i just want to know what's better and why? the tpi or carb. what gives more power and is more reliable.

 

There's no right answer. It also depends on the application. Carb is usually easier to tune. EFI is usually better for lower speed fuel distribution and drivability. There are too many usuallys to list. Top power won't be too different between two properly tuned setups, except that a stock TPI doesn't produce enough air volume to rev like a single plane would.

 

First, spell carburetor correctly.
Second, this is the TPI board so I'll say TPI
Third, please don't start this war AGAIN!
Apples and Oranges broh!

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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI
Edelbrock Hi-Flow Intake
SLP Dual Cold Air Intake
1 5/8" Headers
Semi-Siamesed Runners
MSD6AL/relocated MAT/ AdjFPR/IROC frnt@rear swaybar/wonderbar/steeringbox/alum drvshaft/ Alston SFC/3:23posi disc rear/MAC LCA/H.Adams Panhard Rod/KYB struts/ shocks/
92Z28convt5spd
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

 

Depends whats on your car and what your are comfortable working on. FI (let's not just limit this to TPI) has its advantanges and disadvantages as well as a carb.

For "bang for the buck", you can't beat a carb. Carbs do very well in the strip.

I like EFI's smoothness, driveablity and fuel economy. Once EFI is "set right" it tends to operate faithfully until some sensor goes awry. But I sure don't like the cost to get performance out out EFI. Nothing is cheap when it comes to EFI.

Also, if you have emission testing to contend with this may not be even a discussion point as many places do not allow you to retro-fit a carb on an EFI car.

 

tpi is better blow 4500 rpm and for economy

 

In Lingenfelter's book he said that he built a Carb setup that made the exact same power as TPI. Obviously this takes lots of tuning. But it's possible. What you gain in drivability and economy you lose in maintenance costs, ease of maintenance, and the computer controls EVERYTHING which isnt always good. With a carb you trade economy and drivability for simplicity, better breathing, and less parts to break. I couldn't decide which is better, that's why I have one car with each


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1980 Camaro, '88 Police 350 engine, Headers, full exhaust, completely redone, my baby!
1988 Iroc-Z L98, MSD 6a, Accel coil, K+N's, Airfoil, Coolant Bypass, Flowmaster, Gears, Late model Bose, I like the 80 better

 

Compared to the stock TPI, carbs should produce more power than TPI. TPI produces mroe torque...subtle difference.

As for maintenance, it really depends what you are comfortable with. I have never had any problems with my system and I am very comfortable with a scan tool to diagnos a sensor problem. And this is on an engine that has over 165,000 miles. My carb'd cars never lasted that long without a rebuild.

I also write my own eproms.