Ok, so I'm a wuss. I've got a complete TPI and roller engine sitting in my buddy's garage, and am wondering if I wouldn't be better off going carb. The reason why I say this is because I know nothing about computer controlled injection systems, what to adjust, how to adjust, etc., and I'm afraid I'll screw up this brand new engine. My buddy is a mechanic, but this will be his first experience with TPI, too? Since this is my first swap should I go carb? Or is it really not that big of a deal, and will I get more from the TPI? This is the only car that I own, so I can't afford to screw up this swap.

James

 

I think you will get more out of the TPI than you will the carb. I went from the carbed 305 to TPI and my 1/4 ET went from 16.10 to 14.97 with some simple mods to the TPI. It will be time consuming, but since you have TBI alot of the work is already done. I had to run new fuel lines, you can re-use yours. You will just need to install the high pressure pump. Most of the wiring you need is also already in place. I say go for it. Many people, ranging widely in ability, have successfully completed this swap. (just make sure you have another ride to work!)

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If you live in Southeastern US, check us out!
South East Thirdgen


ASE Master Tech + L1
Savannah, GA

'87 Trans Am
S/D TPI retrofit including functional PassKey, 22# injectors,
JET AFPR, Ported Plenum,
TB Coolant Bypass,
SSM SFC, Boxed LCAs,
8mm Accel wires,
Flowmaster Exhaust,
16" GTA rims,
Corvette Servo,
KYB Shocks
-->14.97 @ 94.9 MPH<--

'97 Bonneville SSE

 

I thought about converting my TPI engine over to Carb. but never did. TPI pieces are just too damn expensive and carb. is much cheaper to make big power and less of a headache because of its simplicity. On the other hand, TPI does have big potential and gas mileage has never been any better (except for the newer cars obviously). If you have some cash to spend, I would go with the TPI setup
Rick

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'88 GTA 350
Headers, catback, free mods, Xtreme energy cam, and intake pieces
13.51@104.27, but can run better as it is.

New 2100-2300 RPM converter is in. Hoping for 13.30 or better.

 

Some times the easy route isn't the best.
OK, so you need to get a notebook out and do some studying. Your not going to be driving carbed cars forever. EFI is in it's ways a;ot easier then a dissy and carb. I can do with key strokes what takes a carb guy 5 mins to do and he gets fuel spilt. I can recurve my timing 2d at a time in ways you just can't do with a dissy. Hot cold whatever and there is no gas sloshing around.
Centri force has about 0 effect on EFI. I spent 20+ years making a good living off of carbs, and still like them, just they are not as practical as EFI. IMO
grumpy http://www.gnttype.org/carofthemonth...omdetails.html

 

go tpi i did and love it if you got any questions e mail me mods in sig

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1992 camaro RS
373 10 bolt rearend
ssm sfc's
87 350 TPI
bored 30 over
compucam 2032 with 1.6
482-495 LIFT 214-220 duration full roller rockers
msd6AL
1 5/8 headman headers
2 `1/2 flowmaster exuast
k&n filters gutter air box gutted maf
3 pc under drive pulleys
no emissions no egr etc
custom ED Wright chip
eddelbroc intake base and runners ported plenum
midly ported and polished stock heads
Taylor 8mm wires
B&M mega shifter
gutted maf/airbox
hotchkis lower control arms
3" exhuast cutout
homemade cold air intake
2000 tci stall
700R4 with B&M shift kit
new best ET 13.5 @104.66

 

I pulled my 305Tbi out about 3 or 4 years ago. It was a bitch putting the TPI in cause I had no idea what I was doing. I did have the entire TPI car for parts, very important, seemed there was a million little things I would have forgot. Once I got the stand alone harness from Painless things went okay. I am glad I did the swap, I have never had much luck with carbs so that was not an option. Do it, you'll be pleased in the long run.


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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI
92Z28convt5spd
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

 

Thanks for all the input guys, and the offers for help. Wow, it seems like pretty much a consensus, even among the carb guys! I posted this same message on the carb board, and they all said pretty much the same thing, although there are a couple of die-hard carb guys out there ! I guess I just don't have much faith in my abilities. I'm just glad this board is here for guys like me. Thanks to all of you guys (and gals! ) who know what you're doing for taking the time to teach us that don't (and not charging anything!). That really says something about the kind of people we have on this board. Thanks again. I'm gonna do the swap.

 

I'm right there with ya dude! I've got a pile of TPI parts sitting in my garage(TPI unit,miles of wiring,dual fans, air intake box, baffled tank w/TPI pump, etc.) and the L98 is at the machine shop. I'm swapping out the TBI 305 in my 89RS hopefully in the spring. I've considered backing out of my swap a couple of times, but I think I've reached the point of no return now! I've pretty much spent too much time and money on all the parts not to follow through now. Probably the main thing I'll miss about the TBI is the incredible gas mileage. I can get roughly 350 miles on a full tank of gas if it's all freeway driving. Not to mention, it's incredibly reliable too. I figure the difference in power should be worth it though.



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89RS w/350 TPI; 69RS/SS w/450 HP 350/Muncie 4-Speed "Too weird to live, too rare to die."

 

Wow, Pat, that's great milage! I'm doing my swap more out of necessity. My 305 is running poorly, and getting horrible gas milage. I used to get 25+ mpg, but lately I've been lucky to get 20. It's usually been much less. I figured it's time for more power, and like you said, I've spent so much money on parts that I can't really go back. I just hope it goes smoothly.

James

 

My buddy did the swap (Carb to TPI) and now he is much happier with his car... Here is an idea though before you decide either way... go get yourself some books on TPI (TPIS had a couple good ones, "Chevy TPI fuel injection Swapper's guide" from Cartech has a really good section explianing the ins and outs of TPI.) Read the books and get a real good look at what you are in for with TPI. The system really ins't that complex once you learn some more about it.
But if you still don't want to do it... I'll take the set up off your hands for $100.

 

well i think there is not much to a tpi setup, to be honest , i dont know much about carbs, and know alot about tpi, but when i look at my 86 305 carb motor and my 89 tpi 350 motor, the 305 has alot more wires and stuff that looks useless, on the tpi motor everything is pretty much commen sense all the sensors and plugs usually go in only one way, and as long as you have a good or new wirring harness, with all the new sensors, then the motor itself is striaght forward, ,a few days ago me and my cousion tore his 89 tpi 305 down to the intake to replace the gaskets, and it only took us a day to do it, and its running better then ever, , theres alot of information out there and on this board to learn and alot of people who know alot about tpi,to help you out i dont think ya have a problem , good luck