TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
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From: AR
Car: 1991 Camaro RS Vert
Engine: 350 S-TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: GU5/G80/J65
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Got it, email sent. Thanks!
Ok
I thought you were saying the 4x crank got the coil packs. UGH. Will have to see what this program says when it comes in.
I found that info on MSD's site, but it said they used a different plug on them. Dunno what went to what or how its wired. All I have visual access to is a 01/02? silvy with a 5.3. I know they dont look like the LS1's I see on summits site.
Ok
I thought you were saying the 4x crank got the coil packs. UGH. Will have to see what this program says when it comes in.I found that info on MSD's site, but it said they used a different plug on them. Dunno what went to what or how its wired. All I have visual access to is a 01/02? silvy with a 5.3. I know they dont look like the LS1's I see on summits site.
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From: AR
Car: 1991 Camaro RS Vert
Engine: 350 S-TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: GU5/G80/J65
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
ok, here is a LS1 Coil, then Silvy 5.3 coil. then LS2 coil
Ok, from quick searching.
LS1/LS6 Coil "A", use plug "A"
LS2/LS7 Coil "C", use plug "B"
Vortec 5.3 in the silvy Coil "B", use plug "B,
Ok, from quick searching.
LS1/LS6 Coil "A", use plug "A"
LS2/LS7 Coil "C", use plug "B"
Vortec 5.3 in the silvy Coil "B", use plug "B,
Last edited by Dale; May 16, 2008 at 10:17 AM.
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
I found that info on MSD's site, but it said they used a different plug on them. Dunno what went to what or how its wired. All I have visual access to is a 01/02? silvy with a 5.3. I know they dont look like the LS1's I see on summits site.
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
I built the engine harness for the test engine today and loaded a modified 2002 Corvette LS1/T56 calibration into a 12200411 PCM. I'm using a used throttle actuator control module (TAC) and Corvette accelerator pedal. Going to use EFILive for the calibration work.
When this goes into the 1991 Trans Am I may use the E40 ECM (2005 Corvette LS2). It is smaller than the LS1/LS6 PCM and has electronic throttle built in. The only trick will be adapting the newer two wire knock sensors to the block.
The spark plug wires pictured are for a gen 3 truck application. They're a little too tight, so I'm going to have to find an alternative. For now they'll work.
When this goes into the 1991 Trans Am I may use the E40 ECM (2005 Corvette LS2). It is smaller than the LS1/LS6 PCM and has electronic throttle built in. The only trick will be adapting the newer two wire knock sensors to the block.
The spark plug wires pictured are for a gen 3 truck application. They're a little too tight, so I'm going to have to find an alternative. For now they'll work.
Last edited by S10Wildside; May 18, 2008 at 07:47 AM.
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
We had just enough time today to crank the engine. It tried to run, so we adjusted the crank reluctor. Then it didn't want to run at all. Then we ran out of time. We'll probably make more progress on this toward the end of the week. We'll get it.
Here it is on the test stand, ready to run.
Here it is on the test stand, ready to run.
Last edited by S10Wildside; May 20, 2008 at 12:17 PM.
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
It runs! Here is a video. Notice it starts immediately after turning the key and the throttle response is right on when the electronic pedal is moved.
Click to view video.
Click to view video.
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From: Moneta, VA
Car: 89 formula 350
Engine: ls1 magnuson tvs2300 supercharger
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 4.11 Dana 44!
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
thats awesome!
Sounds pretty responsive too!
Sounds pretty responsive too! Supreme Member
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From: Cypress, California
Car: 1989 GTA
Engine: 369 TPI
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.70 Nine Bolt
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
That is awesome and quite the accomplishment. Congratulations to all those involved.
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Because the focus of this thread has been on the distributor-based calibration of the 12200411 PCM, I have created a thread in the DFI and ECM forum for distributor-less discussion. That way we can keep this topic focused on it's original topic.
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Car: Formula
Engine: 6.0 LSX
Transmission: 4L60E
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Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Hmm. I know what my next mod will be. Hmm. I need that whole setup in my boat lol
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From: Macedonia ,OH
Car: Formula
Engine: 6.0 LSX
Transmission: 4L60E
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Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Give me a few months. I gotta pay off my wedding which is next month lol
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From: Beautiful Tunnel Hill Georgia
Car: 67 Firebird Convertible
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Does anyone know about how many people have used this setup so far on any kind of vehicle?
