I have been looking at buying a 1987 formula with a tpi 305 and a 5 speed, but the biggest problem is that the computer is dead, so what i was wondering is that can i get a ECM from any year camaro or firebird and put it in. And does it matter if you put a ECM in from a automatic even though the car is a stick.

THANK YOU
MIKE

 

yes it does matter. you will have to find a car of the same year model an it has to be a stick. you whould be better off to go to the parts store and buy one. they are about 100.00 and 150.00 trying to find one will be two much of a hassle

 

Your 1987 TPI uses a the same computer (1227165) as ALL TPI Corvettes, Camaros and Firebirds from 1986 to 1989. Also, 1987-1991 trucks with the 2.5 4 cylinder TBIs used the 1227165.

So yes, there are a number of other vehicles that did use the 1227165, but they are getting harder and harder to find. I can find 1227730 far easier because they were used in so many more vehicles.

You could always convert to SD. It's not that hard. I know a few guys that have converted to SD because it was cheaper than buying a new MAF.

 

OK, what about putting a carb on it. What would be needed to do it. And would i be able to use a mechanical fuel pump or would i need to use a electric one. And would i lose any power by switching from tpi to carb. Or do you think it would be easier to stay with tpi and buy a new ECM.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH
MIKE

 

Scour wrecking yards and find a used 1227165 ECM. Should be able to pick one up for under $100, probably $50. But you may have to "search a little".

Also, don't ask for a "Corvette/F-body" ECM, it's amazing how those two words adds to the price. Say it's for a 1990 S-10 Pickup with a 2.5 Cylinder TBI. It's the same ECM. Just read the "sticker" on the ECM to make sure it has "1227165" on it.