I currently have an 87 Camaro with a stock 350 in it, that will soon turn into a 383 (About 400hp tops, for reference). I am questioning whether to go with a carb, or stay with the TPI setup, which I know is always a fun question. However, there are a few stipulations in my case

1) I have to keep any smog setups, required by law (EGR)
2) The wiring harness has been torn up by old owners and mice. Two alarm systems went in, and 1.5 alarm systems came out.

If I go with the TPI setup, I would have to buy a new wiring harness, but will the 383 be able to breathe? Also, how much is a computer, or the tuning for the new displacement?

I know absolutely NOTHING about EGR stuff, if it's possible to use EGR systems on a carburetor, and if that's a huge pain.

Here some engine info in case it helps.

- SCAT 383 rotating kit
- Vortec heads
- Comp Cams Thumpr cam

I am just wondering what YOU would do, if you had the option. I have roughly a $4000 budget.

 

If you want my opinion I would keep it TPI.I'm 33 years old and have had alot of old muscle cars,1968 RS camaro,1969 chevelle 396,1978 chevy monza 400 small block,1970 lemans sport 400 4 speed..all carbed.Sure they are easier to work on in some ways BUT you have to let them warm up,its cold in Canada right? Its nice being able to jump in an TPI car and just go..I was told if you port the runners you can get a TPI setup to go to about 6000rpms..which in my opinon would be higher then I would rev my small block so should be good.Its all in what you want...

 

also you could get a used manifold and a carb from someone and throw it on the car..won't take long and drive it awhile..then if you don't like it go back to EFI..small block chevy intakes are everywere..THATS what I would do if your up in the air...

 

Thank you for the fast response and the information.

This car will always be a summer car, and it will never see snow or rain if I can help it, so the temperature isn't much of an issue. It'll be a street car, no track, so it'll rarely see the high RPM range, until I want to pass someone, but I still want to smoke the tires when I feel like it, and who doesn't?

My main concerns are the fuel delivery. If I stick with EFI, then I have everything thing I need, if I go carb I'll need a fuel pressure regulator, fuel by-pass, etc. Then I have to pick apart the wiring harness.

I wouldn't mind staying with the TPI setup, but the computer is the tricky part. I would buy a brand new wiring harness, but is it hard to mod the computer?

 

I reubilt my 84 TA with carb....ported and polished the heads, bigger cam, nice set of headers....car wouldn't get out of it's own way.....at the same time i still had the TPI 305 in the IROC....115k on the clock, never did anytihg to it but tune ups....still had the cast iron manifolds....the TPI car would smoke those tires silly.....AND got about 5 more mpg on highway trips.....no question in my mind that the TPI will give you more bang for the buck!

 

So after a lot of deliberation I think I may go with the 383 TPI setup. Strip out the old wiring harness and buy a fresh new one.

My only concern now is the computer. I was told by a local shop that when changing the displacement the computer may be a big hurdle, however he never mentioned what to do.

I may sound like a noob, but do you just get a new chip? And I keep hearing stuff about a PROM, but I don't know what PROM is. Any thoughts on the computer portion problems? I'm sure someone did a rebuild and had a run in with a computer.

 

a PROM is a fancy name for a chip.....i'm sure you can get a new prom to feed the larger eng.....you can certainly shop first before you decide what to do... i would think there were lots of custom proms available.....

 

Is there any reliable place online for PROMs, or is it something locally to look up, just to be sure it works for your engine?

Also, this may be a touchy question, but what would be a normal price for one? When I bought the Camaro the owner gave me a performance chip and said it cost him about $200.

 

i would call one of the vendors on this site....summit racing sells stuff too...google search would turn up a bunch.....i've seen chips from 75 to 200.....