TPI Tuned Port Injection discussion and questions. LB9 and L98 tech, porting, tuning, and bolt-on aftermarket products.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

TBI TPI Swap power gain worth the trouble?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-11-2003, 05:17 PM
  #1  
Junior Member

Thread Starter
 
RBelflower's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
TBI TPI Swap power gain worth the trouble?

Just curious,

What kind of HP will I gain on my 305 if I change the TBI to TPI?

Another thought is to change the crank and get it to a 350 (345), or so I have heard that this is a possibility.

My engine is still being looked up to find out how it was setup.

I already have the complete TPI setup off of a 91 Z.

Thanks

Rob
92 RS
305
Manual
Old 08-11-2003, 07:15 PM
  #2  
Moderator

iTrader: (1)
 
Kevin91Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Orange, SoCal
Posts: 10,943
Received 20 Likes on 18 Posts
Car: 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI siamesed runners
Transmission: Tremec T56
Axle/Gears: 12-Bolt 3.73
The crank size is the same for 305's and 350's. Its the bore size that is different, and the 305 and 350 blocks are different. You cannot turn a 305 into a 350. Your option is to remove the 305 block and replace it with a 350 one.

My dad converted his 305 TBI over to TPI, and he gained 17 horsepower and 70 torque at the rear wheels. Then he swapped in a 350 engine and has never been happier. Yes its very much worth it to dump TBI and switch to TPI or better fuel injection.
Old 08-11-2003, 08:33 PM
  #3  
Senior Member

 
305RSlc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: P'cola
Posts: 646
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28 Camaro
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4 that will magically turn into a 6 speed one day.
stuff needed

Hey, sorry to go off topic, but I am wanting to do the exact same swap, and I am just wondering if you have a list of everything I would need to do the entire swap from TBI to TPI. Would I need and sensors and what kind of ecm, any info would be great. I have the L03 right now and would love the better power and economy the TPI has to offer.
Thanks
Lc
Old 08-11-2003, 09:02 PM
  #4  
Member

 
rockind78's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Michigan
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: stuff needed

Originally posted by 305RSlc
Hey, sorry to go off topic, but I am wanting to do the exact same swap, and I am just wondering if you have a list of everything I would need to do the entire swap from TBI to TPI. Would I need and sensors and what kind of ecm, any info would be great. I have the L03 right now and would love the better power and economy the TPI has to offer.
Thanks
Lc
https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/tbitotpi.shtml
Old 08-12-2003, 11:07 AM
  #5  
TGO Supporter/Moderator

iTrader: (12)
 
anesthes's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: SALEM, NH
Posts: 11,741
Likes: 0
Received 89 Likes on 75 Posts
Car: '88 Formula, '94 Corvette, '95 Bird
Engine: LC9, 355" LT1, LT1
Transmission: T5, Zf6, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, Dana44 3.45, 3.23
Before you spedn a lot of dough on a TPI unit you m ight wanna look at the holley stealth ram.

-- Joe
Old 08-12-2003, 11:48 AM
  #6  
Supreme Member
 
25THRSS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Glen Allen, VA
Posts: 5,740
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Here you go. Can't argue with actual dyno graphs. Looks like to me you should concentrate on exhaust before anything else. Maybe do the ultimate tbi mods and you will be a lot more happier than if you switched to tpi.

http://bitchincamaro.no-ip.com/dyno.html
Old 08-12-2003, 03:08 PM
  #7  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
87WS6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,565
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1992 Formula Firebird
Engine: 305CID (LB9)
Transmission: World Class T5
Axle/Gears: 10-bolt, 4.10 gears
I think the TPI swap is still valid. And a stock 350 doesn't gain a whole lot with an aftermarket unit like the Stealth Ram. It's when you really start getting into headwork and cam that the change is worthwhile.

Even if he installs the TPI system now. He can still upgrade to the Stealth Ram later. Just change the intake, plenum and runners.
TPI system's are pretty inexpensive all things considered. If you already own the TPI hardware it's definatley worth while.
I think it's worth it. Go for it.

Last edited by 87WS6; 08-12-2003 at 03:11 PM.
Old 08-12-2003, 11:57 PM
  #8  
Supreme Member

 
88Camaro350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: B'ville, WV
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 2002 Formula Firebird
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4l60e
Axle/Gears: 3.23
I remember someone on the boards saying there dad had a 91 (i think) lo3 car. He gained 17hp and 70lbs torque at the wheels from just a TPI swap and nothing else.

