In my current Z28 I put a 350 w/ carb on it and I have leanred much about the way a carbed motor works. But due to certain circumstances I may consider selling my car to buy a tuned port instead. I'm just looking for basic info, I believe there are 2 different systems that were put in our cars, one had a cold start injector, while the other didnt. I'm also aware of the MAP and MAF systems as well. I guess im just looking for a few basic pointers as well as some advantages to TPI. Any info that you might have is greatly appreciated
Rob

P.S. Im also interested in motor RPO's (specifically 350) and what everyone looks for...I guess the L98?

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350, Comp 262, Edelbrock Performer intake 600 cfm carb and exhaust, headers

[This message has been edited by CamaroZ_85 (edited October 26, 2000).]

 

Rob- I'm no "rocket scientist" when it comes to these motors, but i've had a carbed one and now a TPI. I have the L98 you mentioned and personally, I really like it. It's pretty much all stock, only a couple of upgrades, but once you get familiar with it, it's an easy motor to work on - most of it, anyways. I'm sure there's alot of the guys that'll refute that or even a TPI over a carbed motor, but it's each ones choice and preference. As far as advantages of one over the other, I'll let someone else try and explain that one. I'm just saying if I had to do it all again, I'd take my TPI over the carb.

KAM

 

The cold start injector was used until '89, and MAF was stopped for the '90 model year. So 89s are kind of odd beacuse they are the only year without cold start injectors but still using MAF.

 

I'd say the simpliest TPI was the MAP equipped, no expensive MAF to die and no cold start injector. Supposedly the MAF cars respond to mods better, I'm not sure. I like my two TPI equipped cars, when it comes to carbs I'm pretty much an idiot.


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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI
92Z28convt5spd
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

 

Z_85,

If you're shopping for a ThirdGen and want a TPI, the preferred engine is the L98 (350).

Getting a WS6 suspension will give you the best handling the factory had to offer. A 1LE option gives you better brakes, maybe an aluminum driveshaft and a front frame stiffener or "wonder bar". A QDZ means the car was originally equipped with 245/50-16 tires and therefore has no speed limiting programming in the ECM PROM. A G80 means a limited-slip differential. A K90 is a 108A alternator (high output). J65 is for standard 4-wheel power assisted disc brakes.

If you are planning to drive the car and keep it in relatively stock condition with little in the way of performance enhancements, a newer car with speed-density will be sufficient and a little easier to maintain. If you are planning any modifications, a MAF system will be cheaper in the long run because the ECM will respond to modifications much better with the stock PROM. Even changing to a mildly improved camshaft profile won't require changing the PROM.

Of the MAF cars, the '88 and '89 were probably the best years, although even an '87 in good condition would be worth considering. Incidentally, '87 was the first year of regular production L98s in 'F' bodies, so if you are really trying to avoid the 305, stick to '87 or later. The '86 is the bastard-child of the line, with lots of changes occurring that year, and the '85s had some mid-year changes and a unique fuel delivery scheme that can cause problems when searching for parts and/or technical assistance. Both the '85 and '86 had a flat tappet cam, and '87 and later engines were equipped with a roller lifter cam. The '87 was the first year for the return of the external ignition coil, perimeter bolt rocker covers, self-aligning rockers, and a few other goodies.

Later S-D cars had a non-adjustable TPS sensor, and the cold start valve was dropeed in 1989. '88 rear disc brake calipers were improved due to a weakness in the park brake mechanisms. If you can find what you are seeking with a 9-bolt rear axle, it is the stronger of the two options. This axle was dropeed some time around 1990. For these and a few other reasons, I prefer the '88 and '89 models. If you get a car with 'T' tops, try not to get completely turned off if the panels are plastic and are beginning to check or cloud. These can be replaced with glass roof panels with no modification. Glass panels are going for around $175.00 per set in recycler yards around here. Just figure that into the eventual cost. Expect to find a loose idler arm on nearly anything you test drive. Don't be afraid to scan for error codes when you're inspecting the potential new acquisition - they can reveal a lot. Don't accept the excuse that "The SES light is burned out but there's nothing wrong with the car".

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Later,
Vader
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"Make Me Bad"
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0

 

thanks guys all your input is appreciated and it will help me to make a decision in the long run

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350, Comp 262, Edelbrock Performer intake 600 cfm carb and exhaust, headers