I have a Computer Controled distributer from a TBI setup. Will it work with a TPI setup? Will it work with a computer controlled carb like on the LG4 setup?

Thanks.

 

Electrically, it will work. The plugs may be different across the years, however.

 

Vader,

I'm interested in sellingit in the thirdgen.org classifieds and I need to know how to list it. I suppose I'll just state that it was pulled from a TBI car and leave it at that.

Thanks.

 

Do you have a photo or diagram of the connector? It appears that through at least the 1989 model year, the TBI and TPI distributors are identical. The carbureted engine distributors are different, however.

 

Vader,

The dist. has two female weatherpack connectors on its base. The one on the left is a 2 pin connector and the one or the right is a four pin connector.

Thanks again for you help.

Lance

 

carbarated are also the same distributer

 

It may work in a carbed engine, but a carb dist won't fit a TPI. The TPI base is lower, and the cap is different.

 

Both large cap and small cap dist. will fit TPI manifolds. There is no differance in length of dist. between carb, TBI or TPI. The only thing that changes between styles is the electrical conectors.

 

And the cap:



The early TPI distributor caps and rotors had a lower profile. The distributor shaft length was necessarily different to allow the lower distributor height. This was to enable the TPI distributor to fit under the plenum extension trim piece. Obviously, there is no difference in the length under the intake. Chevy didn't position the cam differently just for a TPI.

Don't take my word for it. Look at the part numbers for integral coil HEI distributors, 1985-87. The most obvious difference to the casual observer is the different mounting means for the cap. Carbed engine HEIs had the traditional quarter-turn spring loaded bails, while the TPI version had screws. Corvettes had the same distributor. Later distributors may have been the same for TBI/TPI engines, but not these.

Been there/done that. And I've been bit in the rear end by this difference on these "same" distributors...

 

Mk IV timing chains are the same a SBC chains, too. They both have links, and use two sprockets. The keyways are also the same.

 

An 86 carb dist, works on a TPI swap. Have 2 MCSS running the set up. While the upper part of dist is different, the dimension from manifold mount to gear is the same. You can't mix and match upper parts, but you can swap complete units.

 

The Dist. I have is designed for an external coil. Do the TPI and Carb Dist. all have internal coil designs?

 

I think that's what I wrote:

We're saying the same thing. I'm guessing you have some trouble intalling the plenum trim extension in your application. The rest should work just fine, even if it doesn't look factory correct.

Interceptor - You have a later design distributor. While it MAY work with a carbed engine, it was used when no carbed V-8 engines were available on ThirdGens. The choices were TBI or TPI. That design used an external coil insterad of the integral design. Advertise your spare part accordingly. Good luck selling it. If it's in good condition, it shouldn't take long to unload.

 

Thanks a lot.