I have a 87 tpi 305. I want to swap in a tpi 350 with out to many problems. So what engine should I be looking for? What years and would it need to have been a tpi engine already?

 

Hello rocin87!!

The best would be to get a 1987 350 TPI engine, it works the best.........however, you can basically use any sbc!!!

 

Would an 87 350 be the only 1 that is easly swapped? Why?

 

Hello rocin87!!

It has all the same hook ups, and is the same year if your area does emissions testing!! Some places, you can change the motor, but it can't be older than the car, and it has to have all the emissions equipment!!

If you want to, you could change it to any sbc, but you will have to decide if you want a roller cam, or not!! The 1987 350 TPI has this ability, 1986 and backwards doesn't, but all can be retrofitted that way!!

getting a 1987 350 TPI is the easiest way!!

Nothing but $$$$ stopping you from using any sbc though, and it really depends on what you want out of it!!

 

Buy any '87+SBC engine and put your intake on it
Cheaper because you only need a 350 long block ( engine with heads ) and swap over your existing parts
Change knock sensor and prom for 350 ones.
Probally new ( bigger ) injectors because any on a used TPI 350 you might buy would be old anyway

By keeping your TPI intake you won't have any wiring / sensor problems

 

Hello vetteoz!!

Isn't that what I said?????

 

I just want a stock tpi 350. All I have been able to find is a 350 out of an 87 chevy van. So if the van was carb or tbi can I just add my tpi setup?

 

Hello rocin87!!

Yes.....remember that you will need the knock sensor, prom, and 22lb fuel injectors!!

Check the engine to make sure that it has the roller cam in it!! It should also have the one piece rear main seal!!

P.S. There is something about the truck engines, but I can't remember it at this time!!



I think there was something about truck engines and the cylinder heads being different, it might have to do with the center intake mounting holes!! I know that on the cars, they changed in 1987 due to the cylinder heads having the center hold down bolts, and the raised lip!!

Check it out!!

 

Something about the truck engines? What you mean exactly? If you remember post please. also thanks to 87iroc and vetteoz for all the help

 

Hello rocin87!!

First of all

See my post above for your answer!!

 

'87+ will be 1 pce seal block but most truck / van engines had a flat tappet cam installed; even though the block was machined for a roller cam

All cast iron center bolt cover heads have the 2 center intake bolts at a different angle to the end ones

 

You never mentioned anything about swapping his existing TPI intake onto another engine

Your quote

 

If you can get an engine out of a 90-92 G92 thirdgen. They make the most hp(245hp) being stock. It has flat top pistion, 9.7 to 1 compression an a little bit more cam. Just get 22lbs injectors and swap the manifold and thats it. Real simple! Get a prom for an 87-88 350. All the sensors are the same. Don't need to buy any new ones. The truck or Van engine will have less hp than L98's. Then again you may not have to swap the manifold. Just check the part number on the manifold to see if it's the same from 85-92. But you will need to use your 87 runners because of the cold start injector.

Are you going to run headers?

 

Hello vetteoz!!



You need to put the word "engine" in the above quote........it makes more sense that way!!!

 

Practice what you preach

Was your quote from post # 4 above; not mine

 

yea im addind headers to

 

You will never find a used TPI L98 350 in running condition from a Camaro or firebird. You can find one from a truck with the shitty swirl port heads and flat tappet cam but never will find a roller tpi 350. I have been looking for years. They just are not out there anymore.