Another TPI question

[RunTMCfan]

I'm gonna buy a crate motor in the coming months. I plan on racking my brain and installing a TPI from an older chevy.

What are the ideal cars (if any)to pick from for this application.

Do I need to purchase a certain crate motor to properly bolt on the system?

Should I have the old Fuel Injection ran through by somebody to make sure it's as good as new?

[Josh]

Moving to Engine and Drivetrain for better visibility.

[MikeS]

Originally Posted by RunTMCfan

I'm gonna buy a crate motor in the coming months. I plan on racking my brain and installing a TPI from an older chevy.

What are the ideal cars (if any)to pick from for this application.

Do I need to purchase a certain crate motor to properly bolt on the system?

Should I have the old Fuel Injection ran through by somebody to make sure it's as good as new?

The TPI swap is pretty straightforward but do your research first. There were some important differences between the different versions of TPI that GM put on Camaros, Firebirds, and Vettes, even within the same year. There are a bunch of great websites and a couple of books around that helped me a lot.
www.chevythunder.com
www.jagsthatrun.com
www.thirdgen.org

The best thing to do is to find a complete, running Z28 or TransAm. That way you can be sure that the TPI is working well and you'll have all the sensors, etc. needed to make it work. Try and get one with a 350, not a 305 like I did since the injectors and sensors are different.

If you are getting a crate motor, get one with the newer style center bolt heads, it'll make the intake install easier since there are 2 different versions of the intake which differ in the angle of the 2 middle bolt holes on each side.

The most time consuming part for me was the plumbing. You need to put in an electric fuel pump and a new fuel lines. The stock supply line is too small and you need a return line. I also installed an intank pump with a built in baffle for more reliability. You'll also have to have a bung for the O2 sensor welded into your exhaust manifold. If you've got headers like I do, it goes after the collector and you need to use a heated O2 sensor which means a little extra wiring.

It's a fun upgrade to do but it isn't exactly a bolt on. I've kept the entire parts list from my install which might help.

Keep asking questions.

[Jason915]

I did a TBI on my Blazer and it was even easier than a TPI set up. I am very happy with it. A TBI would give you the same bennifits and results as a TPI but would cost less and be slighlty easier. If you want some info on it let me know and I'll do a write up on it.

[RunTMCfan]

Did someone say a write up??? Can't read enough of them.

I was gonna ask the 305 vs. 350 question but didn't think it mattered. I read previousely that a full car is the way to go. I will definately do that and make sure it has a 350.

Thanks guys.

As always more input is appreciated.

[RunTMCfan]

Does the fuel injection need to be tuned up??? It is old...

[Jason915]

I'll work on a TBI conversion write up.

[Jason915]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...44#post1750844

[53burb]

Originally Posted by MikeS

The TPI swap is pretty straightforward but do your research first. There were some important differences between the different versions of TPI that GM put on Camaros, Firebirds, and Vettes, even within the same year. There are a bunch of great websites and a couple of books around that helped me a lot.
www.chevythunder.com
www.jagsthatrun.com
www.thirdgen.org

The best thing to do is to find a complete, running Z28 or TransAm. That way you can be sure that the TPI is working well and you'll have all the sensors, etc. needed to make it work. Try and get one with a 350, not a 305 like I did since the injectors and sensors are different.

If you are getting a crate motor, get one with the newer style center bolt heads, it'll make the intake install easier since there are 2 different versions of the intake which differ in the angle of the 2 middle bolt holes on each side.

The most time consuming part for me was the plumbing. You need to put in an electric fuel pump and a new fuel lines. The stock supply line is too small and you need a return line. I also installed an intank pump with a built in baffle for more reliability. You'll also have to have a bung for the O2 sensor welded into your exhaust manifold. If you've got headers like I do, it goes after the collector and you need to use a heated O2 sensor which means a little extra wiring.

It's a fun upgrade to do but it isn't exactly a bolt on. I've kept the entire parts list from my install which might help.

Keep asking questions.

MikeS,

I would be interested in your parts list. I have a TPI from an '86 on the way.
Thanks

[MikeS]

Originally Posted by 53burb

MikeS,

I would be interested in your parts list. I have a TPI from an '86 on the way.
Thanks

PM'ed you. It's in an Excel file.

[obsesive23]

Ok dumb question, how do you tell the difference between a 305 and a 350?
I found a 86 Iroc today that runs and drives for $500 and I'am not sure it is a 350 or not.

[MylilBowTie]

86 did not have a 350 but there is a remote chance that it had a 350 swap.

[obsesive23]

What years should I look for? Does the corvettes differ?
Thanks for the heads up.

[MylilBowTie]

87/88-92 Camaro and I'm not sure on the Vettes but they also had 350 TPI engines. Id say about 86ish to 90-91 I'm pretty sure 92 was LT1 engines. Maybe someone else will be better on the years for the Corvette.

Depending on what you want to do you can use a tbi 350. Its pretty much the same short block as a tpi engine. They are tapped for roller camshafts but don't have the tpi heads or roller cam usually but all that can be installed.