Hey guys,

Someone told me to join this board since I heard that you guys are TPI experts. I have an 87 Monte Carlo SS that I'm looking to swap over to TPI on my new 330 HP 350 GM crate engine since I'm looking for better driveability as well as for the learning experience.


I just have a few questions before I start collecting parts for this.

oh, and I'm working on a college budget, so the cheaper the better.


1. This is my motor: http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet...87&parentCategoryId=10763

They make a Vortec style intake base for it I'm assuming, but would I be able to use stock GM runners, or should I go with aftermarket (More $$) at that point? Or can I just modify the stock intake base for vortec heads?

2. Speed density or MAF? I'm not planning on doing a ton of changes to this motor, and I wouldn't mind having to burn new PROMs, because I'm interested in pursuing engine management as a job anyhow, so it'd be good practice..... So would I be fine with speed density in that case?

3. Tranny issues.....I just bought a BUILT 200r4 tranny about 3 months ago, and I really don't want to get rid of it....Can I use this with a TPI setup? How does the TV cable work with this system? (I'm just confused because I know how it normally works with a carb, but I can't picture it with FI).

4. Gas tank....Probably go with a Grand National tank since it's already got a return line?

5. Wiring harness....I'm looking at a painless wiring harness, but it's kinda pricy...anything cheaper out there? Would I be alright using a *good* used harness?

6. I've got longtube hooker headers....Can I still use these if I weld in some Wideband 02 sensors?

7. Should I get some donor engine accessories too, or should I look to get an upgraded alternator and whatnot? (I pulled my A/C, so that's not an issue).

8. ECM.....which one? Or does it not matter since I'm willing to burn my own chips anyhow?
Speaking of that, can anyone suggest a burner and software?


9. What year TPI setup would work best for me? I'm still learning about them, so I'm not really sure what to look for.

10. Ignition...what should I go with for that? I have an MSD HEI setup right now.


Also, here's my potential parts list.....feel free to let me know if I'm missing anything or if I'm just flat out wrong about a few things, haha.

1. GN gas tank
2. painless wiring kit
3. Vortec TPI intake
4. Stock/aftermarket runners
5. F body accessories
6. F body fans
7. Cutlass/GN fan shroud
8. Weld-in O2 sensors for headers
9. GM ECM

I know that I'm missing a bunch of other little things, but it's 8 AM, and I'm not really a morning person.


Sorry for the long post, and thanks in advance for any help.




Oh, and is there a General Discussion board on this site? I didn't find one, and I was going to do the whole "introduction" thing if I could.

 

If you know a good tig welder, he can build up the top side or your intake. First you have to pull heads and drill older 12 bolt pattern in heads, if it is not already there. Then use a Felpro 1205 intake gasket to use to build up the top side of your stock intake. The right thing then to do, would be to port out the intake to match your gasket, as there is a difference, though it is not required.
I did this first, and then later bought a vortec/tpi intake from Street & Performance for 400.00 or so. All the stock stuff bolts on, except you have to use the Corvette EGR stuff if you are required to run egr. The stock runners work, but the bigger ones will let engine breath. On a budget, they will work though.
The 200 R4 is okay, IMO.

 

Hi
I'm selling a complete 86 TPI Z28 parts/donor car, the motor runs and is drivable, but the tranny is on it's last leg.
Has lots of new parts.

Let me know if your interested