FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
#51
Moderator
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Littleton, CO USA
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes
on
34 Posts
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
From the photos you posted, it doesn't appear that the steam holes were drilled in the heads. I know there are plenty of people who say they didn't drill them and their 400 is doing just fine, but there is no reason NOT to drill the holes. If you didn't, I'd highly recommend you pull the heads and drill them.
#52
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Trust me the steam holes are there I sweated through everyone of the holes as I didn't want to mess up my $1600 heads.
Well I am trusting the guy that build this motor, he has been building motors all most as long as I have been alive. This is not a race motor and may or may not ever see a drag strip. The block was checked and rechecked. If it was anyone else building this motor I wouldn't be able to sleep at night and its as much his baby as it is mine.
Well I am trusting the guy that build this motor, he has been building motors all most as long as I have been alive. This is not a race motor and may or may not ever see a drag strip. The block was checked and rechecked. If it was anyone else building this motor I wouldn't be able to sleep at night and its as much his baby as it is mine.
Last edited by TORN; 12-19-2012 at 07:04 PM.
#53
Supreme Member
iTrader: (20)
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
If it was thoroughly checked and it passed your machinist's inspection, you will be fine. As long as he knows what he is doing ofcourse and sounds like it. I know guys running 2 times as much power as you expect to make on factory 400's for few years before block failed. Its NOT ideal but can work depending on the application
#54
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
A few questions if you dont mind.
1)What size heads?
2)What size headers?
3)What cam and compression?
4)And what rwhp rwtq are u looking at achieving?
Thanks.
1)What size heads?
2)What size headers?
3)What cam and compression?
4)And what rwhp rwtq are u looking at achieving?
Thanks.
#55
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
A few questions if you dont mind.
1)What size heads?
2)What size headers?
3)What cam and compression?
4)And what rwhp rwtq are u looking at achieving?
Thanks.
1)What size heads?
2)What size headers?
3)What cam and compression?
4)And what rwhp rwtq are u looking at achieving?
Thanks.
You sold me the heads....... lol
#56
#58
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Small update I got all the suspension hooked up under the front end and finished the wiring. Hooked up the EBL Flash and all the sensors were talking to the ECM.
Also picked up a new radiator to make the cooling better, got LT1 fan setup to install too.
Also picked up a new radiator to make the cooling better, got LT1 fan setup to install too.
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: dothan, al
Posts: 668
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 pontiac trans am
Engine: None
Transmission: None
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Awesome build!!! Where did you get valve covers? Also where did you get the EBL system and do they make a specific kit for TPI?
#60
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Yes they do, go to http://www.dynamicefi.com/EBL_Flash.php read its all there. The valve covers I got off ebay but they are made in the USA. I can get you the part number if you want it.
#62
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
That's a beautiful looking setup! I'm building something similar. It is a Dart SHP 400 block with AFR210s, my cam is a 240/245@50 .594 lift and I'm currently negotiating on an FI system.
I really like your pulley system, what are the pulleys and brackets you are using?
I really like your pulley system, what are the pulleys and brackets you are using?
#64
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
I really like your pulley system, what are the pulleys and brackets you are using?
The Y pipe is 2.5 pipe into 3 merge which will hook into my 3 inch Magnaflow cat-back. I know some will say its too small for a big inch motor like this but this is not a super aggressive cam so after I get it tuned and on the road I can revisit things like the stock intake Y and the exhaust and change whats needs attention.
#65
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
I got the heater core hooked up and in a much better configuration then stock. I found the idea on a corvette forum and thought I would pass it on.
Here is the part.
This is how it turned out. I like it a lot better then the stock setup.
Here is the part.
This is how it turned out. I like it a lot better then the stock setup.
#66
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Welded in O2 sensor bungs and put 3 coats of VHT Header paint on the Y pipe. My list is getting smaller I am only days from firing this thing up. It will have to wait till after my trip to Bristol Tenn. this weekend.
It doesn't look like it in the pics but the lowest part of the Y is a good 1/2 inch higher then the collector flanges.
