What is better TPI or TBI? I've heard TBI is better but then I've heard TPI is better so I'm really confused. I will probably end up getting an LS1 or LT1 motor so is there a preference? Which is capable of more power? I'm trying to get some questions answered so I can finally make a decision for my Camaro.

 

Neither intake will fit on either of those engines so your confusion is solved

 

From everything I've read at least, LS1 is the answer, nuff said!!

 

A TPI car will have the fuel system to run the later port injected motors but will need upgraded anyway if real power is in the future.

As always though I think you should simply get the best car you can for the money regardless of the drivetrain, it's a lot cheaper and simpler to swap a motor/drivetrain then it is to fix a rusted or crumpled unibody.


As for what is better... you'll get any number of opinions and a lot of BS about both systems if you ask around.

 

From what I understand, the LT is a older engine series, and the LS series is the format that GM currently uses and the LS series has more aftermarket support and parts then the LT.

 

What are your driving and engine power goals for car? Do you have a TBI engine now?

Each has their strengths and weaknesses. I think it will ultimately come down to how much money and engine work time you want to invest. Have you run some cost numbers between options? Let us know and we can discuss more.

 

Typically speaking, if I'm shopping for a 3rg gen, I'm looking for TPI. That's going to be the better performance car. That's the one that's going to have 4-wheel disc brakes, posi-traction, a possible handling package, a possible 350...

 

I got all that... and I would trade it tonight for a clean V6 car

Just to run you down the list of issues I have the 4 wheel disc brakes are shot, need new calipers MC lines etc. I'm stepping up to LS1 brakes so did it matter that I got discs to start with?

My posi like most 3rd gen posi's needs to be rebuilt badly. Ofcourse a torsen from a 4th gen is cheaper and a better piece so why bother? I can also pickup the whole rear and get the rear LS brakes at the same time.

My shocks are dead as any driven 3rd gens shocks will be, why spend the extra bucks for wasted WS6 shocks? Sure I got the springs and bars but I need to replace the rears and lowering like most people would do negates them anyway.

Quick ratio steering box? Worn and loose.

Trick dual cat exhaust? Clogged and rusted.

Fancy TPI system? Servicable but out dated and expensive to improve.

Aero kit? cracked, broken and warped.

In short nearly everything that makes my T/A a T/A needs to be replaced any way, so why should I have spent just as much for it as i could have for a straight V6 with a nice interior and rust free body?


Buy the best body you can, body work is hellishly expensive and dose nothing for performance.

 

sounds like you have a real basket-case on your hands. sorry to hear that.

but are you saying that 6-cylinder Firebirds/Camaros tend to be in any better condition than the more desirable 5.7 liter TPI varieties?

i do agree with you about body work being waaay expensive, which is why i'm going to sell my '68 Mustang for cheap.

so, yes, i agree, definitely, unless you have a lot of time and/or money, dont buy a basket-case. if youre going to build a single-purpose, quarter-mile drag car, get a V-6 or TBI beater, but if you really want a third gen F-body that will have some measure of collectability, and/or out of the box performance TPI is the only way to go.

 

I currently am in the market for a 350. I do not own one although I do have a blown 305. I am looking for 400 to 500 horsepower approximately. It will an almost daily driver.. almost.

 

Why?
Do you know the limitations of a 500Hp street 350?
Better to build a 383+ engine

 

I'm leaning more towards the 425Hp mark. I see guys with 400hp 350s all the time. And no I don't want a 383. I don't want to spend the extra money to do it when I can get the same power from a 350. I want to do a head and cam job on an LS1.

 

Your initial question was about TBI vs TPI differences on GEN I engines in 3rd Gen cars
Now you are talking LS1`GEN III engines? If you are tallking LS1's you should be over here
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/index.php

 

guy sounds like a dreamer.