Hi, I just got a rebuilt 350 to swap into my '83 Z28.. it has Vortec Gen 1 heads (86-95) and originally I was planning on putting a TPI unit to feed the engine but a friend recently told me that the TPI bolt pattern will not fit on those heads.. is this true? If so, will I need to get an intake for the heads and use TBI? What kind of intake? I am thinking about getting either the Holley Projection unit or the Edelbrock Pro-Flo Performer RPM fuel injection if that is the case. Could someone please shed some light on this situation? I really need some help figuring out what I need to get my car running and unfortunately I am not a master when it comes to cars. Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like normal, '87-up bolt pattern heads to me. If you can, go out and look at the intake bolt pattern on the heads and describe them to us. If it has the same number of bolts as your current engine, then a TPI will fit. I'm not sure where this "Gen 1 Vortec" terminology comes from, but the "Vortec" heads that required a special manifold started in the mid-'90's.

Even if they are the Vortec heads with modified bolt and port positions, a TPI base is now available to fit them.