tedpants

Two Mechanics telling me two different things: 1)push the rocker ratio and upgrade the intake/runners/injectors. 2)don't do anything unless upgrading to the FAST computer setup & parts. How can I get the most Naturally aspirated power out of this TPI without changing engines or using nitrous?

hdis2002

iTrader: (1)

There are tons of posts on this site that address your question. Use the search function. It works pretty well. Just to get you started: upgrade the exhaust - headers, 2.5 to 3 inch pipe, etc. If you are still running stock injectors, replace them. Contact South Bay Injectors for recommended replacements. Search for the rest. You'll get dizzy reading all of the possibilities. It's pretty much limited by your imagination and your bank account. Good luck.

Night rider327

iTrader: (13)

Headers, exhaust, better heads, better intake/runners, bigger cam, bigger injectors.

Ozz1967

iTrader: (4)

Also, tighten up your suspension with Poly bushings, new springs, Koni Shocks/STruts or equvilent. This will make the car feel faster since it's riding better.

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

Stock computer retuned will handle anything you want for the most part. Make power you need cam heads and new intake design or first tpi setup. Dont waste time with anything stock tpi or bases/runners available unless its a first tpi

tedpants

I like the First-TPI unit and combined with Higher ratio rockers and bigger injectors/fuel pressure, I'm told I'll get sizable power. But another mechanic says the ECM won't be able to keep up for 1987. I read the writeup on programming my own PROMs but have no idea if the hardware itself can be adjusted for it. Has anybody tricked out a 1987 like this?

tedpants

I've done the exhaust 3-inch w/high flow cat and wrapped headers.

tedpants

I'm happy with the rubber links and bushings, have new OEM style shocks, decked out the T-Top subframe with UMI connectors and steering brace. Handles great but I don't think I'll go to moly parts until I get over 350 horse

tedpants

All on my list, but the better intake is hard to source, I see the "FIRST TPI" and love it, Edelbrock makes siamesed runners with adjustable plates for switching heads!?. Would bigger injectors require more fuel psi?

tedpants

UPDATE: I've decided to take apart the engine to determine what the prior owner did during the rebuild. After confirming the camshaft, piston bore & stroke, and cylinder head condition, I want to upgrade or port & polish the heads to improve or upgrade the cam's ability and increase the intake runners and/or manifold. Aside from the work involved, I'm having a hard time sourcing big-tube intake runners and the F.I.R.S.T. tpi intake. These things have just disappeared!?!

Ozz1967

iTrader: (4)

FIRST website is here:

https://www.firstfuelinjection.com

Ozz1967

iTrader: (4)

Stay away from edelbrock or the others that siamese or port the runners. Especially if you ate going to get a FIRST set up.

tedpants

Thanks OZZ, My 1987 has an old Hypertech chip upgrade in it already. If I put on a FIRST or TPiS Miniram, do I absolutely need the FAST EZ 2.0 setup too? Anybody to reply

Ozz1967

iTrader: (4)

All of those after market intakes, the the FAST or Holley's or Edelbrocks, are all effectively TBI Throttlebody units.

So if you get the FIRST or Miniram, which I would recommend over any of those others at this juncture, ou would only need the controller because they are the MPFI intakes. I think This controller from FAST would work as a controller. It has everthing except the throttle body which you don't need if you get a FIRST or miniram.

Alternatively, and mainly because i would prefer to support members here, I would get this RBOB's EBL Flash tuning at Dynamic EFI. It may even be cheaper.

Ozz1967

iTrader: (4)

the main issue with the FAST controller, is it's for cars that do not have EFI and are going TO efi. You already have it, you're just trying to make it better. Perhaps something like a megasquirt system would work as well.

tedpants

Made some progress so far this winter. Looking to get road testing and ez-efi learning done in March.

I've finished wiring what I needed, pigtailing some sensors to have two outputs and swapping connections from GM to FAST. It's ugly wiring right now and you'll see in the pics in a couple days. BUT it will start and then idle after warmed up. It's not steady at idle, the tach is pinned to the max, don't care about the c.e.l., and I have a questionable exhaust leak that may be affecting the O-2 response...so header gasket or collector gasket will be my guess for the smoke test this weekend. I'm just excited that it started on the first try.

I'm worried about
1) the throttle body having loose bushings and providing false tps signals
2) interference from my Accel remote ignition coil messing with my tach signal
3) possible vacuum leaks in plenum (didn't replace gaskets yet)

While the Z is up on blocks, I should finally replace the rear sway links/bushings too, I've been saving that for a troubleshooting dead end.