Ron
Ron
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From: AR
Car: 1991 Camaro RS Vert
Engine: 350 S-TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: GU5/G80/J65
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Thats why I was kinda making that list a while ago. But it doesnt cover the ones wildside has done on his own.
Id say its still less then 50. And when I tell people what I have done they are
Id say its still less then 50. And when I tell people what I have done they are
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Well.. whats needed to use the COP on the lt1???? We all need only a crank reluctor ring. What does this ring need to have? i have access to a CNC machine from a customer of mine and he told me it was no problem building it. In fact. It was no problem building the complete timing cover...
If you can post a picture of the reluctor ring and the diameter and such I should be able to make one and test it out.
Subscribing to this.
If you can post a picture of the reluctor ring and the diameter and such I should be able to make one and test it out.
Subscribing to this.
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From: Macedonia ,OH
Car: Formula
Engine: 6.0 LSX
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt 3:27
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Cout me in for 2 of them !! lol. Still by far the best mod ever. lol Sad though that I have driven both cars about 100 miles each only this year. Just not into them anymore. I'm now buiding up an Vortec headed 350 for the boat. I'm confused with this carb stuff lol.
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Hurst, Texas
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
I have had 2 smallblocks running on the 0411 after doing OBDII conversions and am working on 2 more (ones a factory L31 in a 1997 G1500). The second is my 1983 G20 van with its TPI 310. I have a 1998 C2500 harness that I am re-pinning to run a 0411 and I will be using a 4L80E. 310 TPI, 4L80E, 3.08 gears.
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From: AR
Car: 1991 Camaro RS Vert
Engine: 350 S-TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: GU5/G80/J65
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Metal timing cover? I would love to see pics of that, and if price is decent, buy one from you.
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Add me to the list of those still working on this mod. I have the vortec, TPI, engine 75% done, (need to finish the heads) then installed the 88 GTA, but some health issues raised their ugly head and I had to delay the project for a few months but am starting once again. I need to get the wire harness yet but I believe I have everything else. At 67, I'm probably the old guy here but I'm trying to get this into Redbird soon. I've really enjoyed the thread. Thanks to you all. Dave
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From: Beautiful Tunnel Hill Georgia
Car: 67 Firebird Convertible
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Add me to the list of those still working on this mod. I have the vortec, TPI, engine 75% done, (need to finish the heads) then installed the 88 GTA, but some health issues raised their ugly head and I had to delay the project for a few months but am starting once again. I need to get the wire harness yet but I believe I have everything else. At 67, I'm probably the old guy here but I'm trying to get this into Redbird soon. I've really enjoyed the thread. Thanks to you all. Dave
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From: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Car: 83 T/A, 83 S.C., 86 S.C. & IROC
Engine: 305 CFI &TPI
Transmission: 4L60E, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23, 2.73
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Well you can count me in for doing this with a 305. It's been real slow going but I'll be finishing the short block this weekend. I pulled most of the vortec ignition components from a '97 Silverado. After removing the alignment dowls the vortec timing cover went on without a hitch. I plan on doing my own tuning as well as I picked up HPTuners not too long ago
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From: AR
Car: 1991 Camaro RS Vert
Engine: 350 S-TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: GU5/G80/J65
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
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From: AR
Car: 1991 Camaro RS Vert
Engine: 350 S-TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: GU5/G80/J65
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
If you come up with GM part numbers on some of them items that I dont have them listed. Could you send them to me please?
Also. Alot of this stuff you can get used if you dont mind used parts. Mine is about 50/50.
Also. Alot of this stuff you can get used if you dont mind used parts. Mine is about 50/50.
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From: Beautiful Tunnel Hill Georgia
Car: 67 Firebird Convertible
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Find a reasonable junk yard and become their best friend, and take off your on stuff so you get the nuts, bolts, etc., and it's cheaper.
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
This is worth repeating.
Some blocks (like the TPI engines) will require some extra silicone to seal the Vortec timing cover. I recommend taking a very close look at the timing cover and face of the block before installation. My approach has been to start the engine without the front accessories installed to check for leaks. In this way you won't have to completely disassemble the front accessories if the timing cover does leak.
Some blocks (like the TPI engines) will require some extra silicone to seal the Vortec timing cover. I recommend taking a very close look at the timing cover and face of the block before installation. My approach has been to start the engine without the front accessories installed to check for leaks. In this way you won't have to completely disassemble the front accessories if the timing cover does leak.
