im pretty familar with the TPI sytem from my old car (89' formula 350) but i am thinking of buying an 85' Z28 and i want to know the differences and limitations. I still have the ECM from my 89' and the engine, so that will eventually go in another car. i heard that the 85' ECM is very primative compared to the 89', are they so different that i cant learn prom tuning on the 85'?

 

Downer,

The best thing about the '85 TPIs is the better cam grind than most other years. On the other end of the spectrum is the ECM. The '85 TPIs were an odd-ball. They used the digital (F-M) MAF sensor, a special separate MAF module to interface it to the ECM, and the older, slower 8-bit ECM (like TBI engines). They have unique programming, and are not very friendly to PROM tuners. There are some serious limitations to the improvements to be made through programming.

If the car is in very good condition, you might want to consider acquiring it and converting to S-D TPI or a later (analog) MAF system. Since you already have an '89 TPI system, you have most of what you would need to convert to the later MAF, except maybe the time.

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Later,
Vader
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If you want to beat the World, it might reach up and pull you down...
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well, i wasnt really planing on modding it much. i just want a third gen in excelent shape to get me around untill i can built my L98 into a 383 i was just hoping i could get into prom tuning on a lightly moded engine 1st....