72 GMC Short Step Build

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F.I.R.S.T. TPI Delivered
But......as these things go, the more I thought about it, I had already done a restoration project on my 69 Camaro, so another "Factory" correct build was not what I really wanted to do. So I ask my self if GMC was building this truck today, what would they do? So, I changed direction......which always costs more and decided to use as many GM parts as possible, to make sourcing easier and more importantly replacements easier to find 10 or 20 years down the road.

So, the first thing I did was start looking at Fuel Injection. Looked at the MSD Atomic, Edelbrock, and FAST. All nice systems, but the intake that I've always thought was just so nice looking was the TPI systems from the late 80's and early 90's Corvettes and Camaros. The only issue was that the systems were maxed out around 300hp.

I mentioned this to my electrical engineering buddy, who has a TPI installed in his 85 El Camino, and he suggest I look at the F.I.R.S.T TPI intake. Turns out this unit has been around awhile but few seem to know much about it. It basically looks like a GM TPI on steroids and can easily handle the 375hp or so that the ZZ4 will ultimately put out. So, after consulting with my project manager, known as "Car Boss" the fabricator, and the EE, we move forward and order one.

This week Christmas came early! The system was delivered.

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Comparison of a stock TPI runner and the FIRST.

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Ok, I changed direction, so the carb is gone TPI is the new direction. So, now we have a new challenge, the 72 fuel system was not designed for FI. So, the Car Boss steps in and makes a plan. We'll use the factory incab fuel tank and utilize a surge tank. But we don't have a surge tank? Did I mention Car Boss can fab just about anything?

So how do you get from this to this?

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How To Make Fabricating a Surge Tank Look Easy

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All nicely tucked away behind the battery in the front right fender
Thanks Car Boss!