Looking at getting into a Formula 350 TPI years 87-92. Saw an 87 that looks pretty good. Any years during that period to avoid? Thanks.

 

No not really there all pretty much the same. The only real significant differences is the addition of VATS in 89-92 cars and the change over to MAP style TPI systems in 90 -92 i believe. Reguardless however theres nothing really wrang with any of them some poeple just have their own preferances. Personally ide say 87 is a good year no VATS and a MAF style TPI system which is more tolerant to mods but thats just my oppinion.

 

i think the 88 and up had the single belt, and dual cooling fan setup.... "i think"

 

Later is better is pretty much the rule. However, there is nothing wrong with a MAF tpi, they tolerate basic mods very well. I did HSR/heads/cam/headers/blah...blah...

Pretty much ran right out of the box, not at its best, but good idle, didn't feel bad anywhere. I'm sure there was a ton of power to be had with a tune, but it was plenty drivable.

 

Nothing wrong with a good running 87 350 TPI, will perform well.

Only downsides to the 87 is the V-belt setup, and cold start injector, and MAF can be viewed as a downside by some since sometimes the MAF system can be a little trickly to troubleshoot if you have an issue and a little restrictive in airflow but like stated above they are a little more to tolerant to mods.

Below is a summary of the years and there changes.

87 350 TPI: MAF, V-belt, cold start injector
88 350 TPI: MAF, updated to a serpentine belt, cold start injector
89 350 TPI: MAF, serpentine belt, NO cold start injector (was eliminated), VATS security system introduced ( VATS can be a pain sometimes)
90 350 TPI: changed from MAF to MAP system, serpentine belt, NO cold start injector, VATS
91 350 TPI: same as 90 setup
92 350 TPI: same as 90 setup

The best year for MAF car is 89, the if you like MAP system 90 and up is good. On 90 and up cars intake swaps are easier because the MAF and cold start injector are both gone. But again nothing wrong with a good running 87 350 car. I would still buy one.

 

The only model years with tpi and the single fan setup was 85 and 86. Every other year tpi (87 and up) got a dual fan setup.