I found a 350 TPI out of an 87 or 86 corvette for $1500. Comes with the computer and wiring. Its runs and is currently in a wrecked corvette. I want to put it in my 88 formula which is a 305 TPI. That should be a direct swap, am I correct? Thanks

 

More or less. There are no crossover passages in L98 heads, so you won't have EGR.

 

^ I thought Vettes used an external EGR setup?

 

They do, but that won't attach to a thirdgen exhaust directly.

 

Hmmm, it's been several years, but a formerly local 3rd gen bud used the Vette stuff with 3rd gen manifolds. I thought.

 

If you swap the LB9 intake base over, you can retain the thirdgen-style EGR. If you use the Corvette base, the EGR will need the pipe from the exhaust manifold.

By the way, $1500 sounds like way too much for that motor to me unless it's got ultra low miles. There's not too much that's special about that motor, especially if it's the iron-head motor.

 

The LB9 heads would have to come over too.

 

You can slot the bolt holes a little, or just find a stock pre-centerbolt f-body TPI base. They're a dime a dozen.

 

I'm worried about the exhaust crossover, not the bolt holes.

 

I wouldnt mind keeping the thirdgen intake, but that engine sucked up water its been sitting for 2 years. I wasnt sure how much trouble it would be to clean it up.

I wasnt sure about the price since it comes with the TPI and everything. I have been having a difficult time finding a replacement that has everything with it around my area. I checked out Trans am creations and hawks third gen they were close to the same price plus shipping. Im going go check it out later, hear it run and see how many miles it has.

 

Oops. Forgot about that. I keep forgetting that not everybody lives in Vermont where the idea of "emissions compliance" is just making sure that it doesn't make the inspector's eyes water while it's running.

 

I forgot to mention, I don't have worry about emissions where I live.

 

You said, "a 350 TPI out of an 87 or 86 corvette". Does it have aluminum heads? The early '86 Vettes had cast iron heads with the exhaust cross-over passages.

Even if you can ignore EGR from an emissions-inspection standpoint, the system will set an error code if it isn't seeing an EGR valve response. Plus, the timing tables are based on the EGR functioning, and if you don't change them, you could get light-load pinging.

 

I didn't think about that. I was told it has the aluminum heads. I'll just use my intake so i have the egr. If the intake is any good, it might have water damage. Or would those heads even work with my intake?

 

This link says the vette intake manifold has provisions to relieve hot spots. Would that be a problem using a thirdgen intake on the aluminum heads without this feature?

http://www.hotrodlane.cc/Streetstories/choosetpi1.htm

 

blasted, this just sunk in. would still be no provisions for EGR if using lb9 intake and vette heads.

 

Yeah thats too expensive IMO as well.A little more money and you could have you a 5.3 LS engine or a decent crate motor.Both would be more desirable to me and perform better.

 

GM thought it necessary.
Most aftemarket intakes used by alum head L98 Vette owners don't even have a rear coolant crossover ; let alone the steam vent and nobody has reported problems

 

No you won't

 

I ended up getting a complete L98 with tranny and harness from an 89 trans am for $800. I decided that corvette engine was way too expensive especially after I saw it.