After reading several swappers' guides to GM TPI systems they all seem to say that the different throttle bodies from 1988 and before will not work on the 1989 TPI intakes and the 1989 TPI throttle bodies will not work on the older (1988 and back) intakes.
I have examined and compared the intakes and the throttle bodies; a set of 1988's to a set from a 1989.

The throttle bodies have the same air passages(bypasses) and connections though the '88's are larger air passageways ( talking about the idle air controller's air passageway).

The specific is that I have a 'made for 1988 or earlier'
BBK throttlebody and I would like to mount it on my 1989 305- (from a T/A).
Has anyone ever tried this? Any recommendations?
Thanks

 

I believe the difference is in the throttle cable hook up.

 

The idle air passageways are different but the circuits seem to be the same routing.
Yes, the cable ends are different. Great news is the LOCKAR throttle cable kit- TPI gives you both cable ends and extra length for almost any application. I got the 700R4 cable kit and the billet cable holder that mounts to the intake plenum as well.
They come with allen wrench, chrome cable end nuts and stainless allen screws. A very comprehensive cable solution!
Thanks- Live long and prosper.

 

or just swap to the other stock throttle cable and save some money

 

Well...as I had to get custom length cables anyway for this engine swap. (305 tpi from a trans am into a 88 C-1500 short bed 2 wheel drive Chevy pick-up, the Lokar braided cables worked very well and compliments the engine compartment.

 

this is exactly right. I have an 85-88 BBK on my 91, it works great. I just had to swap the cable and no problem