It doesn't look like it in the pics but the lowest part of the Y is a good 1/2 inch higher then the collector flanges.
#69
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Ok here is the 3rd startup after getting things setup. Don't mind the noise after this we adusted the valve train and cam bearing stop and it is all quiet now. Still got to adjust the idle tune a little more but it is coming along.
#70
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
I did run into a issue with the First Injection intake. I am going to wait to talk much about it till I see how they handle it, but the intake is leaking antifreeze near the water neck thru a casting flaw. They are going to swap me out for a new one but I really am not looking forward to taking the motor apart again....... oh well
#71
Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Ohio
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Since the EBL is a reworked programmable stock computer, do you use the stock knock sensor? Will it work with a larger bore? I know the 350 and 305 have different knock sensors since they knock at different frequencies. How does it work?
#74
Junior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Z28
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4 Probuilt Hardparts
Axle/Gears: G92 3.23
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
I have a FIRST brand new in box if anybody is interested. Relatively cheap too. Vortec pattern. Sorry to jump in but figured someone may have some interest. PM me if interested.
Just thinking u can use a vortec ecm and leave behind the sfi and go to mpfi. Easier to get feedback and way faster comm rates.
Just thinking u can use a vortec ecm and leave behind the sfi and go to mpfi. Easier to get feedback and way faster comm rates.
#75
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Going to go ahead and sub to this. Very interested in this build, Ive got a 406 in my car that has a first injection setup on the way along with dyno don headers. Future plans are some AFR 210s, AFR 195S, or Jegs 195s along with a cam swap and other upgrades. Any more updates on how its running? I am also using EBL Flash so if you need any help with basic stuff I can try to help, I have only had it since last fall so I am by no means an expert.
#78
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
I would call them up I am not sure if they have anything new or not.
http://www.firstfuelinjection.com/
http://www.firstfuelinjection.com/
#79
Supreme Member
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 1988 Flame Red Trans am GTA
Engine: Forged 355 4 Bolt, FIRST TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: ls1 torsen 3.42 gear
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
im running a first setup on my forged 355 tpi..... I like the intake alot.... when I did the swap 2 years ago I had to machine the intake because it didn't sit flush on the block and the throttlebody was giving me fits so I had a adapter plate made to accept the stock type throttlebody.... I wonder how the FIRST setup would run on a 421
#80
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Well I bought your 76mm throttle body from you, it works just fine on the motor so far. Small update. 1 step forward 3 steps back. Pulled intake to send out to FIRST for warranty replacement. Also pulled my transmission to adjust the shim spacing on the slave cylinder. So after I get my new intake this thing will be ready for the road.
#82
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: springfield, M.A
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1992 CAMARO RS
Engine: V8 305 TBI
Transmission: 700R4 at
Axle/Gears: non-posi not sure what gears
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
I have a FIRST brand new in box if anybody is interested. Relatively cheap too. Vortec pattern. Sorry to jump in but figured someone may have some interest. PM me if interested.
Just thinking u can use a vortec ecm and leave behind the sfi and go to mpfi. Easier to get feedback and way faster comm rates.
Just thinking u can use a vortec ecm and leave behind the sfi and go to mpfi. Easier to get feedback and way faster comm rates.
#83
Supreme Member
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
This is a really nice build and you’re going to absolutely love the power band this thing is going to make. I think the HP and TQ estimates are spot on,,, and I’ll throw in it will probably make over 500lb/ft from as low as 2800 to almost 5800 rpm. That is assuming you run at least a 3” Y to a single 4” muffler,,,, or dual 3” exhaust pipes. Once you get it rolling,, if you feel a bit of a power drop in the 3700 – 4100 rpm range,,, it’s probably that single 3” exhaust. It could easily cause a 35-40 lb/ft dip in that range,, not to mention taking 15 or so HP off the top.
We definitely have similar likes,,,, I’ve finally started back on my siamesed runner FIRST project, which will top off a very similar engine to yours. It’s going in a 1985 Monte Carlo SS,, but it has the same wheels you’re running – lol.
