My California TA just failed smog-- it needs a carb rebuild. I'd rather pour the money towards a new engine and EFI. So I'm thinking of dropping in a 383 crate engine, with an Aftermarket TPI that's SMOG LEGAL. I'd much prefer new components. What are my options?

I still have to do my homework on all this and read the board too but if anyone can help off the bat I'd appreciate it. Thanks

 

There is no "aftermarket TPI" that is smog legal.

If you mean a TPI system that has aftermarket parts that are smog legal, that's a different issue.

1st thing is to decide what "TPI-type" system you're going to "clone". The best bet is probably a later speed density system, since it can accomodate displacement flow demands better than a MAF system.

Next, you're going to have to determine what all is needed to clone that type of CA-approved system. Say a 1991 3rd gen L98 system. The "motor change" ref is going to compare what his information says you'll need to what he sees under your hood.

Finally, do everything you can to keep it from looking like a 383, because a 383 wasn't available in any 3rd gen from the factory, and only factory or certified replacement parts are "legal". An internally-balanced 383 would be a smart way to go. A block with a '91 or later casting # would be a good idea, too.

 

An LT1 would be a good choice to go with also. Just somthing to think about.

justin

 

I had a feeling that was the case. I guess I'm more gung ho about obtaining all new components if possible. The other route I was thinking was to start with a 350 block and blueprint it for a 383 with a supercharger down the road. Though I heard from one person that a TPI doesn't handle too well with a 383. And for the sake of simplicity, I guess I'd stick with a Gen I engine since it drops in the easiest.

Now one of the issues in CA is the smog legality of swapping of EFIs in a car. My car was originally equipped with a carburetor, as the smog hose routing diagram shows on the radiator support. And in 1984 all Trans Ams were equipped ONLY with carbs. But checking with a smog tech, I found out that a 1984 TA has the option of being equipped with an unspecified fuel injection, based on his tech book, which should put me in the clear for a TPI. Can anyone confirm this?

 

'85 model year (which came out in late '84), TPI was available.

Other than that, I don't know what he's talking about - perhaps he doesn't either. I wouldn't take the word of a smog tech, but a referee is a different matter.

 

This smog tech is known to be strict, and he showed me the smog book he was referencing, which to my surprise, showed an option on 84 TA's for Carb and "FI" provided the egr, efe, carbon canister, etc. etc. was installed.

But in any case, I'm having my mechanic check with a smog referee to be sure on the matter.

 

the fuel injection for the 84 would be the cross fire setup with dual tbi's.

 

84,
I'm looking also. I came across this engine and I'm trying to find out if anyone has installed one and got it tuned with a TPI system. TPIS miniram will also work...

http://www.gmpartsdepot.com/store/pr...Category_ID=63

 

Since the book specified specific EFIs for all the other years (TPI,TBI,CFI) but only "FI" for 84, it seems that legally any EFI should suffice.

I thought the miniram wasn't 50 state smog legal. And if it is do they even still make it?

 

'82-'83 only. No longer available in '84. See https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/techdb.shtml

 

Something really sounds fishy here. I'd tread very lightly, confirm everything with a referee, and not do anything until you are sure you can get it approved by said ref.