This is posted all over the place, but I still don't have the answers I need. I picked up an 86 TPI setup (everything minus fuel pump and distrb.) and am pulling the engine this weekend to start the swap (there are other reasons as to why I'm pulling engine).

Are there any step-by-step guides on how to do this swap at all, because I have seen none. Everything I have read has been "It can be done", or "I did it by changing the intake and adding the computer....blah blah", not the "first connect A to B, then...".

Where is the best place to start? Also, I haven't heard a definitive answer as to if I can use the stock distributor on the TPI setup. Thanks.

 

I don't think you will ever find the "idiot's guide" for carb to tpi swap. No offence.
If you familarize yourself w/how a TPI system works and how it differs from a non-efi carburator deal, you'll see the light and will be much better off as far as educating yourself.
You'll grow as a person, as well as a DIY guy. Expand your horizons and use THE SEARCH FEATURE.
The information is out there, for you to harvest.
Hope that helps.

 

It works out to being as simple as connecting everything up on the harness. To get started, lay out the harness on the ground and figure out what connectors go to what. Then figure out where easch sensor is on the engine and get it setup like you think it is going to go in the car. Then start putting it in.

You probably don't see many step by step guides because it's so relatively easy that it would just drive you nuts if you stopped to write down every little detail as you went.

If your problem is rooted in that you have no idea what any of the sensors are, or what they do, where they go, well then you shoudl get yourself a few books on repairing and modifying TPI. If you jump into aswap like this without some understanding of what s going on, the inevitable little problems will make you sell the car

 

It's also hard to write a definitive "step-by-step" because of all the different combinations and possibilities. An 86 TPI system going into a 92 TBI is going to be different than going into an 84 CCC. Meanwhile a 91 TPI system will be completely different going into the same two vehicles, and just as different between Camaros and Firebirds.

The best way is simply to learn how a TPI works and figure out how to make it work in the application you're intending for it.

This is basically the difference between the proverbial giving someone a fish or teaching them how to fish.

I don't have a lot of patience with people who just want their hand held through something.

Again, no definitive answer because of the possibilities out there. Nobody here knows what you have, and you didn't say so in your post.

 

Actually someone has written some pretty good step by step instructions for making your swap. Go to www.chevythunder.com. :hail:

 

I have a basically stock 1980 L-82 corvette. The TPI setup I have is from an 86 camaro. The distributor is stock, so with that info could it work?

I've used the search feature quite abit, which is why I made this post. I have read alot of articles and understand how it works, but if there was an easier way, why not attept to persue it? (thus, my post).

It seems pretty straight forward to me, but what sort of things are there to look out for? Anything I should be aware of before a common problem comes up from not knowing about it?

Please don't think of me as ignorant or uninformed...just trying to get as much on this subject as possible to make the swap easy as can be.

 

You need to Do just as Ed Said.

Lay the harness out in the garage, and start figuring out wich plugs go to wich sensors.

Some are going to not be used, and some are going to go to things you arent using like smog equipment ect.

Luckily, Most of the sensors have a unique plug, so there isnt much confusion there.

Once you have all your sensors accounted for -

MAF, CTS, IAC, TPS, IAT, KS, 2 Distributor Connections and 2 coil connections - and some others I am sure are slipping my mind, then Install all the hardware on the motor and get it in the car.

Put all the appropriate sensors where they go in the block ect, and then drop the harness ontop of the motor and start plugging stuff in.

Tuck and hide the wires away when you do it ( like running the injector TPS and IAC wires all under the plenum) can make it go on pretty cleanly.

Once youve got all those same sensors you mapped out on the garage floor all hooked up in the car, get the Main power at the starter hooked up along with the ECM and fuel pump power hooked up at the battery.

You will need to find some switched power lead in the interior (or wherever you are hiding your computer) to power the injectors, the proper wire can be determined from your manual.

Then, Plug her into the laptop and check all the sensor values with the key on. If anything is giving a stupid value (like -41 deg Cololant temp) You know that's not plugged in right.

once thats all sorted out, and you have power for the injectors and the distributor hooked up, Your ready to go.

And no, your stock dist won't work w/o alot of modification wich is pretty unessicary considering there are existing distributors out there that will work fine.

The 86 TPI is a large cap I am pretty sure, So any dist from any Computer controlled V8 Chevy will work - Those pre 87 Will plug and play (in cap HEI) while the 87-92 (divorced coil HEI) will require some re-wireing on your part.

It isnt difficult, but it does take some time and some understanding of how the TPI (or any fuel injection) Setup works and what it needs to make it work.

 

Joe read this site itll help you out on what does what and what you need to do.Like i said before ill help you out with what i can.
http://www.chevythunder.com/index.htm

 

Engine is out of car now, so this should be easier to do in the long run. I pulled the engine for other reasons than the TPI, but it will help install the wiring.

On the vaccuum tubes, is it hard to figure out where to put them now? lol...I have no clue anymore.

Also, with knock sensor, how is it installed?

 

Pat...that site seems pretty good. Still don't know about all the sensors..this is my only prob really.

 

you got mail about the sensors.