Gentlemen. I am putting together a Chevrolet small block for my 64 Impala. What I have is a 350 (L31) engine from a later model truck, void of all emissions, 9.4:1 compression ratio, Vortec heads, casting 062 and a 700R4 auto transmission. I purchased a near complete TPI unit with an Edelbrock manifold for Vortec heads on the cheap from Craigslist. It supposedly came off an 87 Firebird so it has a MAF sensor in the box of parts. What I don’t have is an ECM, nor a wiring harness yet. Now, here are my questions. Which cam would be best for this intake / head combination? I really want to stick with a roller cam so I can re-use the lifters. Since I don’t have an ECM yet, I am not opposed to going with a MAP unit if that’s a better choice, but which is the better choice and which ECM and PROM? How about rear end gear? I’m going to be using 15-inch tires if that makes a difference.

My car is more of a driver than show and I’m not trying to go fast so I don’t want anything too radical, but I would like to enter the expressway with a bit of authority. I’m pretty much set on the TPI unit, mostly because, well because it looks ****. I'd like to use GM parts as much as possible.

Any help you can give with this would be greatly appreciated. If this isn’t the correct area to post this, please steer me in the right direction.

 

Look into the LT4 hotcam. With 1.5 rockers you can swap out the valve springs for GM yellow LS3 springs and throw some Comp beehive retainers on there and you will be upwards of 350-400hp without the TPI holding you back.

If you have more money Comp XR270 or something would probably work well, but I worry about how badly the TPI will bottleneck your usable RPM range. Maybe want to go a fair bit smaller. The LT4 hotcam is cool just because they can be had pretty affordably so you're not out $300 + $200 valve springs or machinework on the heads to make them work properly. They have lazier lobes than some of the aftermarket stuff, but they're still a godsend to vortec heads. Their lift numbers are based on a 1.6 ratio rocker arm.

 

The 90 -92 '730 MAP computer is a easier install , air cleaner can mount direct to the throttle body and simplified wiring
( no relays for the MAF )
The 86 - 89 '165 MAF will " self adjust" ( within reason ) to minor engine modifications easier than the MAP unit
but you have to mount the MAF unit somewhere.
Prob not a problem in your engine bay but can be a consideration in some installs

Highly recommend you buy a new custom standalone harness rather than having to pick apart a old stock TPI harness with aged connections
Exp for MAP
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1990-92-TPI-...item2c62b1371b
3 wire hookup to your car ;batt / switched power /elec fuel pump

ECM of either style can be had for $50+ and you are going to need a custom tune ($150 ) if only to delete the VATS security system but more so for a cam change or other mods

Some good install reading
http://www.chevythunder.com/chevythu...troduction.htm
http://www.chevythunder.com/

 

If you're going with a higher than stock TC stall rpm and 3.42 or steeper rear gear, then I agree the LT4 Hotcam would be good. I'd degree it and install at a 105-107 ICL rather than the 109 they typically drop in at; that will recover some of the low rpm torque that cam lacks.
Also check your block deck and head surfaces for flatness, and if within .003" then run .015" metal shim head gaskets FEL-1094; to get the quench down and help CR slightly, makes for a happier engine, better torque across the board.

If you're running a stockish TC and mild gears, then consider the GM ZZ3/ZZ4 roller cam (208/221/112) for better low end than the Hotcam with a slight hp deficit over 4000 rpm. I've picked a couple of them up for $75.

 

excuse me ,but no mention is made of your fuel tank selection,TPI needs 50lbs or so .you may modify your tank if possible for some kind of drop in unit.you MAY also find a fuel pump that you can mount externally but theres the fuel return line still has to be addressed .not tryin to shoot holes in your plan,but anyway

 

Easiest way is to install the return line into the tank filler tube; no need to drop tank.
Run a new fuel line for supply and use old carb supply line as the return from the regulator
Just done it on a HSR L98 setup in a '56 Belair

Any number of external EFI pumps available to mount close to tank along with a pre-filter before the pump to keep
cr*p out of the pump and a EFI filter anywhere between the pump and fuel rails to keep injectors clean.

Bosch #044 and Walbro #GSL392 are popular pumps
http://www.autoperformanceengineerin.../ext_pump.html

 

easyballer for what its worth the chevy LT1 or the LT4 or 14097395 cams is all you need for your ride""Terry