The title is the question. How would a GM crate engine with a TPI work? Can the TPI be tuned or reconfigured to provide a ZZ4 with the correct air/fuel-ratio/volume to run properly? Thanks in advance, Charles

 

Works fine.

The ZZ4, with a weenier cam, came in cars;set up that way, it was called "L98". 87-91 Vettes.

So yeah, it'll work fine.

Now if you want to use the cam that came in it when sold as the ZZ4 instead of the L98 one, you might need a bit of tuning, since the ZZ4 cam is really intended for use with a carb.

 

Thanks, I did not realize that an L98 and a ZZ4 were so similar. So it is possible to build a ZZ4 powered thirdgen that looks essentially stock. Will L98 exhaust manifolds provide enough flow for a ZZ4, or will there be a back pressure issue?

 

If you're going to that much work might as well get a pair of shorty headers too. The factory manifold logs are very lacking. If I remember correctly the passenger side isn't much bigger than 1 3/4" in size in one area (we're talking multiple exhaust valves emptying into this area not just one).

 

I have installed a great amount of these zz4s in quite a few f bodies back in the early 90s and had EXCELLENT results! Had no problems passing emissions back in the day. A few things that will help you in the long run.......
1. Headers are a must for maximum performance
2. Atleast a 2600 stall converter and the largest transmission cooler you can fit
3. Upgrade to 24lb injectors
4. 58mm throttle body works very well
5. SLP Siamese runners with light portwork
6. Open up the upper Plenum and remove the bumps or get a Stealthram
7. Better valve springs, the ones included barely get the job done
8. Upgrade the rocker studs to 7/16 add hardened or chromoly pushrods
9. Upgrade to 1.6 roller rockers
10. Have a custom chip burned
This very same set up generally ran mid 12s in Houston TX and managed 25mpg. I only destroyed 1 ZZ4 back then that one had fully ported heads 2.00 1.56 valves, Super ram intake, 58mm, SVO 30lb. Comp Cams 286hr10 230/230 560/560 110 and a 2800stall very low 11s on a 150 shot until the pistons gave up!

 

Cool, Thanks. It sounds like a ZZ4 is a good choice for a retro build.

 

I know this post is a few years old but rather than post a whole new TPI ZZ4 thread I thought I would reply here. Hopefully you guys are still out there.
I have a 87 GTA with a 305 TPI T-5 set up. I have since swapped a LT T-56 transmission and upgraded the rear end with a Detroit Tru-Trac Posi unit with Richmond 3:73 gears. I have a ZZ4 I would like to swap into the car but im new to this all. I read the post above and it says 24lb injectors and 58mm TB with a stealthram, but my question is with the chip...Where is a good place that you guys were having these chips burned? And also can you think of anything else that the ZZ4 will need to get max power. Im not going to spray it or anything crazy just want it to run like it should with a TPI setup

 

YOUR chip burner, hooked up to YOUR computer, by YOU, based of YOUR data collected from YOUR car by YOU with YOU driving it the way YOU drive it and the tuning conducted to please YOU with YOUR desires, YOUR needs, YOUR preferences, YOUR fuel, YOUR conditions, the roads YOU drive on, ....

Anything else is pretty much a crap shoot.

Did I mention that it only works well if YOU do it YOURSELF since no one else has the faintest vaguest dimmest hint of a whiff of a glimpse of a CLUE what YOU want your car to act like?

 

FWIW
I ran the ZZ4 cam in my Vette L98 ( 113 heads as noted above ) with big tube TPI / LT headers / stock TB and 22lb injectors and it ran fine with the stock ARAP tune .

Datalogging showed where improvements could be made but nothing apparent SOTP

 

I understand where your coming from sofa but i've never done this before. wouldnt know the first thing to do when it comes to fuel injection. I spent the last 5 years learning as i go on a carb car now im going to do the same on a TPI car. I'd love to learn how to do it myself but where do I start?

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/diy-prom/

Alternatives would include, any of the various aftermarket systems like FAST, Holley Commander, Megasquirt, the Accel thing, etc. etc.; or even, one of the late-model highly tuneable stock systems such as come in V8 trucks and the like. (0411 PCM)

Frankly, me personally, if I was to be starting out with NOTHING and wanted the best for the least, I'd go the 0411 route; but that's just me. A highly personal decision. I think you'll find though, that the principles of FI are the same as those of a carb; (fuel, air, spark) you just get there a different way.

 

Instead of getting your hands dirty dismantling the carb and dist to change jets or timing ;
you plug in your laptop and do all the adjustments there.

 

Has anyone ever done this swap im attempting? 305 TPI to ZZ4 Holly Stealth Ram TPI swap?