HI, im getting a 350 TPI and am wondering what should i all do to it?, im thinking first i will rebuild it and make it a 383 stroker, then LT1 or vortec heads, (port and polished), Headers, Intake, MSD, etc. What im wondering is what everyone suggests i should do first? Im going to be keeping all smog equipment so that effects a lot i will be doing, also im not decieded on if i will keep AC or not. Most likely i will delete that. Im going to pull the motor out while im doing body work so this is where i will start. Any suggestions will help a lot.
Andy

 

Andy,

The first thing I would do is assess the engine as it stands. If the crank is in good condition, there may ne no reason to replace it unless you want the extra stroke. Consider that carefully, since the TPI setup has enough trouble feeding a 350 at upper RPM ranges, let alone another 30+ cubes.

In order to address flow, you need to start with the heads. Even though the factory TPI castings are far better than some of the previous heads, there is a lot of room for improvement. Again, if you plan to keep the TPI, consider what you will modify with that in mind, since you don't want to kill lower RPM intake velocity.

Another significant restriction to the TPI making RPMs is the plenum and runner fit. The factory did a rather poor job of matching the casting openings, and this can account for loss on a larger displacement. The TB openings are also restrictive. If you are planning to replace the intake (as you hinted) that will not be as much a problem. If you replace the intake with a modified LT1 or Min-Ram, the game changes completely, since the basic induction is no longer TPI.

Decide that first, and you can build the rest of the engine to suit.