I was wondering what are the differences in the actuall TPI setups throughout the years?

Now I know the HP and TQ ratings were different due to cam sizes, heads and exhaust, but I'm talking strictly the TPI setup themselves.

TB sizes. . .runners. . .injectors. . .305 - 350. . . computers?

I'm pondering building a TPI setup, and was just seeing the differences I should be looking for when purchasing a TPI setup?

Are there any to stay away from? . . all 305's? . . .pre-87?

Any years that are prized?

 

do a search because we have discussed this A LOT, but:

the 350 TPI had the bigger 22lb or 24lb injectors verus the 19lb 305 ones
'85-'87? had the cold start injector, which was this 9th injector that fired when you cranked it when it was cold. This is something a lot of people block off, because it really isn't needed.
all years except '90-92 used the MAF sensor. The '90-'92 years were speed density, which gets rid of the MAF sensor. Everybody has different opinions on the SD setups, but they are basically really sensitive to any mods, but are generally better than the MAF ones IMHO.
There really isn't a "special" TPI setup as they are ALL the same in terms of hardware. You can re-pin your MAF setup to handle SD, you can buy performance runners, bases, and plenums, and you need to port the runners and bases if you guy aftermarket ones. Porting the stock plenum is good enough.



if you are going to build a TPI setup, I don't think you even need to buy a TPI car. You can just buy performance plenums, runners, and a base, then get new injectors, and a nice harness like the one from S&P which includes a complete SD harness and computer. The misc stuff like the fuel rail and all you can get from ebay. Actually, ebay has a lot of nice parts, so check them out.

 

SD?

Hey, you did exactly what I was planned on doing which is a 350 TPI in a Caprice. I thought I was the only one with that idea.:hail:

So it appears that the 89 350 will be the one of choice, but I guess, once I get past the TB and setup itself, I should just dump the runners and manifold huh? Thanks.

 

well, here is what I am doing:

I got my setup from a '86 TPI, but am buying a complete new harness and ECU from S&P (~$600). Then, I am planning to be pushing about 300rwhp, so I am trying to get this deal with a guy on here (ray royer) with a set of Accel runners, and I am going to port those. Might even siamese them later, but I don't think I am pushing that much power. I might just port the stock base, and I am definetly going to port and polish my plenum. The TB I am leaving stock for now, might upgrade later for looks. The stock one flows plenty well enough. The harness I am getting is SD (speed density), so I got a K&N that just goes on the end of the TB.

Oh, and am also going to get one of these, but in blue. My car is the two-tone blue. It is the plate to go over the TB. What year is yours, BTW?

 

Actually, I've gotten rid of 3 in the last 5 years (80' 350 carb{fastest}/ 89' 305 TBI {best lookin'}/ 91' 350 Cop TBI {toughest and longest lasting}), so now I have the camaro , but I keep getting offered nice deals on 350's and TPI units, and I always wanted to build a sleeper Caprice.

My first car when I was 16 was a 89 Caprice Classic. I WANT ANOTHER ONE. Now that I understand engines more, I want to make a 13 second caprice.

I seriously thought I was the only one who would want to do something like that.

 

well, I turn 16 this summer, and this '86 Caprice is gonna be my car

I have been REALLY into cars for a while now. I just got into the LT1s and TPIs about a year ago, and just kinda became addicted. We have a LT1 going into a hot-rod of ours, and the TPI setup is going in my Caprice. As I said, my goals are to have the thing be about 300rwhp and 22mpg. I am more concerned about the fuel mileage as gas is expensive . Anyways, this crate motor I have is nothing special. I got it for $500 from a good friend, and it is still in the crate and all. 4-bolt main, simple 350, and its rated at 300hp from the factory. I figure the TPI, plus a little tweaking, will get me a little more than that. To get the 300rwhp, I might have to get a new cam, but that won't be til a WHILE down the road.

Anyways, where is "home" at? I see your fightin over in the desert and all (and I tip my hat to your BTW), but where do ya live over in the states?

 

Home is Atlanta.

I'll be home in less than 2 weeks!:lala: