Heres the deal. I want to put a TPI motor into my 85 RX-7. I have the engineering of fitting a Chevy motor and trans most of the way worked out, but I still have some questions about fueling it. My original plan called for a Holley carb and an Edelbrock Performer intake with ported stock heads or a set of old skool GM performance heads.

I have been working a bit on my buddy's 350 TPI 91 Camaro, and its seemingly easy to work on, and looks really awesome. I am mainly thinking TPI for 2 reasons
1. Looks bitchin, and different
2. Fuel injection menas a nice starting, nice running, less fiddling

I do not plan on going ***** out on this car, but would like to end with about 300-350 HP, plus nitrous for that little extra when needed. So here are my questions. Answer as many as you wish. If you answer all of them, you are my hero.


PLease note. Emissions are not a concern.

1. Can I use TPI with a 1979 350 block and early (pre 79) heads?
1.5 If no way in hell, quit answering now.
2. Is there any difference between 305 TPI and 350 TPI setups?
3. Which setup (MAF or SD) is easier to swap?
4. Would either type of system provide me with the power I am looking for in relatively stock configuration?
5. Can I use a TPI setup from an automatic car in a manual transmission car without changin much if anything?
6. Can I use TPI with a short water pump?
7. Is there a way to NOT use an HEI distributor? (due to cleanace issues, only small distributors will fit in a 'rex engine bay)
8. The only accessories that will be driven off the motor is a water pump (maybe, unless I go electric) and an alternator. WIll this pose a problem?
9. I want to use a regular V belt, not a serpentine, for reason number 6 and 8. Will TPI work with regular belts and no smog pump or cat convertors.
10. Is the fuel pump in a TPI setup in tank or external. If it is in tank, can I get an external one? (the 'rex uses an external pump)


Thanks for reading my list of questions...

------------------
It's all about having fun before you knock up a chick and have to sell the car and settle down and buy a station wagon.

Cars....
1988 VW GTI 16V "The Honda Beater"
1983 Camaro/350/T-10 "Gone but not forgotten"
1985 Mazda RX-7/350/T5 In Progress "Like 10 pounds of rocks in a 5 pound bucket."

 

1. Can I use TPI with a 1979 350 block and early (pre 79) heads?
Sure, why not? The 87 up intake base will require minor modification to the center 4 intake bolt holes, but its no big deal.

2. Is there any difference between 305 TPI and 350 TPI setups?
Nope. (Well aside from larger injectors, chip, and other minor differences that you really dont need to worry about.)

3. Which setup (MAF or SD) is easier to swap?
Since you are starting from scratch, may I suggest the SD system? Both are the same work to install.

4. Would either type of system provide me with the power I am looking for in relatively stock configuration?
Define 'relative'.

5. Can I use a TPI setup from an automatic car in a manual transmission car without changin much if anything?
I would suggest a chip for a manual tranny car. Seeing as how there is no 350 manual F-bod... may have to program one. Pretty easy to do though.

6. Can I use TPI with a short water pump?
There may be some clearance issues with other accessories doing that, but I'm not positive.

7. Is there a way to NOT use an HEI distributor? (due to cleanace issues, only small distributors will fit in a 'rex engine bay)
What about the 87-up small GM distributor? BTW a large cap HEI will fit in it, been there done that. Minor massaging required.

8. The only accessories that will be driven off the motor is a water pump (maybe, unless I go electric) and an alternator. WIll this pose a problem?
Nope.

9. I want to use a regular V belt, not a serpentine, for reason number 6 and 8. Will TPI work with regular belts and no smog pump or cat convertors.
85-87 are v-belt setups. I personally think v-belts suck. I have a serpentine belt on my 66 Mustang, and no I did not change any of the stock brackets. TPI doesnt care about cats or smog pumps.

10. Is the fuel pump in a TPI setup in tank or external. If it is in tank, can I get an external one? (the 'rex uses an external pump)
Its intank, but it doesnt make any difference what kind you use as long as it supplies adequate pressure. Intanks IMO are much nicer for a daily driver because they arent so damn noisy. Setting up an intank on your car may present a problem though.

[This message has been edited by madmax (edited July 31, 2001).]

 

Madmax pretty much has it covered, except for the following:

1. You can use a base from an 86, you can by-pass the 9th injector if you wish.

4. I would suggest large tube runners, and an aftermarket base to help you get those hp numbers easier.

10. Yes there are external pumps available, just mount it as close to the tank as possible.

------------------
Rob
'86 TA 305 TPI
Gutted MAF, Ported Plenum
TB Bypass, Home made Cold Air Intake,
Edelbrock T.E.S.
48psi regulator, (Nickel method)

 

we are in the business to sell TPI systems for street rods and non OE applications.
as for a self-contained package the TPI is
probably the widest used. parts availability,
ease of use and is different. as for fuel pressure:
38-42# stock. intank is best, because the fuel
acts as a coolant. weve seen many rail pumps
absorb engine heat and deterierate pressure.
the heat seems to follow the rail all the way
to the back of vehicle. call us for a quote
on such a project. we can give you the pros and cons.
street & performance electronics
501-9450354
airdeano

 

Another thing is to make sure your alternator (since you stated v-belt) is capable of 100 amps as the electric fans and fuel pump eat up alot of power. A 63 amp Delco SI prolly won't cut it.