

Anyone else got some TPI installation pics? I'm looking for all the ideas I can find!

**smitty62** · 02-07-2005, 03:42 PM

Also Bobby--do you think a stock fan might work using a 1 1/2" or 2" fan extension?--or would that have put it into the radiator? (No engine in mine so I have nothing to look at).

gmc67swb · 02-07-2005, 09:20 PM

For the guys who have done this, did any of you have linkage style throttle and have to convert to cable? What I'm askin' is what did you do for throttle operation on the throttle body?

**smitty62** · 02-07-2005, 09:33 PM

Throttle rods won't work---------must use cable. You can see the cable in Bobbyk's pictures.

71swb4x4 · 02-07-2005, 10:25 PM

I already had cable, but I did have to get a longer cable. I grabbed a long cable from teh pick-n-pull and shortened it for my application. It was easy since I had a cable to start with.

rustyold72 · 02-07-2005, 10:49 PM

To get the air intake away from the radiator you can use PVC pipe and Fernco couplings, I know it sounds ghetto, but use the black colored PVC, and the Fernco is black as well so it looks better than it sounds, use a 3rd gen T/A air box mount it down by the radiator support (cut a hole in the rad support if you want) alot of the 3rd gen f body guys have used this methot with some success, if thirdgen.org is back up take a look over there for intake setups

BobbyK · 02-08-2005, 04:39 AM

Smitty,I tried a fan spacer before I went with the electric fans.I ended up with a wicked vibration at about 2500rpm.
I replaced the orig. aluminium TPI thermostat housing with a cast one.
The application is for a a 64-78 Chevy truck with a 327ci engine.
Here's the car Quest part number.

This T-stat housing let's you use the orig. upper rad hose and orientates the outlet facing the rad(more or less).The orig. t-stat housing interferes with the throttle linkage on the TPI throttle body.

Here they are side by side

**smitty62** · 02-08-2005, 10:38 AM

Many thanks to you guys! This is the kind of info I was looking for and the pics are a big help. Right now, I'm trying to decide if I want to powder coat the TPI unit or bead blast it and leave it natural (which won't last long). Thanks again!

02-05-2005, 02:53 PM	#1
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	? about adding TPI? I'm getting together the stuff I need to add TPI to my '68 and have a few ? Did (or should) you use a short water pump? long? --or serpentine? Stock fan and shroud or electric? Please keep in mind my heads are 186's with accessory holes. Pics of your setup would surely be appreciated to: ras36@yadtel.net Thanks! __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

02-06-2005, 01:00 AM	#2
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Bumpety __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

02-06-2005, 01:18 AM	#3
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	You can use whatever you want If you do want to run the V-belt setup, make sure that the alternator bracket isn't gonna cause issues. I dunno if your truck has that driver's side alternator bracket, or if it has one of the newer passenger's side brackets that goes up overtop of the alternator, but with the newer pass side, the top of the alt bracket will hit the throttle body. With serp, you may have to clearance the tensioner pulley a bit, but it does depend on the different setups __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

02-06-2005, 09:48 AM	#4
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Sounds good! Are you running an electric or stock fan? If it will work, I'll be using the stock '68 alt. bracket. Also was thinking I would use a '94/'96 Impala SS plastic duct elbow to get intake away from radiator heat--do you think that would work? Do you have any pics of your setup? Thanks! __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

02-06-2005, 11:59 AM	#5
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Here is how I routed mine to get it out of the way of the fan. I used all of my stock front end (alternator, water pump, fan, etc. 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.

02-06-2005, 12:45 PM	#6
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Yeah! That'll work! What elbow did you use ? I'll have to route to clear an A/C compressor too. What air filter do you plan on using? I know there are more '67/'72 TPI installations out there--so how 'bout some pics? Thanks Guys __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

02-06-2005, 01:41 PM	#7
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	I got my elbow from www.jagsthatrun.com same place I got my vehicle speed sensor from. The elbow is a 4" x 3" 90 degree. The 4" side goes on the throttle body. I cut about an inch off it to pull it away from my fan a little more. I have a cone filter coming off the mass air sensor. __________________ 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.

