I created another thread on here saying that i will be purchasing an 87 tpi trans am 5spd as a parts car. I plan on keeping the tpi, wiring harness, and computer for my 91 5.0 tbi vert. What else do i need to keep for this swap? also would the 87 tpi setup be a good match with my 91 5.0? or should i look for a tpi setup out of a newer car? I also have an 87 350 sitting in my garage that i can use on the vert. Would that be a better match for the tpi? the 350 currently has vortec heads but I can get a set of l98 heads to work with it. I don't really care for the power difference of the 350 i just want to convert to tpi.

 

Technically it would be illegal, because the 85-88 tpi was a maf system, 89 was still maf but with the 9th cold start injector removed. The 1990-1992 used speed density. To be legal you must convert to speed density. If you use the older stuff, a smog tech might not notice, but it won't be legal if someone who knows what they are doing looks at it!

 

thanx russ is there anything i can keep from this 87 tpi setup? Ok whats speed density? is it just the replacement for maf? if so can I keep everything on the 87 tpi except the maf? or should i just sell the complete setup and buy a tpi setup from a 90-92? i want to convert to tpi but i want it to look original so i would rather have 90-92

 

The only obvious appearance is the hole where the 9th inj. goes.
If you put a plug there and someway hide it, no one would be the wiser.
But the way they operate is a different story. The MAP takes the place of the MAF and you need a different ECM and knock sensor among other things (little ones). EGR and wiring is a little different.

 

You'd probably be better off trying to find a 90-92 TPI Camaro donor, but this may be difficult to find at the right price.

Also, as far as I am aware, there are some connections that need to be lengthened when using the Pontiac harness as opposed to using the Camaro wiring. Nothing major though, but just for the purpose of convenience. If the price is right though, I wouldn't discriminate.

 

i mean i will most likely get this car this weekend but if i sell the tpi setup that just means i make more money and eventually when i come accross the right deal i can convert to speed density.

 

it's hard to get hold of camaro sd harness for under $200. keep the tpi stuff, just repin the harness and you also have to relocate few wires since you're using transam harness on a camaro. you also have to buy few parts like what Don said.

 

Or you can pay Don to convert that wire harness to Speed density for you. Just follow his instructions and you will be ok.

You can buy a TPI manifold to fit the Vortec heads and keep rest of the TPI stuff.