If he sees this post im sure he will confirm this.
Old 08-13-2003, 01:28 AM
  #9  
Moderator

iTrader: (1)
 
Kevin91Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Orange, SoCal
Posts: 10,943
Received 20 Likes on 18 Posts
Car: 1990 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 TPI siamesed runners
Transmission: Tremec T56
Axle/Gears: 12-Bolt 3.73
Originally posted by 88Camaro350
I remember someone on the boards saying their dad had a 91 (i think) lo3 car. He gained 17hp and 70lbs torque at the wheels from just a TPI swap and nothing else.

If he sees this post im sure he will confirm this.
Uhh... yes. I posted the second post in this thread.
Old 08-13-2003, 10:01 AM
  #10  
Junior Member

Thread Starter
 
RBelflower's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks all.

For those that have done this,.. is it straight forward?

I have spoke with some companys that sell TPI's setup's and they say it is a straight swap.

I spoke with Howell and they say to convert the TBI harness, so that all of my guages work.

I thought that the wiring was all the same (under the dash) except the fuel injector part.

I have the harness,.. straight forward?

Rob
Old 08-13-2003, 01:13 PM
  #11  
Member
 
MelloYello's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Granite City, IL, USA
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
TBI TPI Swap power gain worth the trouble?
No. The power gain is not worth the time/money - you could go faster for cheaper by slaaping on a good used carb and intake. However, the increased flexability and near limitless tunability you would gain from converting to fuel injection make the swap worth its weight in gold. Do the swap, read TRAXION's article on PROM burning (a sticky at the top of the DIY PROM board), learn to burn your own chips, and your TPI (I consider your setup TPI if you are using GM's 730 or 749 ECM) will totally knock your socks off. Good Luck.

Kyle
Old 08-13-2003, 02:44 PM
  #12  
Supreme Member
 
25THRSS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Glen Allen, VA
Posts: 5,740
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally posted by 25THRSS
Here you go. Can't argue with actual dyno graphs. Looks like to me you should concentrate on exhaust before anything else. Maybe do the ultimate tbi mods and you will be a lot more happier than if you switched to tpi.

http://bitchincamaro.no-ip.com/dyno.html
Like I said, you can't argue with ACTUAL DYNO GRAPHS. If you look at his graphs from his swap, which includes other mods such as aluminum driveshaft, underdrive pulleys, airfoil, and cold air intake, you will see that he gained a combined 9 hp and 39 ft torque, all while moving the hp peak down and the torque peak up, exactly what you don't want to do.
Old 08-13-2003, 11:12 PM
  #13  
Supreme Member

 
88Camaro350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: B'ville, WV
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 2002 Formula Firebird
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4l60e
Axle/Gears: 3.23
WHOOOPS LOL.

I didn't read anything besides his first post LOL. Im lazy.
Old 08-15-2003, 07:09 AM
  #14  
Moderator

 
okfoz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes on 119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
I did a little different conversion I went from an LG4 to the TPI on my 87 Formula, and I really think it was worth it.

I remember swapping the following:
engine wire harness
dash wire harness (I think you can skip this one with TPI)
intake runners etc.
Swapped sides with the Battery
Ran the fuel lines
Dropped the axel, put in the TPI fuel pump in tank.

I really did not notice a big gain with the HP end, not until I got into programming, but my fuel milage wendt from 17mpg to 23mpg


John
Old 08-17-2003, 09:33 AM
  #15  
Member

 
91RS5speed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Duluth, Ga
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 91 RS
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Auburn Pro / 3.42
If you want more hp full exhaust is the way to go as far as first mods. If you already have a tpi setup go ahead and do it. I love the torque and the car runs much smoother. I dont regreat doing the swap though.
Old 08-18-2003, 06:57 AM
  #16  
Moderator

 
okfoz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
Posts: 14,235
Received 164 Likes on 119 Posts
Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
Engine: 5.1L TPI, 5.0L TPI
Transmission: 700R4, M5
Axle/Gears: Sag 3.73, B&W 3.45
One advantage you will get for doing a swap... is experience. well worth it. I am MUCH more comfortable working on computer controlled GM vehicles. I would be that once you get done, you will be more knowledgable than many if not most of the other folks here.

John
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MustangBeater20
TBI
11
10-29-2022 09:20 PM
BRoss99
Electronics
27
12-07-2020 06:50 PM
draco
V6
21
10-04-2015 09:25 PM
InfinityShade
Transmissions and Drivetrain
15
08-22-2015 08:00 PM
hokis
Transmissions and Drivetrain
9
08-09-2015 03:57 PM



Quick Reply: TBI TPI Swap power gain worth the trouble?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:29 AM.