IROCmatt

will tpi only run on a engine set up for it, or can i fit tpi on to a engine that should run a carb? as im trying to get hold of a new engine and want to keep the tpi.

wanab03ss

iTrader: (20)

The tpi will work with any first gen sbc unless it has vortec heads and then itll still work but you need the vortec tpi base, wont work on an LT or LS series block

IROCmatt

sorry for sounding thick but how would i tell what a LT and LS engine is? im only just getting in to this and seems a bit confusing what engines what.

wanab03ss

iTrader: (20)

LT is an LT1 or LT4 which came in the Impalas94-96 fbodys93-97 and corvette92-94.. I think those years are correct..notice the thermostat on the water pump and and no distibutor in the back..
http://transamws6.com/pics/transam/lt1_front.jpg
LS series was used in the later vettes and fbodies..notice the seperate ign. coils for each cylinder.
http://www.konoctimotorco.com/images/ls1_big.jpg

IROCmatt

thanks for the info.
im looking at buying a 84 camaro running on a carb i take it then that i can just put all the tpi right on it and it should be ok. its the same 5 litre engine, did not want to buy a car for parts really but parts are impossible to find here, well a good engine is anyway

birdtojag

iTrader: (1)

What year of car is the one you are making the swap to? 87-92 Camaros and Firebirds have a different bolt pattern for the intake (the center 4 bolts are at a different angle). If you just need the block from the 84, you can use your original heads on it and not have to worry about the intake bolts not matching up.

wanab03ss

iTrader: (20)

the center bolt holes can be elongated with a diegrinder or dremel to fit the 87- later heads. Youre going to need the ecu and possibly wire harness also for the tps, iac and other sensors that may not be the same on the tbi. Theres a ton of info on switching from tbi to tpi just for it and youll find everything youll need.

IROCmatt

cheers forgot to say my car is tpi, ive bought another thats on carb they both are the same age engine, so same style bolt alignment, so is it s straight swap or did i hear something about changing a cam shaft for the distributor, or just drop engine in and bolt all the tpi stuff to it

Russ-So Cal

Am I understanding you correctly, the existing 305 in your car is tpi and the engine is worn so you want to replace it? Are you talking about taking a same year 305 carburetor motor from another car and using the engine as a long block to transfer your tpi, sensors, etc over to? That should not be any problem. I'm not sure if the distributore is different between carb & tpi. Your tpi distributor will drop in the other engine however.

IROCmatt

yep you got it right, there is a year difference in the engines but they are the same earlier one, im picking up the donor car in about an hour, im hoping it should be straight forwards

wanab03ss

iTrader: (20)

You would be so much better off to buy a new distributor while your swapping motors. You dont need anything aftermarket since the design is pretty good to begin with, compare prices and dont buy a rebuilt piece of %&#$ from the local auto store. Make sure its new

Vader

Probably:

wanab03ss

iTrader: (20)

Do I smell a bit of sarcasim....... you gotta admit the tpi is one of the nicest looking efi systems ever made.

IROCmatt

so why would you have to change a cam shaft for tpi? ill have to use my tpi distributor as its getting expencive im just hoping to drop it straight in put the tpi manifold and dizzy on and fingers crossed it will be sweet,
will the water pump run the right way on the carb engine or have to put the tpi one on

wanab03ss

iTrader: (20)

Who said anything about changing the camshaft? You should also put a new water pump on , there only $30 new I think. As long as the pulleys are correct,,, serpintine or v-belt,,, youll be fine.

IROCmatt

ok great thanks, someone mentioned cam shaftes might be getting muddled up, ive had this car a year now i cant wait to get it running.

IROCmatt

just found out my new engines a lg4, is this still good to just put tpi on?