ok....i bought an 86 IROC that had been converted from TPI to carburated 350cid. none of the gauges work (speedo, fuel, temp, RPM, etc). i was told that since the TPI & computer were removed that the gauges would not function 'cause they were run by the computer itself. how true is this? IF true, can i get an aftermarket set for my car? thanks in advance....

 

well,the speedo in your car should be cable operated,so it's not affected by the computer,its probably dissconected,was the instrument panel removed?,check if its properly attached to the car,check your intake manifold and look for the temp sending unit,it should be located next to thermostat housing or in the block under the ex.manifold drivers's side,check if it's connected,
im sure some of the other members can be more helpful,so lets see what they come up with

 

One thing to check is there is a fuse for the gauges in the fuse block under the drivers side.

 

im in the same boat with you cuz i'll be going carb real soon....can anyone answer these questions? i would like all my guages to be functional as well..

 

I did the tbi to carb swap. All my gauges work fine. The emc is sitting somewhere in storage so that has nothing to do with it. I would try whay phess11 and sr. bond suggested. Oh but of course your torque converter will not lock up.

 

the computer controls engine functions ,cruise control,and fan control,at least on a 1984 Z.I did computer delete,see sig but my gauges worked fine.Until I turned the lights on,then I lost Tach,Oil pressure,and ammeter.but that was not due to comp delete.

 

what are the advanatges over carb vs. TPI? i really would have liked to have had it original (TPI) but, it was too good of a deal to pass up.....at the time, then the nightmares started!
if i wanted to go back to TPI would it cost me an arm and a leg? all the wiring and other stuff has been yanked out......

 

Carbs are raw power. Instead of a computer telling my engine whats good for it, I tell it. There's a reason why top fuel and nascar still use carbs. Well thats my anyways. However, I would be lying if I didn't say there are days when EFI would make things a little nicer. Mainly long trip with no CC.