I've heard quite a bit about this swap and about a month ago I stumbled upon an 88 Iroc that had just been delivered to the junkyard. I grabbed everything I thought I'd need to swap it into my 89 RS this winter for just under $120. I attached two pics of what I picked up (I have cleaned it up since then). Here is what I have:
Upper Intake
Lower Intake
Runners
Fuel Rails
19 lb Fuel injectors
Complete wiring Harness
ECM
Throttle Cable
Cold start valve
Complete air intake box
Most of the sensors
And a couple misc parts

My goal for this project is to do this as cheaply as possible. Can anyone who has done this swap before point me to a guide that will help me do this (I'm 19- this is my first time doing something like this but I'm definitely auto savvy) and also a complete parts list of things I will need, including hoses. Also I'd like to hear your experiences; how long it took, cost, power/mpg gain, ect. Last thing, should I paint this (and what color?) or leave it stock? Thanks! I'll try and update as soon as I get started!

 

you didn't mention the steel fuel lines that run from the rail down to the flex lines. these are hard to come by go back and grab em if you forgot to. I think i saw the throttle cable sitting there, you will also need the kickdown/tv/detent (whatever you want to call it) if you are running an auto trans. I wouldnt suggest painting the manifold the work involved in cleaning it to get paint to stick is intensive....and in the paint peels off. I would suggest an acid bath to make em look brand new. As far as the swap goes there are plenty of threads covering this subject, do a search and read up then feel free to ask questions if there is something you need clarified. Good to to youngsters taking up after american cars.

 

Subbed, I'd kill for mine to be TPI, but I can't stomach $5-600 swap kits that are straight out of a junkyard like I could get for much less.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/tbitotpi

'88 MAF TPI you have is slightly different electrically to the MAP TPI used in the guide but swap principles are the same

 

Thank you vetteoz!

b_the_j, I do have them, I had to make a separate trip the next day since I realized that I forgot them. Also picked up the wonder bar while I was at it

I'll do my best to update and take lots of pics while I'm working on it!

 

Well just a little update here and I have a few questions.

First of all good news, a mechanic friend of mine said I could use his shop and he'd aid me with any trouble I come across in the process so that's a big life saver considering I would otherwise be working in a very tight area.

Now after inspecting the wiring harness I purchased from the junkyard, I counted 18 cut wires that I don't feel like it would be worth repairing. A new complete one costs upward of $400 so that is out of the question for a budget build. I read somewhere that the best way to do this is to just convert my TBI harness into a TPI harness. Does anyone have a guide or link on how to properly do this?

I also need a diagram for all the vacuum hoses as I can't seem to find one in either my Haynes or Chiltons manual.

I greatly appreciate any help. I'll be starting college next week for Aviation Maintenance Tech so this will all have to be done this winter break. Thanks again.

Edit: Oh I forgot to ask! Is the stock TBI fuel pump strong enough to be used with this setup?

 

Have a look at the TPI cars being parted out in the 3rd Gen Parts for Sale dept or run a Wanted there

Can you spend $300 on a new harness
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TPI-Mass-Air...4f0383&vxp=mtr

No , not enough pressure , need TPI pump

 

last year i posted a thread on my tbi to tpi conversion. there are plenty more of those threads here. the conversion was easy. take your time and refer to this site or the manuals for assistance.
youll need a gasket set for the intake.
as for performance gains i found a little more response and power. to me it looks better under the hood.