I am looking at buying an '86 TA with a TPI engine in it. I need it for body parts...and possibly interior swap. The front end is wrecked...I looked under the hood..which was mangled and saw that there was a TPI engine in it. I was wondering what I should keep from the engine...how do I know what is good and what to keep? I am only 17 so I dont want to just keep junk that will be worthless. Maybe some of you guys can use some parts from it here. I have a carbed 350 in my engine...so I doubt I will try to convert to a TPI..seems to hard. Please let me know what to keep from this car...I am just starting to learn about engines...may be a good opportunity to take apart and just get some experience.

Thanks.

James

 

Changing to a TPI system is not all that difficult if you have the time and desire to complete it. Everything should be there including the computer and wiring harness. Although the PROM (the instructions for the computer, it fits in the computer under the screwed on cover) would be different for auto/man trans, and for 305-350. The computer is compatable from '86-'89 for all TPI engines. The 305 will have a one piece rear main seal, but has no roller cam. The crank is also externally balanced due to the lower piston weight of the 305. The 350 is still internally bal. Check the rear end, and count the # of bolts. If there's 9, then you have a 7.75" ring gear, the strongest diff they came with. You can also id it by the rubber inspection plug in the cover. You will also have a gear ratio 3.42 if standard, or maybe 3.23 if auto. I think that is correct, but check to make sure. The 9 bolts also only came with disk brakes. If there's 10 bolts, then you have a 9.625" ring gear. Not as strong or worth as much. But hopefully there's disk brakes. If you do a swap, get the proportioning valve from the master cyl as the disk brakes use diff valing combos. The higher speedo #s are good. Rear tailights with 3 sections are not made anymore that I know of unless the aftermarket restoration guys do. Checkfor aluminum drive shaft. The largest sway bars were: front- 34mm solid/36mm hollow
rear- 24mm solid/23mmsolid
I think the 24mm rear bar was only available on the WS6 TA. You may have an Aluminum rad. If it has 16" wheels then the steering box is good. This should give you something to look for...

 

I thought the base gear for the auto was 2.73 & Manual 3.08 for TPI...

You had the options to go to 3.23/3.27 for auto & 3.42/4.45 for manual


Anyway...

If you have a carb car or throttlebody & want TPI, read my journal at http://www.3rdgenformula.com look for "modifying your formula" half way down on main menu page & then look for converting to TPI.

It might give you some help

John

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G O D BLESS AMERICA

http://www.3rdgenformula.com
87 Formula 5.1 TPI Auto Modified (Yellow/Black)

87 Formula TPI (5 Speed) Yellow/Gray STOCK

14.8sec 1967 Buick Riviera
1990 Buick Riviera (driver)
83 Camaro
83 T/A

 

The car has the '88-'90 Iroc rims on it. They are in great condition. The motor may be totalled...and probably not usable...but I will see...you never know. But if it is...should I just swap everything...including the gauges into my car? Unfortunately this car has tan interior...and I am almost done converting to black. All I need is seats, seabelts and a rug. Also....the power window tracks and switches...are they compatable? I dont think my car has the original doors on it though. I want to get everything up and running perfectly on my car before I even paint it. But I want to sell my car to buy a Trans am with a TPI engine in it. I dont have a garage...there for I cannot swap engines...although I would love to. My neighbors would not stand a car sitting in front of my house for a day...I would have a cop at my door with a million tickets if I did...so I gotta make everything quick. All your help would be greatly appreciated. Also...what are some other things that would be worth keeping to sell? I know that the interior plastics would be. I need the gfx, the rear hatch w/spoiler, center console, heating system. Will the headlight motors work? The car is an '86 mine is an '83 I know they arent a direct plug in...so what would I have to do to make them work? Thanks.

James

P.S. When will the classifieds be back up?