I'm putting a 383 together with dart iron eagle heads for a non computer car, and want to use a TPI setup on it. I dearly love the TPI on my 87 IROC, and want one on the other engine also. I'm told it's better to get a TPI setup of a 350 verses a 305 because of the larger injector size, but exactly what year/car/system/computer should I be looking for? Is it better to buy used, or get one from a company that specializes in putting systems together? Thanks-Dan

 

I don't think you can use TPI without a computer. The 305 and 350 use the same TPI system so just grab one from a wrecker.

 

I would prefer the 90-92 setup because of the fact it is speed density and is easier to work with when burning chips or doing any custom programming. the MAF type setup will work too. Be sure to check what kind of heads you have because you may have to slot the intake manifold to fit pre-86 style heads. I'm not sure what intake pattern your dart heads have but be sure to check that out. The 90-92 setup is easier to install because it has less sensors and less things to hook up. It shouldn't matter whether its off a 305 or 350 because i really don't think 22 lb injectors from the larger 350 is gonna cut it anyway. I would look at some 24's or 26s from accel or whoever. and a Adjustable fuel pressure regulator to adjust the fuel when the tpi is installed.

 

derfrank-The dart heads take a standard manifold. I own a machine shop, so slotting the heads or pretty much any other machining modifactions I can do myself. It's the electronics stuff I don't know anything about. I've been doing some reading on the net, and have ordered one of those TPI swappers books. I also read that I might be able to get the computer to control the lockup on my 700R4. That would be nice. Thanks-Dan

 

as far as buying one used or complete from a company, I would recommend buying a complete set from a company if you don't know what the used ones include or don't include. Give Jims Performance a shout. Their site is www.jimsperformance.com I've heard numerous compliments and I know he sells TPI stuff. I also know that thirdgenparts.com auctions the most complete tpi systems that I've ever seen. Nothing but positive remarks for thirdgenparts.com. Please tell me what application this TPI is going into and I'll try to help locate or choose the correct tpi components you'll need.

 

derfrank-The car is a 55 chevy wagon. I know it's not my camaro, (it already has TPI and I love it) but this site seems to have the most info on TPI systems. The engine is a 1990 350 out of a caprice cop car. I've ordered a scat 400 crank and am planning on a 9.3:1 compression ratio with dart iron eagle II heads with 215 intake runners and 72 cc chambers. Headers are 1 5/8 primary with 2 1/2" collectors (3/4 length headers). Trans is also out of the caprice, 700R4, rear is a 9" ford wth 4.10 gears and posi. Cam hasn't been chosen yet. Depends on whether I go TPI or with a carb. I really want the TPI unit. I plan on using this as a daily driver and with my experience with my camaro for the 13 years I've owned it, it seems that the TPI is a very dependable unit, and we also get 24 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway with the camaro. Don't know what I did to get those milage numbers, but it gets them every time without fail. My camaro is the best car I've ever owned. Anyway, that my reason for wanting a TPI on my 55.

 

Seems to me that when I was working at Danchuk they had wiring harnesses available for TPI swap into 55-7. I know when I was there, they were buying them from someone but its been so long I cant remember who. I'm sure you can find a better price than you'd get from them. Thats what I would do for the wiring, it would probably make for a much cleaner install if you dont feel like modifying a stock harness. If I were in your shoes, I'd look at picking up a complete 90-92 setup just so you dont have the MAF to deal with and can route the intake duct easier (I'd definitely run some sort of cold air induction), and also since you dont already have the electronics. If you happen to find a good priced MAF setup dont hesitate though. Make sure though that you get the harness, ecm, and all the sensors. That stuff can nickel and dime you to death.

The setup will control the lockup on the tranny fine, thats whats in your Iroc.

 

madmax-This is a ground up update to the entire car, so a new complete harness the incororates the TPI wiring will be in order.
My 87 IROZ is a stick, not a 700R4. I like it that way for the camaro, but want the auto in the wagon. There is a guy in Portland, OR that wrecks out camaro's and newer caprices. I'll try and give him a call. I've talked to him befroe and he's a real ****head, but he's probably my best shot at a complete system. With my needing a complete new harness, should I even bother with getting the one from the donor car? And, just for a ballpark guess, what should I be paying for a 90-92 setup?

 

Oops... Well anyway, the TPI computer will work the lockup fine. And no, you dont really have to have the harness but its easier to make sure if its all there or not, connectors not hooked up to parts are easy to see, parts just laying in a box... whats missing? With enough research and pictures you could find out what all you need parts wise though and just make sure youre getting it all.

 

The ball park price of a 90-92 system usually run around as low as $400 to as high as $600 depending on how complete it is. If you run into all the components for a 90-92 tpi without the harness. I would try to go with a painless harness because its a retrofit anyway and it would work fine.

 

derfrank-Found this on Ebay. Let me know what you think. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1836804555

Thanks-Dan

 

Thats on the expensive side even though I said as low as $400. I meant as $400 meaning that it was missing some tpi components like runners, or the manifold. It seems complete except for the harness and about all the sensors. You're gonna need alot of sensors and that could get very expensive. I would pass on that deal.

 

Thanks for giving me your opinion. I didn't think about the sensors and related stuff. I've been looking around here for a TPI setup and have come up completely dry. Nothing anywhere around here, so started looking on Ebay. I'll keep looking and let you know if I find anything. Thanks again-Dan

 

You have to use a ecm with tuned port I think the best ones to get would be the speed density witch came off of the 1990 and newer camaros. If your interested im selling my complete set up off of my 91 Z-28 for $450.00
Eddie

 

Ed, I'm interested i nthe TPI setup. I've emailed you about it. Thanks-Dan