I have gotten almost all of the answers I need to perform the tpi to carb swap on various message boards, however I still have one unanswered question: What will need as an alternator brace? On my car, there is a brace running from the back of the alternator to a few inches back from the front of the manifold. Can I remove this w/o any problems? I dont want to tap the manifold for something like this, so I may just get some March brackets, so what did you guys do? I have AC, and want to keep it, so a conventional pass side mount wouldn't work. Any suggestions? Do I even need this brace?

Also, does anyone have any complaints regarding the GM Performance Parts HEI distributor (pn 1104067)? I dont want to spend the 200 now and find out later I need to upgrade. Is this sufficient for a high-po engine? I gues so so sense its in the 502, but just double checking.

Thanks in advance to all!

[This message has been edited by x5finger (edited April 06, 2001).]

 

I have the drivers side alternator, and there are two mounts on the serpentine belt setup 'plate.' The alternator is on in those two places already, is this enough?

 

just curious but why are you swaping from TPI to carb?

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I WOULD RATHER PUSH A CAMARO THAN DRIVE AN IMPORT

1983Z28 350w/ edelbrock performer RPM power package with 64cc aluminum heads, dynomax shorty headers, 700R-4 with shift kit, 750cfm carb, edelbrock 3" exhaust system, ASCD SS hood, 16" IROC rims.

future mods:
completely done over suspension, black paint with flames, Hurst shifter, dakota digital gauge package, procharger supercharger.

 

I'm running the GM HEI distributor on my carbed 383 and it's working fine. It's the one you get when you buy a new ZZ4 crate motor. I installed a variable vacuum module and better springs to perfect my timing advance curve. I also installed an MSD 6AL box on the car. This removes/replaces the electronic module inside the distributor. All these mods and the car is better for it and the distributor performs top-notch! I'd recommend one for you.

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Phil87IROC
Blue '87 IROC, 383 Crate Motor, KB pistons, AFR 190 heads, ZZ-9 cam, Edelbrock RPM intake, Hooker SC/LT headers, Edelbrock 750 cfm Carb (#1411), stock T-5, GM 3.42 rear w/Auburn posi.
Ohio Valley Dragstrip Trophy Bracket WINNER - 8.39 ET on a 1.82 sec. - 60'. Best MPH = 84.44. Still Tuning Carb!
Red '89 IROC L98, 700R4, T-Tops, K&Ns w/open air boxes, 160 T-stat, Hyper Chip, gutted MAF, 53kv coil, MSD wires.

[This message has been edited by Phil87IROC (edited April 09, 2001).]

 

This is how I look at it:

TPI hop up:

Prom burning and writing gear ~500
ford injectors 200
58mm TB 300
edelbrock manifold 370
as&m runners 400
fuel pressure regulator 70
MAF->speed dens conversion ?

1840+

Carb conversion

Holley Carb 275
Weiand Manifold 100
Fuel pressure regulator 20-70
HEI distributor 200
Misc (fittings, lines, etc) 100

~725

Fuel Mileage: A porsche or a ferrari brings in the same mpg as a lot of us carbed guys. Its all in the tuning.

Drivability: Parts selection, and tuning also will take care of many of the common 'problems'.

 

You'll never have a problem with ANY HEI distributor except that the centrifugal advance mechanisms wear out about once a decade.

The alternator bracket- I'd make sure you've got as much bracing on it as possible. I'd spend an hour or so walking through a junkyard looking at Camaros, Caprices and pickups until you find what you're looking for. You'll be surprised by how much you learn about bracketry, what can be swapped, what can't just by wandering around for 20 minutes. I almost always end up buying my brackets from junkyard cars.

 

The GMPP HEI distributor has an advance curve good for a 400+hp chevy 350 OUT OF THE BOX and needs no tuning whatsoever for a daily driver. It can be made better (slightly), but the need is not there.

 

I was looking at my car the other day, and I noticed that in addition to the manifold to alternator brace, there is also a brace that connects to the exhaust manifold. Being as all the old cars' alternators were attached with 2 peices of metal, why does the alternator in my 88 tpi engine need 2 mount spots and two braces?

Hey, your right, this is a good reason to go browsing in the junk yard! As if ya need a reason...

Thanks for the info guys!