I don't want to start any fights, but, I need advice.

Well which would be better for me? a somewhat intermediate-novice when it comes to auto-mechanical systems. I have TBI right now, and I have a near complete TPI sitting in my basement from an 86 IROC. All it needs is a wiring harness. But looking at carbs their relative cheapness and their simplification to modify without buying new chips makes it appealing. Gas milage is not that important, emmisions is irelevant, divability is a factor, but car is not driven in winter and rarely in rain. But does haul me back and forth to campus and work, and I may get in a traffic jam or two.
I need opinions, I can't decide just need all the info I can get,

thanks

------------------
1 5/8 Hooker Competetion Headers, custom y-pipe,no cat, modified Flowmaster,Edelbrock open filliment filter with K&N filter in it
160 stat, BF G-Force w-rated tires

 

92,

What base engine/car is this for? A low compression 305 isn't going to respond well to a straight TPI conversion.

------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
If you want to beat the World, it might reach up and pull you down...
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

You have a strange starting point. What I mean, is you have a TBI setup. Going to a carb OR going to a TPI are very different paths.

I have run carbs for years. They work, but they are not the most efficient. They can't compensate for different conditions. But as you said they are cheap ... initially.

The TPI is much like your TBI. Just a better air flow design and fuel distribution.

The easiest thing to do, is bolt on a carb intake, a carb, and a non ECM controlled distributor and you are off.

Speaking from experience. I had a 350 with a ZZ3 cam, intake, holley carb, port this, ported that, curved distributor, etc. It ran quite well. I swapped a TPI setup on and it was night and day. The low end torque was way up that I had no choice but to finally upgrade to a posi. The mileage is unreal.

I would expect you to feel some gains going to the TPI over the TBI, but not as much as going from a carb.

As you have already started, Why not continue to fix up your TBI. There are upgrades that you can do, that will work with the TPI or any future TPI or CARB swap. For example a good set of heads are a great starting point.

As Vador suggests, what is the purpose of the car? Daily driver? Weekend warrior?

Mark.

[This message has been edited by Mark_ZZ3 (edited October 14, 2001).]

 

I have to challange that, just did the swap.
Gain: 17rwhp 70rwtq Gas mi.: 32mpg w/3:27 rear on the road.
Track times: 14.94/92mph


------------------
Chronologically challenged. But still kicking!
'92 CAMARO RS
305 TBI 5/spd (now TPI)
B4C Alt.
Cam change:TRW 198/210 ,450/.460 114 LSA
Stock TBI manifolds
'85 IROC Ex.
14.94-92.00 mph
SPDC base and "350" Vortec coming soon!
'69 camaro-BB/Lenco,1050 dominators, /Pump Gas/no drugs 8.97-150+/3200lbs.
SoCal Thirdgen F-Bodies

[This message has been edited by Dyno Don (edited October 14, 2001).]

 

The base engine is a stock LO3.
The car would not be a daily driver as in my only car, but it will be used frquently, say 500 limes a month or so. I'd drive it to campus and work.
As stated before milage is not important, power is, drivability is as well.

------------------
1 5/8 Hooker Competetion Headers, custom y-pipe,no cat, modified Flowmaster,Edelbrock open filliment filter with K&N filter in it
160 stat, BF G-Force w-rated tires

 

Oh, and the reason I wouldn't just fix up the TBI first like a set of heads or a cam is because the TBI uses a MAP sensor, and as to of my knowlede, doing anything to modify a MAP sensored car will mess up the fuel table and it will fall on its face unless you get a new prom, and since a custom prom would cost as much as a carb and intake alone. I figured this would be the best thing to start with. Which is also why the TPI I bought was from an 86 IROC which uses a MAF. Therefore any heads or Cam swaps will not require a PROM change.
Or should I just buy a short block 400? Though tad would probly be a bit too expensive

------------------
1 5/8 Hooker Competetion Headers, custom y-pipe,no cat, modified Flowmaster,Edelbrock open filliment filter with K&N filter in it
160 stat, BF G-Force w-rated tires

 

Carb or TPI??? LT1!