Hi all,

This is my first post and I didn't see an introduction thread, so if I missed that I'm sorry and you can point me in that direction.

There's a bit of backstory to put my problem in context so bear with me a minute. I have a 1970 C10 that I bought from a friend in 2002 or so and I've been working on it as time and money allowed. It had a 1980ish 2 bolt 350 with a bad rod bearing that was making all kinds of noise. At the time I had the engine rebuilt, around 2005 i think, LSx swaps were still somewhat exotic and did not have the support or parts available there are now so it wasn't something to consider at the time. So I had the stock 2 bolt swapped for a 4 bolt and put a 383 stroker kit in with dished pistons for a supercharger to be installed later. They also rebuilt the TH350 tranny. At the time I didn't have the supercharger in the budget, so it's just running on an Edelbrock performer RPM manifold and carb but still runs decently.

I've changed my mind about 3 times on what kind of supercharger I was going to put on switching between a small Weiand 142 to a EFI 6-71 to a Vortech centrifugal, etc. But now I've decided that I'm going to put Edelbrock's new E-Force dual EFI supercharger on it.
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...gers/sbc.shtml

If you don't know about the old trucks, the stock gas tank is in the cab and I'm going to be moving it to the rear where it should be. So since I'm moving the tank it's the perfect time to put an in-tank EFI pump in and rather than having it just sit there I thought it'd be nice to do a TPI intake swap to get everything plumbed and ready for the E-force and then when I get that I could just swap out the TPI setup for the supercharger.

If you're still reading, I thank you, I know it's a long story.

Now onto my snags.
On an impulse, I bought an Arkansas Polishing TPI manifold from E-Bay. It's a speed density unit with an early base so it will bolt to my heads. I'm also planning on getting the Holley HP EFI ECU and harness for TPI because it should also be able to run the E-force setup and I don't want to mess with trying to program PROMs. I'm afraid I may have jumped the gun and not done all my research though.

I was planning using a small HEI distributor to have the ECU control the timing, but the cam I have is a flat tappet hydraulic lifter and from what I've read the small HEI distributor gear is hardened for the roller cams that came in the TPI motors. I can't seem to find an iron gear for the small HEI and I don't want to run a bronze gear because I've read that bronze and cast iron don't get along and they wear a lot faster too.

I realize the flat tappet cam isn't ideal for TPI and I'm going to have to get bigger injectors and It might not make any power above midrange. But I'm not going for ultimate numbers at this stage. I just want to get it swapped over to EFI for the E-force later.

Please correct me If I'm wrong, but I think my options at this point are:

1. Run the vacuum advance HEI that's currently on it and just have the ECU control the injectors.
2. Make an adapter bushing and run an iron distributor gear from a large HEI. (seems like the easiest but I haven't seen anyone do this)
3. Swap Cams to something more TPI friendly and that won't be destroyed by a hardened dizzy gear. (Not really what I want to do)
4. Move the gas tank and leave the EFI pump just sitting inside and completely skip the TPI and go directly for the E-force.

Is there some other option right in front of me that I'm not seeing?

Thanks for reading, I've learned a lot reading through the forum and tech articles, but I'm not quite sure what to do at this point.

Thanks for any advice you can offer,

James

 

The Acdelco 19052845 used on tbi trucks works on Hydraulic cams.

 

That was quick!

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

http://parts-catalog.acdelco.com/cat...&parttype=2486

odd The application listing shows for not only vehicles using roller cams but cast iron hydraulic.

 

Hmm, Yeah, it's confusing

Jegs and Summit list it as a steel gear and Pace Performance says it's hardened.
http://paceperformance.com/i-6251232...rnal-coil.html

I have a feeling I'm going to have to make a spacer or have one made.

EDIT:

Maybe I'm overthinking the situation.

I found this http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...gear-info.html Which suggests that the melonized gear is ok with the older camshafts.

I can't find the original site, but there are plenty of instances of that bulletin being posted across several forums.

Also, If I'm honest with myself, I'll probably end up replacing the camshaft when I get around to doing the e-force install, so if there's any wear to the cam gear it ultimately won't matter. And at that point I'll be willing to spring for one of the composite gears that everyone seems to agree are the best.