I know this thread won't be of interest to most, but I'm a big fan of TPI (my first V8 swap 10 years ago was TPI) and thought I'd share where we've been taking TPI.

After developing the components to use the LS1 PCM on the early small block Chevy engines, I wanted to make a new throttle body for the TPI intake manifold that would use the components from an LS1 Corvette throttle body to make it all electronic. So that's what we did. The result is a new billet housing in 52mm, 58mm, and mono-blade versions.



A project for sure...
Equipping an early small block Chevy engine with the components to run an LS1 PCM is definitely a project. But most 3rd gens are becoming project vehicles and it sure would be cool to put the modern electronics and an electronically controlled transmission into a 3rd gen.

I've been rethinking my 91 Trans Am convertible project and just might put TPI back into the engine bay with electronic throttle. This combination really sounds cool to me:

• Tuned Port Injection with Electronic Throttle
• No Throttle Cable
• No Cruise Cable, Vacuum Module, Vacuum Hoses, and Harness
• T56 from an LT1 car
• 4th gen interior (data stream driven gauges and all!)

A modern 3rd gen!

Or I might put an LT1 in the engine bay with the electronic throttle body. I'm torn between the potential of the LT1 and the look of the TPI. I really like the TPI. What do you think?

 

I'm thinking you're doing some cool stuff over there in the Quaker State. Keep it up.

What transducer are you using on the pedal? The ones I've seen on the trucks (like T-Blazer) look like they would be very easy to retrofit into a lot of vehicles.

An automatic would be pretty easy to drop in as well, and opening the door to a 4L80E or even 6L offers a lot of power possibilities.

I'm also thinking that as cool as the TPI looks between the cowl and radiator, we all know the limits. If you need all that grunt on the low end, keep the TPI, and live with the other end of the system.

 

The new throttle bodies use LS1/LS6 equipment (TPS and motor), so to play it safe I'll either use the Corvette pedal or Cadillac CTS-V pedal lends itself to more fabrication for mounting.

I was seriously thinking 58x and 6L with E38 controller, but of all vehicles I've ever owned, none are manual and I really think it's time to have fun with a T56. Also the 6L will require cutting the floor and the body of this convertible is just beautiful, so I hate to cut it up. But I like your 6L thoughts!

 

NICE!. I really like this idea from the standpoint of not having to look at or deal with the awful look / design of the stock throttle cable and bracket. On my car I have a stealth ram and the big ole stock cable bracket just for the throttle cable. It'd be nice to hide the throttle "wire" somewhere.

Nice work.

 

is it possible to get one of those monoblade throttle bodies for the stock cable setup?

 

Yes, but the mono blade flows too much air for most fuel injected motors. We sold one to a customer who is running a supercharged LT1 that is expected to lay down more than 900rwhp.

Please keep this thread related to it's subject.

 

I think this would be a good look for a "modern 3rd gen".

Also notice no vacuum or breather on the throttle body. Pull charcoal canister vacuum from another source and install a breather on the valve cover. A very clean look.

 

No throttle cable bracket (or cable) with electronic throttle. Also no IAC coolant passage.

 

Uses a Vortec distributor with a sealed cap. The new distributor function is to get the 1x cam signal to the LS1 PCM and to turn the oil pump.

 

would it be possible to put a 90* bend in the throttle motor so as to give it a much cleaner look?
i think it would look a lot better that way

other than that, it looks really really good.

is this going to be sold as a complete unit or is it made to work with a standard tpi baseplate, runners, and plenum as well.

 

Wow, I wonder If Ill ever take my car that far..
I love it, looks phenomenal! You are all my heroes.

 

Thanks for the remarks. It really comes down to a cost issue. The throttle body design is not just about the TPI intake manifold. It is also about the LT1, Super Ram, TPiS MiniRam, Stealth Ram, and any other intake manifold with the same bolt pattern. The complexity of a throttle body that hugs the front and side of a TPI plenum would be cost prohibitive. There is also a service issue. The new throttle body design can be fully serviced with components from the LS1/LS6 Corvette and 04-05 CTS-V throttle body. Keeping GM components in the throttle body will provide for a quality and reliable product.

The throttle body is not specific to the TPI plenum.