Why does everyone talk sh*t about TPI's??
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,521
Likes: 204
From: NYC / Jersey
Car: 1990 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Turbo 305 w/MS2
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Why does everyone talk sh*t about TPI's??
Originally Posted by hondastyle
CFI is horrible.
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 549
Likes: 23
From: So. Cal
Car: '89 GTA, '15 Camaro LS 6sp.
Engine: L98, LFX.
Transmission: 4L60, AY6.
Axle/Gears: 3.27's.
Re: Why does everyone talk sh*t about TPI's??
True dat...
However bad a stock LS1 will humiliate a stock L98, it does nothing but get even more humilitating as the 2 engines are modded. The LS1 RESPONDS to mods, whereas the L98 (unless you're on one or 2 certain specific "friendly" SoCal chassis dynos whose #s don't always agree with track times) DOESN'T. The L98 in fact might even GO SLOWER from modding, as people who have jammed the LT4 HOT cam into one can tell you. (if they're honest and not suffering from cognitive dissonance http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance or effort justification http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effort_justification)
However bad a stock LS1 will humiliate a stock L98, it does nothing but get even more humilitating as the 2 engines are modded. The LS1 RESPONDS to mods, whereas the L98 (unless you're on one or 2 certain specific "friendly" SoCal chassis dynos whose #s don't always agree with track times) DOESN'T. The L98 in fact might even GO SLOWER from modding, as people who have jammed the LT4 HOT cam into one can tell you. (if they're honest and not suffering from cognitive dissonance http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance or effort justification http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effort_justification)
Yeah, I know the LS1 is practically there already, low to mid 13's stock with a few freaks into the high 12's, and would see even faster times with those same type mods. However, it's a Gen 3 block with many improvements like replicated cylinder ports, COP ignition, different firing order, aluminum construction, ect, that the 1955 SBC based L98 did not have. An apples to oranges comparison.
I like TPI, but the L98 is a mismatched engine from the start since its induction system intake was designed for a 45 cid smaller engine called the 305. When people mod the intake by porting the intake, enlarging/siamesing the runners, the engine runs faster as it should. The 350 is finally able to get some of the air flow requirements it needs at higher rpms which increases HP instead of being choked up.
GM originally planned to offer nothing larger than the 305 including the C4 Vette when it was originally developed back in the late 70's. Gratefully, somehow/somewhere enthusiasts within GM convinced the higher ups to keep the 350 albeit with a compromised intake system (cross ram based CFI as a stop gap until TPI arrived) until the gen II LT1 arrived for '92.
The LS1 was/is an awesome engine, but it too suffers from the same pitfalls as the L98 as technology continues to advance. Direct injection is already here and the LSx series engines will have it for 2014. DI seems to be good for up to 45-50 hp alone on some applications. Then, future enthusiasts of those engines can someday knock on owners of the LS1/LS2/LS3 for not having the HP and MPG advantages of direct injection. lol!
Your post explaining how TPI works was awesome! Someone please make this a sticky!
. Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 5,703
Likes: 132
From: Orange, CA
Car: '90 Trans Am-12.45@110.71
Engine: 355 w/AFR 195's Elem. 400/430 HP/TQ
Transmission: Tremec T-56
Axle/Gears: 12 Bolt 3.73
Re: Why does everyone talk sh*t about TPI's??
This Super Behemoth TPI as you call it. has gone 11.57/116.xx in not so ideal
conditions.
So put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Also weighs in at a whopping 3900 lbs. with driver.
With what you call super dyno #'s 420/417
conditions.
So put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Also weighs in at a whopping 3900 lbs. with driver.
With what you call super dyno #'s 420/417
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 5,703
Likes: 132
From: Orange, CA
Car: '90 Trans Am-12.45@110.71
Engine: 355 w/AFR 195's Elem. 400/430 HP/TQ
Transmission: Tremec T-56
Axle/Gears: 12 Bolt 3.73
Re: Why does everyone talk sh*t about TPI's??
Also, we dyno test at sea level, we're lucky to have DA @2000 where we have to race.
Re: Why does everyone talk sh*t about TPI's??
LS motors wouldn't be here without the technology developed for the L98, nor the development of computer controlled EFI tech that went into the Crossfire. Would we still be buying Chevy if they didn't get better over time? It just takes more skill to get power out of the older technology, which most don't have. That's why they get someone else to do the work, or copy others builds. Good clubs build on each others work, we all need guinea pigs, and that's why the SoCal guy's TPIs make more power and still pass smog. The L98 was the best in the 80's, and it came first, then came the aftermarket which made it better. You can still buy a new Lengenfelter or Calliway Corvette today. They didn't build the LS motors, they made them better.
As for the L98 being s**t, read the following.
http://www.vetteweb.com/events/vemp_...e/viewall.html
It was the best in its day.
As for the L98 being s**t, read the following.
http://www.vetteweb.com/events/vemp_...e/viewall.html
It was the best in its day.
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,895
Likes: 429
From: Pittsburgh PA
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: MWC 9” 3.00
Re: Why does everyone talk sh*t about TPI's??
Ls wouldnt be here if it wasnt for tech developed by ford and adapted to chevy designs
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,371
Likes: 2
From: Delaware
Car: 91' Firebird SOLD
Engine: 350 TPI +bolt-ons
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Why does everyone talk sh*t about TPI's??
What brand TPI intake is that?
Last edited by ninetyone; Feb 4, 2013 at 11:22 AM.
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 5,703
Likes: 132
From: Orange, CA
Car: '90 Trans Am-12.45@110.71
Engine: 355 w/AFR 195's Elem. 400/430 HP/TQ
Transmission: Tremec T-56
Axle/Gears: 12 Bolt 3.73
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 66
From: MA
Car: 1989 IrocZ
Engine: 421 Dart Stroker
Transmission: 4L60E Cahall Performance Built
Axle/Gears: Midwest Chassis Fab 9/ 3.55 gears
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,992
Likes: 10
From: CT
Car: 1986 Camaro SC
Engine: 305 TPI Procharged D1SC
Transmission: Tremec TKO-600
Axle/Gears: Moser 12 Bolt 3.73 posi
Re: Why does everyone talk sh*t about TPI's??
305 TPI rev's past 5200 rpm, 380hp / 420 ft/lbs of torque...
oh yeah i converted to TPI.
oh yeah i converted to TPI.
Supreme Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 6
From: Houson
Car: 86 Firebird
Engine: 305 SBC
Transmission: 700 R4 TCI
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Why does everyone talk sh*t about TPI's??
How about taking an edelbrock air gap and drilling out the injector bosses and using a 4barrel TB? Should be able to use your fuel rails sensors and computer. Anybody done that?
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,895
Likes: 429
From: Pittsburgh PA
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: MWC 9” 3.00
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