Can you take a TPI unit and place it onto an 89 TBI block and heads with no problem? Will it bolt up on the heads ok? Will the TBI distributor work with the tpi? Anything else i would need to do to make this work?

 

Assuming what you bolt to the engine is pretty much complete...

You still need a lot.

In-tank fuel pump.

ECM.

Harness.

Sensors.

Throttle cables.

Hoses.

The TBI distributor will work, though.

 

If its more performance your looking for the changeover to tpi wont help much. Itll prop up the torque curve a bit at its resonance around 3600 rpm but other then that itll still be short on power.

The best and easiest way would be to search around for a complete tpi setup. The more you get from the doner car the easier itll be for you to put it all together.

 

I wont need the ecm or wiring. This is going into an iroc that originally had the tpi. I just need a 305 block and heads and was wondering if my old tbi block and heads would work.

 

They will work but you will be plagued with the much poorer cam and heads. If you are only returning it to TPI than make sure you tell the person that this motor is not truly a TPI but instead a TBI head and cammed TPI. If you are doing this as a performance increase than you will see about 10 hp and a few more ft lbs below 3000 rpm and no power gain up top.

 

It will work. The only potential problem is if you use one of the older tpi intake bases that dont have the center intake bolt holes at an angle like the newer 87+ heads have. Although a little grinding will fix that problem. Other then that itll bolt right up. The only potential problem is using the tbi longblock. Itll be a dog with those swirl port heads and tbi cam.

 

The TBI heads are total crap; as a result, it won't run anywhere near as strong as an actual 305 TPI motor would.

But as far as fitting, it would fit. It'll just be a real disappointment the first time you step on the gas.