tomtom89

I have a 92 305 TBI Camaro RS and I was thinking about swapping the TBI manifold for a TPI from another 92 Camaro. I was just curious as to what advantages I would get by swapping the manifold and if it is even worth it. I am planning on upgrading the entire engine to a 350 but probably not anytime in the near future. It looks like I could do this upgrade on the cheap and I am just wondering what improvements in power I would actually see.

aliceempire

iTrader: (14)

This is a multifaceted situation. At one time the TPI had a better computer to tune with. Now, very few tuners touch the older systems. And the tuning problem is pretty much solved with EBL for both tpi and tbi. http://www.dynamicefi.com/

Being worth it? I saw a performance increase from tbi to tpi when my car had a L03 350, but I don't know if that makes it worth it. Some people will say stay with the tbi..others will say switch.

TBI is a whole lot simpler. Easier to work on and CAN put out performance. There just is the computer's difficult to find a tuner without switching to EBL or the like. Parts are also cheaper for the most part.

TPI has a whole lot more parts. It's complicated design make changing parts more labor intensive. But it does work and gives robust low engine speed power.

Personally, I prefer my car being TPI and if I were in your situation I'd do it again. It's pretty easy to switch, but then again I've already done it so it's naturally easy for me to do it twice.

tomtom89

Thanks for the info. I am leaning more toward doing the TPI swap. It seems like if I decide to put a 350 in at some point, I can still use the TPI manifold and intake. The wiring doesn't seem to be to overly complicated either. I am now going to keep my eyes open for either the individual parts or find a good donor car.

aliceempire

iTrader: (14)

If you swap to tpi, finding a donor car is the way to go. I did the same thing and took everything connected to the tpi and the sending unit out of the tank.(you'll need a higher pressure pump than tbi) That way you have the pedal, air intake, cruise control and any other random items that may be different in your hands.

If you stay tbi, I'd suggest this when going to a 350. Drop in a vortec 350, (buy it new and you get it delivered with a warranty,How can you complain about that?) Change you manifold so it will bolt up and go EBL to tune. All you need then is good exhaust since the factory exhaust sucks. And if you're after more, change the camshaft, the heads will work well. You'll get good mileage, have good power, still be easy to work on, and is probably the easiest and cheapest route to go when swapping. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...make/chevrolet
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12496821

tomtom89

Thanks to everyone who posted for the input. I have been doing a little research and I thing I am just going to hold off on the TPI switch for the time being and put the money the I was going to use for the tpi swap for a new motor. I figure if I am going to go all out, I mind as well get something that is new and has a warranty.

Kevin91Z

iTrader: (1)

We switched from TBI to TPI on my father's old car way back when. It went from 150 RWHP and 220 RWTQ to 167 RWHP and 270 RWTQ. Then we put a 3" cat-back on it and it went to 170 RWHP and 275 RWTQ. Finally we put a 198/210 camshaft in it in place of the "peanut cam" and it made 177 RWHP and 290 RWTQ. It also gained 2-3 miles per gallon more on the highway. Yes its very worth it to swap.

Gray Ghost 8991

Hello, Im new here and Ive been doing some digging on the same subject. Ive already found and bought a donor 87 Iroc Z with a 350 TPI. My question is what kind of issues could I have swapping the engine and trans into my 1991 RS 305 TBI? Also, any ideas as far as upgrades for the engine and trans while I have them out?