Ok where to start... I'm in Ireland and looking at potentially buying either an 86 iroc z28 with a tpi 305 or an 85 Monte Carlo ss which I think was tbi and converted back to carb.. Its also a 305.

Anyway I can work wonders with tunerpro ostrich and old bmw Bosch motronic ecus and since I have the ostrich already I want to know how easily I can slide into tpi tuning if I get the 86 iroc. Likewise if I get the Monte how much is involved in fitting a tpi system? As of late I have been tuning my 2006 impreza wrx via obd port so I'm sure in contrast to something that New these tpi setups should be similar to the old Bmw stuff where I plug in the ostrich and load up my bin and xdf... Oooor is there more to it?

I will want more power from whichever car I go for as both would be destroyed by my etc with it's current tune. Something in the ballpark of 280bhp and 340lbft which is a lot more than either of these 305's.

Asking all the questions because as is the Monte is faster but with the iroc being tpi I figure I could probably get similar performance just with a tune. I'm stuck for choice between the cars so a bit of background on tpi might sway me one way or the other.

The '85 Monte SS was likely an E Quadrajet from the factory. Although if it was an export model then it may have had a regular Q-Jet and no ECM.

Anyway, the main thing about TPI is that it produces a lot of mid range power. Then falls off as the RPM climbs. Long tube runners do that.

To tune the '86 IROC with the TPI, need the Moates G1 adapter and a ALDL cable (for logging). The Ostrich works with that set up and can be used.

RBob.

{edited for the correct adapter number: G1}

Ok cool.. The cars are lhd imports so not an export model. Going to look at the Monte again this evening and will likely put a deposit on it so will probably be buying the Monte.

What all is involved in fitting the tpi system on a Carbed engine? Suppose if I wanted efi though I could just as easily use megasquirt or something...

A quick summary of things needed off the top of my head for carb to TPI would be:
Wiring/ECM
Fuel Pump
Throttle cable/TV Cable if needed
Distributor for TPI/TBI setups (small or large cap depending on year of wiring harness)
Fuel Lines for higher pressure/along with high pressure rubber hoses where used
Assorted sensors/electronics the TPI system uses(changes based on if you keep EGR and other emissions systems)
VSS is needed even though some say it is drivable without....just install it
And lots of spare time/money for all the little stuff that adds up.
May be forgetting something, starting to draw a blank.

Note that I edited the adapter number to G1, that is the correct one for MEMCAL based ECMs. The G2 is for PROM based ECMs such as the C3 TBI series.

If there is a E-carb on the Monte then it has an ECM and a VSS. Although the ECM won't run a TPI set up.

RBob.

The Monte originally had some basic ecm. I think he said it was injected via the carb. That has been removed and a Holley carb is fitted.

On doing a little reading it seems pointless to go back to an ecm of any sort. Seems like I can basically throw on an intake manifold and suitable cam and make decent power for a 305 As well as moving it up the rpms.

I'd like to see about 300hp from the engine which some say can be done with cam heads and intake. This true?

If the Monte has gone to Holley carb then the distributor must also go "old school" with mech/vac advance.
The computer used to run that too.

The high pressure fuel is the most difficult retrofit. The pump can be mounted externally of the tank (nice spot underneath between rear seat and tank) and the stock tank used. Stock tank may have pickup problems below 1/4 tank because lack of baffles that F.I. tanks have.
I have some good wiring and parts info on the Monte if you would like.
Just shoot me a PM with your e-mail.
Jp

Ok that would be great. I think I will keep it carbed but you never know.. I'm not entirely familiar with all my options yet.