Ok i dont even know if this is in the right section, but i was wondering how much better the TPI is than the TBI. All F-bodies that ive gone and looked at have been 305 TPI's. But now a nice heritage edition RS popped up right around me and its got the 305 TBI. I'd hate to pass up a great car (if everything works out), just for 20 horsepower and 30 ft. lbs.

Besides the obvious [initial stock] power difference, how do they compare?? I am not looking to mod whatever i get (TPI or TBI) past exhuast, intake, and down the road a chip and headers...simply because i want to keep it almost completely stock and also its gonna be tough enough paying for gas with the little money that i have.

Basically, my main question is: Exactly how much slower is the TBI right off the bat? And (i know this is a stupid question), but does it sound the same as a TPI engine???

Thanks, any input is appriciated.

 

Heritage Edition? Like the 25th anniversary one? If the body is straight and rust-free, and the TPI car bodies weren't as good, (rust sucks - so does dents and other frame damage) I'd go for the TBI car. If you can find a TPI car in as good a shape, then get that. Good looks and more power = cool ride. TBI can be modded, and should respond well to exhaust and intake modifications, but just about every car does, really. All in all, it depends on what you want out of it.

Friend of mine ran 16's with his LO3, bone stock. With some simple mods they should run 15's. More exensive mods will yied more extensive results. LB9 cars are over a second faster, in stock form. Especially if it's a stick and you can drive it well.

Happy hunting!

 

If your not looking to mod it I'd also go for the one in better condition, neither are exactly fast . They will both respond well to exhaust mods (headers back is a good idea, better gas mileage, more power, and sounds nice.) As far as sound I doubt you could hear a difference.

 

Well this heritage edition RS that i'm talking about has 46,000 miles and is supposedly 'absolutely immaculate.' So i mean its probably in very very good condition.

I know this would be a hard question to ask, but what would you figure the 0-60 time on a TBI automatic would be? i would hope it would alteast make it there in the 8's.

 

Don't let TBI kep you from buying that car. You still have a V8 platfrom to work from. Also, with TBI your HP to $ ratio when modding is in your favor.