Hi, this is my first post, my names Steve, I have a 1986 monte carlo that i'm looking to do a TPI switch over to.

I have two options, wait till winter when the monte comes off the road and pull the engine, then convert it to TPI, or build one from scratch. The second option is probably what I want to do, as this engine has no timing marks, unknown cam, and just generally likes giving my a hard time.

I'm just recently getting into the interest of doing things on my car myself, so my knowledge is pretty little right now. I've always loved cars, so I know things, but just dont have much hands on experience.

When all is said and done, i'd like to have a 350 for my monte, TPI, putting out between 350-400 horsepower. No nitrous, no chargers, just engine. So first of all, is this possible?

If so, would any of you TPI engine experts be able to show me a build that would do it, so I can have a platform from which to start looking at things I will need to buy, how they go together, and how much work I may be getting myself into?

Would any TPI intake be better or worse to use on an 86? And if so, what year? So I know where I need to get the computer/wiring from.

Is it possible to us my stock gas tank? I dont space in the garage to work, so everything will be done on my back, so changing it seems like it would be an incredible amount of work. (Garage is full with my fathers 2 goats, lol).


The reasons for going TPI are kinda few, from what I read it has more low rpm torque, which since I wont be taking it to the strip, is more useful then the max hp engines that dont get there till 6000 rpms, that i'll probably never be seeing, lol. I enjoy how it looks, which though silly, is important when you put so much work and money into something, and you dont see many montes set up this way.

So can it be done? Should it be done? Am I wasting my time? Please, help me TPI masters.

 

Here's a great TPI web site Chevythunder

 

Just run the tank low on gas before you put the car up to do the swap. I dropped mine Sunday in about ten minutes.

 

You're in luck its an 86'
Go to my website and download the schematic. Has a full layout of my setup with a 1227730 ECM. Lots of connector info etc also.
Build your harness from scratch if you have the time.
Solder everything (even the ECM pins after crimping)

The fuel tank is the biggest pita. see if you can get one from an injected 4.3.
My tank was already done so it made things easier.
You'll love the torque, just what a heavy SS needs.

You're father has 2 goats in the garage ?

 

Im going to go look at your schematic. Thanks

And yea, we have a detached 2 car garage, 2 goats in there, 66 gto convertible, and 67 hardtop, which was his first car ever. The convertible needs an interior, floor pans and a new roof and its ready to go, the hardtop needs quite a bit more.

Thanks alot Wade for that site, somehow I didnt come across it in my search. I definantly know more then I did before I started reading it, though its still hard without an engine infront of me. So i'm debating buying this 87 iroc 350 TPI to begin taking apart.

Is it the same/different then a TPI engine from 86? Does it matter?

Thanks
-steve-

 

Double post, sorry.

 

Also, if I do buy the 87 Iroc TPI 350, say I put new heads, maybe new cam, new pistons, things to get the kind of power out of it I want, will anything need to be done to compensate? Something with the computer or whatnot?

Thanks