My first experience with even being inside of a V8 car was in 1995. I don't have the "father / son" working on the V8 in the garage experience, and I've never rebuilt, or pulled heads off a V8 (though I've done the optispark/waterpump in my LT1 Caprice!) Literally, I don't think I've ever ridden in nor touched a carbureted car of any sort... tragic childhood, I know... I'm a first generation Asian American - but that is beside the point!

An LT1 is simple to understand, I know who programs the PCMs and I can install headers, and there's literally tech articles for the Impala SS' that dictate which cams make the best power for streetability, stall converters, LT4 heads, plus I can hook mine up to Autotap and see everything going on. There's only one "better" intake to look at, the LT4 intake. There's really only "one" type of head to go for, LT4 or ported LT1's - that's simple enough. As if there are formulas available for what works on the LT1 F-bodies and Impala SS (LT1 Caprices).

My 92 Z28 305 TPI - I am at a complete loss. Since the holidays began, I've read like 5 hours worth on this site - and I am just at a loss. First, is there a simple book on Amazon.com that I can just buy ? I've seen NUMEROUS types of heads, not a clue on what is best ? I've seen NUMEROUS types of intakes. I understand I am speed density, but I haven't a clue what mass OR speed density is. I'm confused on why I can't bolt some of the nice aftermarket intakes on my 305 - it's just 45 cubic inches, right?? I don't understand the upper or lower runners.

There's all this talk about different motors you can just "bolt right on in" but I don't see how it all works with the TPI and ECM that I have in my Z28. I've read ZZ4, ZZ430, Ram Jet, Fast Burn, etc has me all confused.

In the LT1 world - decisions are easy. Port the heads, you're done. Put in a LT4 hot cam, GM 845 cam, or you can choose from some comp cams - no worries about bolting in different aftermarket heads or motors or blocks or intakes - it is just all so simple to understand.

You'd think after 5 something hours of reading and reading I'd get it all together - but I feel this forum STARTS at the level of assumption that you already know what TPI does. So much information consumption, I am lost...

But...literally, is there a book I can buy that explains the differences in all of the 3rd Gen Camaros, TBI, TPI, mass density, speed density, ZZ4's, Ram Jets, Fast Burns, who does the ECMS, etc etc...

Anyone else agree that deciphering LT1 and LS1 is a TON EASIER than pre-LT1 ?!??

Thanks for ANY guidance!
- Dean!

 

This doesn't cover all of what you want but, for idiots like myself, this book gives you a general understanding/operation of the 3rdgen fbody f.i. systems...

 

Its just a different generation of engines bro - TPI is Tuned Port Injection. Its a batch fire, multi-port electronic injection.

The runners are just that - no 'upper' runners or 'lower runners'
the runners carry the air from the upper manifold to the lower manifold. Its called a dual plane intake.

There are several aftermarket intakes you can bolt on, however since you have the 305, almost all of them would be overkill. If i were you, i would do a high-flow 'stock-style' setup. Meaning get aftermarket runners, and an aftermarket lower manifold and have the upper manifold ported to match the runners.

As far as diagnostics, our cars can be read too, just like your LT1, you just need different equipment.

Speed density is a system sans Mass Air Flow sensor. It doesnt make calculations based on mass of air rather its a map kind of system. Doesn't matter, you can mod either way.

Tons of mods available. Many different heads/cam combos, headers, catbacks, afpr's, you name it. Suspension mods abound, and tranny mods too. Our cars are heavily supported (thirdgens)
Just keep reading! Theres a good book i have called "Camaro Performance" and its a great book with many good examples of how to modify TPI thirdgens.

-Pea Soup, and good luck. You got questions, this board has answers and vast amounts of experience collectively. Youre in the right place.

 

this book got me started befor I ever owned a TPI http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1875728171