We definitely have similar likes,,,, I’ve finally started back on my siamesed runner FIRST project, which will top off a very similar engine to yours. It’s going in a 1985 Monte Carlo SS,, but it has the same wheels you’re running – lol.
#85
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
The whole intake system is at FIRST in Wisconsin. He is replacing my defective intake base and making sure everything fits the new base. Hopefully I will see everything at my door this coming week. Playing the waiting game..........
#89
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Yes. Sorry I am being slow. I had another set back and had to order a tilton slave setup as the stock slave was not moving enough fluid. Got to drive it for the first time this past weekend and now I am trying to get it tuned enough to park in my garage before michigan winter gets here. Tuning with the EBL Flash has been a learning curve but the tune is getting better every time.
I need to get a updated pic on here as I got everything hooked up now and she is road worthy.
I need to get a updated pic on here as I got everything hooked up now and she is road worthy.
#93
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Wauconda, IL
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 69 Corvette
Engine: 409 CID SBC
Transmission: SS 700
Axle/Gears: 3.70
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Ok here is the 3rd startup after getting things setup. Don't mind the noise after this we adusted the valve train and cam bearing stop and it is all quiet now. Still got to adjust the idle tune a little more but it is coming along.
FIRST Injection 421 first startup - YouTube
FIRST Injection 421 first startup - YouTube
I was hoping to see it run!
Any updates?!
I'm starting down the road in my C3 of installing one of these manifolds on my 406 and the info in this thread is invaluable.
I can't wait to see the finished product!
Elm
#94
Well its snowing up here in michigan so its been put to sleep I'm my garage till spring. It idles so so and the tune was good enough to drive it home safely. I will check into the video and see why its not working. Next job is to upgrade the fuel pump, I think I am running out of fuel above 3500 RPM.
#95
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Wauconda, IL
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 69 Corvette
Engine: 409 CID SBC
Transmission: SS 700
Axle/Gears: 3.70
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Well its snowing up here in michigan so its been put to sleep I'm my garage till spring. It idles so so and the tune was good enough to drive it home safely. I will check into the video and see why its not working. Next job is to upgrade the fuel pump, I think I am running out of fuel above 3500 RPM.
But that gives me time to plan what and how I want to execute this upgrade!
Elm
#96
Senior Member
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 887
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes
on
9 Posts
Car: 87 IROC
Engine: L31 350
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 4.10 D44
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Post 43 pictures look like a LT T56 and bell, and you using a QuarterMaster slave (ala LS1) to work with a push style clutch.
Yet, in post 89 you talk about using a Tilton slave in place of the stock slave... which implies you are back to an LT style pull clutch.
What did you end up using for your clutch/T56 combo?
Clutch = pull? push? push dual disc?
T56 input/bellhousing = LT or LS?
Hydraulics = stock or Tilton pull w/ fork? stock or aftermarket concentric push?
Thanks!
Yet, in post 89 you talk about using a Tilton slave in place of the stock slave... which implies you are back to an LT style pull clutch.
What did you end up using for your clutch/T56 combo?
Clutch = pull? push? push dual disc?
T56 input/bellhousing = LT or LS?
Hydraulics = stock or Tilton pull w/ fork? stock or aftermarket concentric push?
Thanks!
#98
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Post 43 pictures look like a LT T56 and bell, and you using a QuarterMaster slave (ala LS1) to work with a push style clutch.
Yet, in post 89 you talk about using a Tilton slave in place of the stock slave... which implies you are back to an LT style pull clutch.
#100
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 1987 GTA Vert & 1991 GTA 5 Speed
Engine: 87 GTA-L98 91 GTA LB9
Transmission: GTA-700R4 & GTA T5
Re: FFI First Injection 421 ci TPI
Any plans for a dyno session for that beast? It would be interesting to see what it puts at the wheels.
Last edited by Slowridr; 03-08-2015 at 06:59 PM.