I'm thinking about acquiring a wrecked 86 Z28 that's got a min'n'match tpi/350 in it. I'm mainly interested because i thing it's an 86 tpi base (and the rest of the setup i guess) which would fit any older small block.

first, am i right that the pre-'87 tpi's will fit with any old style heads?

2nd, how can i be sure this is the old head configuration (ie any visual cues, what's the easiest way to tell from looking under the hood)?

third, how can i tell if it's got the right injectors for a 350? if it's the origional '86 tpi it had to have been a 305 originally so I want to make sure the injectors are right. is there a color difference or a number on the injectors i need to look for?

any thing else i should be wary of here?

thanks for any input
Clem
Columbia MO

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The world is full of stupid people...and I am no exception.

'83 Z28 5 speed (regrettably with T-tops)
'83 Z28 No T-tops (regrettably automatic)

 

Are you sure its a 350?

I think the different angle center intake bolts started in '87.

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

'97 Bonneville SSE

 

The valve covers on the 86 Heads that go with the early style TPI base have bolts around the perimeter. The later heads have center bolts on the valve covers. Some people modify the later manifolds by drilling the two center manifold bolts so that the manifold will fit either style heads, if you look closely you can probably see if it has been modified. The injectors have small identification numbers on them. The early (black) ones are usually cast into the plastic. Later injectors have the numbers stenciled on them. In either case they are hard to read unless you remove them. Several web sites list the identification number. Without the number you cannot tell what they are as the 305 ones look identical to the 350's.

 

well, they "claim" it's a 350 but i'm gonna make sure before i buy it. it's supposedly a crate engine (not sure what, they say they're getting the numbers, guess i'll go to mortec when i have them?).

Duh (*slaps head*), shoulda thought of the centerbolt/perimiter issue on the heads, thanks!

I don't know much about this engine becuase the guy bought it this way, so i'm being very cautious and not willing to give much for the engine.

thanks for the info
Clem