JessieRS

I have a 1986 Camaro with an original carbed 305 in it and I've been really wanting to swap it out for a TPI setup. What all would I have to buy and swap out?

ULTM8Z

I don't know if you want TPI for the sake of maintaining the 3rd gen look and feel, but if you're going to through the effort of an EFI swap... I'd get an LSX style engine and do that.

aliceempire

iTrader: (14)

What reason are you wanting to change to a tuned port?
Power wise, the tuned port manifold will become a restriction pretty fast. The carb set up less so and is cheaper and easier.
Fuel mileage wise, the quadrajet can be dialed in to get similar mileage and reliability.
Appearance wise, tuned port looks cool. Well, I can't argue with that.

86Z

iTrader: (4)

i've done this in the past to my 86, i wanted to supercharge it. i converted to TPI it was so much better than that carb!

a lot needs to change to get it to work. if i was to think about doing this today. i would do an entire LS swap. which i did. it now has a lq9 6.0 in it that is far superior to the supercharged 305 tpi i had.

Street Lethal

iTrader: (16)

Save your money for a Holley Sniper setup and never look back. Don't bother with newer GM ECU's, wiring, tuning, etc, its a waste of time... especially when starting out with a carb setup. The Holley Sniper is where it's at. Whether 305, 350, 400, 454, whatever you put under it now, later, or never, it's still the way to go. Otherwise you'll be pissing your money away trying to replicate an older inferior system, or you'll be chasing your tail trying to emulate a newer system.

- Rob

Aaron R.

This is good advice

ironwill

I don't recommend this; it's just not practical for a number of reasons.

thebandit50187

I did the swap a few years ago. I have a 1987 Formula that originally came with a LG4. Shortly after I bought the car, the engine kept overheating and would develop Hotspots and every time it would overheat, the engine would start to leak at the freeze plugs. When one between the engine and transmission started leaking I decided the engine needed to go. A few months later I had a TPI engine fall in my lap. It came with the engine, harness and 7730 ECM. The engine was actually a LO3 long block with a 1987 TPI intake. I had to modify the harness of my car and the engine only because I went from v belts to serpentine. I also re routed the fuel lines and used EFI hose from about the driver sear underneath to the engine because carb lines cross Overtop the transmission and go to the passenger side where EFI stays on the driver side. I should of upgraded to a 88 and newer fuel rail because of the accessories and brackets are different but I made what I had work. I put in a fuel pump for a TPI as well. I hear 1986 should already have a small pusher pump in the tank like the 1987s. Just swap that for the TPI unit. If you get TPI, get a harness and ECM for your model and year.. it will be plug and play. I had to make an adapter for my C207 connector.. something had to be left out and somethings had to be added and powered. If you can get the stuff cheap, its worth the cost in better fuel economy. Its not hard and you don't need an expensive EFI or LS swap. Though they are options