Hi Guys...

My 305 is dead... I want to get a 350 and still keep the TPI (from '86 Iroc).
I have a goal of about 300 HP, but not sure if this is possible, or probable with the TPI.
I am NEW to all of this but want to learn. Might know where I can get a 350 long block
from a '90 truck. Any problems? Should I just forget the TPI and go carb (sigh)?
Any help and opinions would be GREATLY appreciated!! Also, what about the
computer and chip?

THANKS in advance!!!!!!!!!:hail: :hail: :hail:

 

i would keep tpi, thats just me..

maybe look in the classifieds for a used 350, or on ebay...

 

Thanks! I think I might get the 350 from the guy I know. He had it bored .030, slightly decked to clean it up, new pistons (dished), rings, etc. Said everything is new and the heads are getting worked right now. He was building the motor for himself for a suburban, but has decided to sell the suburban. This guy does alot of racing and I know his abilities very well, so I trust his work alot. Haven't decided what else to do to the motor since I want around 300 HP. Any suggestions??


Another question... Will an '86 TPI intake (non center bolt heads) bolt up to center bolt heads on a '90 motor?

Thanks all again!!!!!!!!!
:hail: :hail: :hail:

 

Pick an appropriate cam, and get rid of the 86 chip. Use one from an 88 instead, make sure they dont sell you one with VATS.

You can use the intake, but the 4 center bolt holes need to be modified on the intake base to fit properly. The later heads have the 4 center bolts for the intake in a more 'vertical' position than the earlier ones. You could make this modification with a drill and careful hands, if necessary.

 

max is right... you can drill the intake. The holes that won't line up, make them oblong with a drill bit to get them to line up. You will have to use washers when you bolt the drilled holes down though to cover them properly.

 

Hey THANKS!! Would it be better to get an intake from a car that already had centerbolt heads? Also, I THINK the guy said the cam he had in the car (not that it can't be changed) was something like a 327 - 300 HP cam? Does that make sense? Like I said, I am NEW to all this. Thanks again guys!!!!!!!!


:hail: :hail:

 

That cam info is vague at best. I hope its not a solid lifter cam.

If you can pick up a later base cheap, thats the easiest way.

 

Like I said, I am new to this, but I believe the cam is a hydraulic lifter cam. I hear the LT-1 cam is good, esp with 1.6 roller rockers, but I would assume that is a roller cam? I'll try to find a later base too. Are there any other changes from years that I should know about first before getting a newer one for my '86 TPI system? THANKS for your help!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Yea, since you are retaining the cold start, you'll want to use an 87 or 88 base. If you go with a later base, the passages are not there, and you'd need a different chip or the car wont start well.

The 90 block was originally setup for a roller cam. I think you should try to find out more info on exactly what cam is in there. It might be fine.

 

Does the computer know if you have the cold start? I mean, If I change PROM's for the larger injectors would I have to be sure to also get one for the cold start? Gee... So many questions... Thanks for your help!!!!!!! Oh, and what size injectors should I get? Are the Accel ones good?
If I keep editing this post, it'll be a book...
I just got off the phone with the "motor guy" and got the specs on the cam. Says with 1.6 roller rockers it will have 194I/204E Duration and .428/.450 Lift Says that according to desktop dyno should produce 280HP@4500 and 411TQ@2500. Does this sound reasonable? It has stock heads that are being worked now and a comp ratio of about 8:1. Let me know what you think! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
:hail:

 

Does anyone have any comments/suggestions on this (above)?? Thanks!!!

 

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That's a pretty tame engine, and I doubt the DD numbers are realistic. Did he input TPI in DD? Makes a difference.

8.0:1 compression is really low, and will hurt power. "Stock heads" can mean most anything, but if he was building this engine for a Suburban, it probably means "truck heads", which translates to "performance killers". If so, then the DD numbers are certainly too high. The cam is really small, and the 1.6:1 rockers are really a waste. Must be dished pistons, too.

I'd look for a different engine, or get different pistons, heads, and cam for it. You can get good heads that will allow you to bolt on your base with no issues.

The typical injector size for 350s is 22 lb. Accel are fine, if they are available in that size (I don't happen to know that one way or another). But, with an adjustable fuel pressure regulator, you can use the 305 injectors with no problems (in a mild engine, it could be argued that they are better).

 

I asked the guy about the TPI on DD and he said it wouldn't let him use it so he input a dual plane intake with a 600 Holley. Said he thought that would be about right...??? I was thinking about getting this engine for now and maybe later, when I can save a little $$ maybe use vortec heads which he said should boost compression to about 9:1?.?. That is why I thought maybe I should get a newer intake, at least I guess the vortec heads would bolt to a newer intake..? If I use an AFPR and the 19# injectors, would I still have to change the chip? Oh, and what is a cold start injector anyway? Is it actually an injector that would have to be replaced with the others if they get changed? Would love to just search on this but.....
Should I try to change pistons, or would it make that much difference? THANKS GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!
:hail: :hail: :hail: :hail: :hail:

 

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