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From: AR
Car: 1991 Camaro RS Vert
Engine: 350 S-TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: GU5/G80/J65
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Scuzz, including my harness and a TPI intake(since I was TBI), I have about 1g in mine.. Then efilive.
After looking, most of mine is new stuff, wow. My dizzy, timing cover, vortec coil(which I didnt use), crank ring, ignition mod are all new. I later installed new o2 sensors. Then the fuel pump.
My cover bolts, crank sensor, balancer, maf(which is now removed), 2 ecms, harness, are used items.
After looking, most of mine is new stuff, wow. My dizzy, timing cover, vortec coil(which I didnt use), crank ring, ignition mod are all new. I later installed new o2 sensors. Then the fuel pump.
My cover bolts, crank sensor, balancer, maf(which is now removed), 2 ecms, harness, are used items.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Beautiful Tunnel Hill Georgia
Car: 67 Firebird Convertible
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Scuzz, including my harness and a TPI intake(since I was TBI), I have about 1g in mine.. Then efilive.
After looking, most of mine is new stuff, wow. My dizzy, timing cover, vortec coil(which I didnt use), crank ring, ignition mod are all new. I later installed new o2 sensors. Then the fuel pump.
My cover bolts, crank sensor, balancer, maf(which is now removed), 2 ecms, harness, are used items.
After looking, most of mine is new stuff, wow. My dizzy, timing cover, vortec coil(which I didnt use), crank ring, ignition mod are all new. I later installed new o2 sensors. Then the fuel pump.
My cover bolts, crank sensor, balancer, maf(which is now removed), 2 ecms, harness, are used items.
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
One more step with the LS1 PCM.
Here is the 16mb video of it running. Click for video.

This is being disussed in the DFI and ECM forum.
Here is the 16mb video of it running. Click for video.
This is being disussed in the DFI and ECM forum.
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From: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Car: 83 T/A, 83 S.C., 86 S.C. & IROC
Engine: 305 CFI &TPI
Transmission: 4L60E, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23, 2.73
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Are you interest in part numbers for 305 engines or just the 350s? There's only a few differences (knock sensor comes to mind). Let me know.
Thanks,
Tony
----------
This is worth repeating.
Some blocks (like the TPI engines) will require some extra silicone to seal the Vortec timing cover. I recommend taking a very close look at the timing cover and face of the block before installation. My approach has been to start the engine without the front accessories installed to check for leaks. In this way you won't have to completely disassemble the front accessories if the timing cover does leak.
Some blocks (like the TPI engines) will require some extra silicone to seal the Vortec timing cover. I recommend taking a very close look at the timing cover and face of the block before installation. My approach has been to start the engine without the front accessories installed to check for leaks. In this way you won't have to completely disassemble the front accessories if the timing cover does leak.
I like you advice with this but I was wondering how you are supplying fuel for something like this? I see fuel line in some of the videos you've posted but I don't see where they go. Do you have a pump and tank setup off to the side which we just don't see or is there more to it than that? I ask because I should be close to getting my engine to this point in the near future.
Thanks,
Tony
Last edited by tpiselli; Jul 24, 2008 at 07:33 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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From: AR
Car: 1991 Camaro RS Vert
Engine: 350 S-TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: GU5/G80/J65
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Didnt think about 305's. But yea, if there are some differences, I'll happily post them on my site.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 537
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From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Car: 87 Iroc Z28
Engine: 355 TPI
Transmission: T56
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Are any of you guys running HP Tuner instead of EFI Live? If so any thoughs on how well it works for doing this project?
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From: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Car: 83 T/A, 83 S.C., 86 S.C. & IROC
Engine: 305 CFI &TPI
Transmission: 4L60E, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23, 2.73
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
I have HPTuners and will be using it for this. I'm not at the point where I need it yet (I'm still putting my engine together). So far I've only usd itfor basic DTC scanning and trouble shooting (like turning off the rear O2s on my '02 Z28) as well as some data logging. Hopefully I'll have more time with it as I get closer to getting this project going.
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: PA
Car: 92 camaro RS
Engine: LSA
Transmission: Magnum F
Axle/Gears: TNT 8.8 wavetrac 3.31
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
hey s10wildside, im gearing up to get a hold of you to order my harness still $600? im not going to be doing my own tuning who was the guy that was tuning these for people?