02-06-2005, 05:04 PM	#8
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	I am using electric fans myself, and I plan to rig up the Trans Am Air induction setup to work in my truck __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

02-06-2005, 09:34 PM	#9
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	OK, do you guys see any reason this (see pic) couldn't be adapted to the TPI mouth? (I won't be using a MAF sensor). Maybe use the original MAF boot? (I've got one of those). It's intended for use on a 'Vette. Attached Images __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty Last edited by smitty62; 02-06-2005 at 09:37 PM.

02-06-2005, 09:36 PM	#10
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	If you are going to run electric fans it shouldn't be a problem. Not sure if you have enough room with an engine driven fan. Try to get some measurements from the seller just to be sure. __________________ 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.

02-07-2005, 02:35 PM	#11
BobbyK Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi. Posts: 1,772	I went with a pair of 14" electric fans when I did my conversion.The K+N filter I use interferred with the stock clutch fan setup. Although I believe with the rubber 90 in 71swb4x4 pic you'd be able to run the factory fan. Here's my set-up. I made the metal shroud the fans are in. Here it is installed. The TPI __________________ 71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE

02-07-2005, 03:39 PM	#12
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Bobbyk--that sure looks nice. What did you use for a water inlet under the plenum? I understand it's difficult getting a hose under the TPI and I don't want to use one of those $55 aluminum outlets!! I would also really like to get the air intake away from the radiator without spending a fortune. Great job! Anyone else got some TPI installation pics? I'm looking for all the ideas I can find! __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

02-07-2005, 03:42 PM	#13
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Also Bobby--do you think a stock fan might work using a 1 1/2" or 2" fan extension?--or would that have put it into the radiator? (No engine in mine so I have nothing to look at). __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

02-07-2005, 09:20 PM	#14
gmc67swb Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Mesquite, Tx Posts: 396	For the guys who have done this, did any of you have linkage style throttle and have to convert to cable? What I'm askin' is what did you do for throttle operation on the throttle body? __________________ GM 330HP/350, Magnuson 122HH, Tremec TKO 5spd

02-07-2005, 09:33 PM	#15
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Throttle rods won't work---------must use cable. You can see the cable in Bobbyk's pictures. __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty



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02-07-2005, 10:25 PM	#16
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	I already had cable, but I did have to get a longer cable. I grabbed a long cable from teh pick-n-pull and shortened it for my application. It was easy since I had a cable to start with. __________________ 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.

02-07-2005, 10:49 PM	#17
rustyold72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Ark City KS Posts: 505	To get the air intake away from the radiator you can use PVC pipe and Fernco couplings, I know it sounds ghetto, but use the black colored PVC, and the Fernco is black as well so it looks better than it sounds, use a 3rd gen T/A air box mount it down by the radiator support (cut a hole in the rad support if you want) alot of the 3rd gen f body guys have used this methot with some success, if thirdgen.org is back up take a look over there for intake setups __________________ 71 Chevy C10 "The Rust Bucket" 72 Chevy C10 apart in the garage 02 WS6 T/A Fast Black and bad@$$ 93 Nissan Pathfinder "Emily" Totaled RIP girl 05 Jeep Grand Cherokee-HEMI powered 87 Iroc Z28 305 TPI auto (crying out for an LS1 swap)

02-08-2005, 04:39 AM	#18
BobbyK Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi. Posts: 1,772	Smitty,I tried a fan spacer before I went with the electric fans.I ended up with a wicked vibration at about 2500rpm. I replaced the orig. aluminium TPI thermostat housing with a cast one. The application is for a a 64-78 Chevy truck with a 327ci engine. Here's the car Quest part number. This T-stat housing let's you use the orig. upper rad hose and orientates the outlet facing the rad(more or less).The orig. t-stat housing interferes with the throttle linkage on the TPI throttle body. Here they are side by side __________________ 71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE Last edited by BobbyK; 02-08-2005 at 04:43 AM.

02-08-2005, 10:38 AM	#19
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Many thanks to you guys! This is the kind of info I was looking for and the pics are a big help. Right now, I'm trying to decide if I want to powder coat the TPI unit or bead blast it and leave it natural (which won't last long). Thanks again! __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

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