I've got a 1950 chevy truck that I am hotrodding. I've got a bit of a delima about FI, and was hoping TPI would be a resonably cheap solution.

well - here's the scenario. I will be running a 383 that will peak about 4,000 RPM's (build to be a torque monster).

now - to the the questions. I live in the middle of nowhere, and I don't have somewhere I can take this thing to so that I can have the chip custom tuned.

is TPI going to be a practical soluation for me? I'm fairly new at wrenching, but I'm a very techinically inclined person. is it practical for me to learn to do the chips myself?

is there going to be a major difference between a speed density system, and a MAF? (I understand a MAF system is harder to tune, but also more forgiving).

is there a chance a stock 350 chip would run a mild 383 OK?

I have the following system that somebody contacted me about. he's asking $600 - is this system worth is, and if not how much should I pay, or what kind of system should I be looking for?


*Manifold, pleum, runners (not perfect...rarely are, but close...8/10
maybe???), injectors, rails
*MAF (that's the pricey one)
*CTS
*MAT sensor
*Cold start valve
*Harness
*ECM and PROM (for a 305)
*exhaust manifolds with NICE AIR tubes
*Distributor
(pententially a ESC also)

 

Your RPM Range is about right for the TPI System. Yes, you can probably learn to tune your own chip if you wanted, and it's not a must, just recommended. If you had to Ed Wright could do one for you as well, although not as good as you learning yourself, but it'll work. MAF and MAP are not something you'll have to worry about. Either would work for you, but I'd aim for MAP if you could. Yes, a 350 chip would work with the 383, it really depends on the engine setup more so than the cubic inches. 600 All depends on what your getting, you could probably find one for about 350-400 if you really tried.

 

Welcome to thirdgen.org.

Yes, the RPM range is about right...for a stock 350, suggest you do some searches on 383's and intakes used. At the least I'd be ditching the stock runners and going aftermarket...then porting the base to match.

Burning your own chips is the most cost effetive way to go, but can/will take some time to get right. You may want to consider many of the aftermarket tuners..DFI, Holley, etc, that you can tune on the fly. Initial output in cost will be greater, but you'll most likely reach your goal of a good tune sooner.

There's a "sticky" or least there once was, on PROM burning, otherwise head to the PROM forum and check it out.

As far as MAF and SD is concerned, this only really applies using the stock ECM's and chips...if you go aftermarket, they're all SD systems.

The real question may be, do you wannt fuel injection, or really want TPI...if you are mainly concerned with getting away from carbs, then there's many a aftermarket (affordable too) FI systems out there..also some very costly ones.

Good luck...main thing is to get and keep that AD on the road

 

thanks for the FYI guys...

I think I will go head & pick up a TPI for this. I will probably be running either S/R Torquers, or Sportsman II's.

so let's address this 1 other way - can I use a holley command to control either type of TPI system? (even though higher inital cost this may not be a bad way to go...) :lala:

 

From what I've heard (someone can correct me, or you could call holley) is that the Holly Commander 950 ECU will work with the TPI Setup just fine.

 

I think I will give holley a call and ask them.

I'd probably get it up with a 350 chip, and then if I wasn't happy I'd put a commander on it to control it long term instead of getting into the chip programming.

gives me more options anyway. thanks

 

i think its also a good way to go..

try and get a sd setup, dont have to full around with maf's..

nothing wrong with them, i just dont like them.

 

I've heard that same thing from more then one person. I know they are easier to tune.

for my application I'm really looking at overall $$$ to get the project off the ground. it will probably depend on which system I can get for the cheapest.

I wouldn't mind a MAF system though. I believe if I was trying to make it a higher RPM band that I probably wouldn't mess with a MAF.

 

got off the phone with holley - thier commander kit for TPI comes with the commander, harness, map sensore, and o2 sensor.

they said if it's a MAF system this includes everything it needs to make it a speed density (comes with all this regardless if the system is MAF or MAP).

I think I may try to pick up a MAF system, and use it with the stock chip. if I have problems, doesn't quite run right, or I can to cusotmize the setup more I will convert to the holley commander down the road. (should give me the best of both worlds).