I think this is possible based on a couple threads that i saw when searching but just want to be sure. Can you use the TPI fuel pump with the TBI motor? Sometime down the road I'd like to change the car over to a TPI setup, I'm going to change the tank this winter and if it'll work I'd rather put a new fuel pump in right away instead of doing it again in a year or two.

 

The TPI pumps work well in a TBI system. Just be sure to use the proper fuel line in the tank from the pump to the pickup. SAE J30R10. Otherwise it will melt, split, and cause a low fuel pressure problem.

RBob.

 

the tbi and tpi all use the same pump nothing is different even the 5.7 tbi trucks use the same pump as a 5.0 or 5.7 tpi/tbi

 

The stock pumps are very different. The TPI pump is a positive displacement pump. Which is why it gets the turtle, to dampen the pulsations. And will deadhead to over 60 psi.

The stock TBI pump is a turbine pump. And can barely produce 20 psi when dead headed.

RBob.

 

right on, they are pretty different. i haven't measured my fuel pressure but i'm using a TPI pump (i think it was AC Delco EP #241) in my TBI and it's working fine and gives you room for some future mods.
Rbob, care to explain the meaning of "gets the turtle" and "deadhead"? thx

 

thats why i checked them at my dads napa auto parts store and they all use the same part numbers? get on napa's online site they dont even list a difference between the tbi-tpi fuel pumps! why cause there is none.

 

The turtle is the pulsation damper. It looks somewhat like a turtle. It has a chamber that is separated from the fuel by a rubber diaphram. Which dampens the action of the positive displacement pump.

Dead head is when there is no fuel flow. The fuel pump is providing as much pressure as it can.

RBob.

 

Recall that you are looking up replacement pumps, not what the factory pumps are. The pumps installed at the factory are different.

Being that the replacement pump for a TBI is the same as the TPI pump also confirms what I said about being able to use the TPI pump.

RBob.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Is it necessary to adjust the regulator on the TBI when installing a TPI pump (or any other higher volume pump for that matter)?

 

Nope, it should regulate the pressure down just fine as long as your return line to the tank is all good.

 

Ugh I thought I was sending a pm. Too much window juggling, I didnt mean to resurrect a 5 year old thread. Since the post is here and I cant do anything about it I guess I will put the question back in...

Does the TBI pump not use the SAE J30R10 fuel line that the TPI pump has?

 

NP, dont worry.. imho Bob recommended this hose because of its material properties according to that SAE standard, because some just use random hoses only to drop the tank again after it splits or similar. Thinking it should be the same for TBI, TPI, etc.
But while you're in there replacing the pump, also put in some new proper hose
Think that was the point.