Junior Member
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From: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
Car: 83 T/A, 83 S.C., 86 S.C. & IROC
Engine: 305 CFI &TPI
Transmission: 4L60E, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23, 2.73
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Actually the knock sensor is the only thing I found different. Here are the numbers for a 5.0:
Knock sensor (5.0 liter Vortec), ACDelco part # 213325 or GM part # 10456287
Hope this helps,
Tony
Knock sensor (5.0 liter Vortec), ACDelco part # 213325 or GM part # 10456287
Hope this helps,
Tony
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
S10,
I like you advice with this but I was wondering how you are supplying fuel for something like this? I see fuel line in some of the videos you've posted but I don't see where they go. Do you have a pump and tank setup off to the side which we just don't see or is there more to it than that? I ask because I should be close to getting my engine to this point in the near future.
Thanks,
Tony
I like you advice with this but I was wondering how you are supplying fuel for something like this? I see fuel line in some of the videos you've posted but I don't see where they go. Do you have a pump and tank setup off to the side which we just don't see or is there more to it than that? I ask because I should be close to getting my engine to this point in the near future.
Thanks,
Tony
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
The tuner is no longer tuning. It was a step to get his priorities right...and I give him much credit for putting his family first. Your best bet is to find someone locally who can tune LS1 PCMs. I'm in Erie, PA. Where are you in PA?
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: PA
Car: 92 camaro RS
Engine: LSA
Transmission: Magnum F
Axle/Gears: TNT 8.8 wavetrac 3.31
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
im about 45mins. from state college if you would like to do the tune let me know now because if not then im not sure what i will do. really i would just need the pcm reworked so i could start my car and move it around a little when i work on it. i wont be ready for a full tune this year
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From: AR
Car: 1991 Camaro RS Vert
Engine: 350 S-TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: GU5/G80/J65
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Thank You. Added, along with edited a bit more of the info. If anyone else finds something they think needs to be added, let me know.
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
im about 45mins. from state college if you would like to do the tune let me know now because if not then im not sure what i will do. really i would just need the pcm reworked so i could start my car and move it around a little when i work on it. i wont be ready for a full tune this year 

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From: Moorestown, NJ
Car: 88 Camaro SC
Engine: SFI'd 350
Transmission: TKO 500
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt w/ 3.23's
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Has anyone successfully gotten one of these to work on a pre-86 motor? Im still trying to figure out how to get the crank trigger to work with an older block.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,450
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From: Hurst, Texas
Car: 1983 G20 Chevy
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 14 bolt with 3.07 gears
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Yes, I have one on an 83 305. Just use a normal SBC single roller timing chain, the plastic vortec timing cover, and a Vortec 305/350 balancer. The hardest part is you will need to pull the 2 steel pins out of your block that are used to help position the stock tin cover.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 59
From: PA
Car: 92 camaro RS
Engine: LSA
Transmission: Magnum F
Axle/Gears: TNT 8.8 wavetrac 3.31
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
so do you think i could get a mail order from pcmforless and have it work right till i get it to a tuner? i was going to go the way of no mass air or speed density since that seems the easiest choice and there will be a single turbo in the mix of all this. here is a some what picture of what my car will look like when its done.
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From: Moorestown, NJ
Car: 88 Camaro SC
Engine: SFI'd 350
Transmission: TKO 500
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt w/ 3.23's
Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
Yes, I have one on an 83 305. Just use a normal SBC single roller timing chain, the plastic vortec timing cover, and a Vortec 305/350 balancer. The hardest part is you will need to pull the 2 steel pins out of your block that are used to help position the stock tin cover.
I will also be using a retro-roller, which is my main concern. I will need to use a timing set with torrington bearings and a thrust button, and Im not sure how well the plastic cover will stand up to the thrust button, and if I can fit a timing set that has torrington bearings within the vortec cover. I guess I could brace the front of the cover off of the water pump and hopefully the cover stands up to the cam button. The cam button will have bearings as well, so hopefully it wont dig its way into the plastic.
Also, do you have to shorten the balancer hub as well? I think the reluctor moves it a little further forward, no?
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From: NJ/PA
Car: Yes
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Re: TPI OBDII - Thoughts/Opinions
the vortec balancer is already shorter by the required amount for a standard chain, but it probably depends on what torrington bearing chain you go with.








