Hi. I am new to the site and I have been looking around through here. Awesome site!! Anyway, I had a TPI question. I bought an 89 formula 350 with no engine or tranny, but it includes the complete TPI system and computer. I was wanting to go as close to original with it as possible. I have a 350 block that is fixing to go in the machine shop, so I was going to use that as a base because I have it. I want to run the TPI but I wasn't sure what heads I could use with it. Do I have to use a TPI head or can I go with a different kind? (aftermarket, votec, etc.) Thanks for the help!

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

You can run different heads. The main issue is what year/type your TPI is. '87-up has different bolt angles for the center two mount bolts on each side. You can work around that, but just be aware it isn't a direct bolt-in your your TPI is '87-up non-Vette and your heads are the more traditional '86-up bolt pattern.

You can use Vortec heads, but you'll need a completely different base. About $350 is memory serves.

The biggest issue is camshaft selection. TPI can be pretty finicky about overlap, and if your TPI is '90-later, the speed density systems require retuning if you deviate from the factory engine configuration (displacement, cam, intake flow, exhaust flow, etc.).