TPI contents

[87regalkid]

Alright, I have a 350sbc carbureted motor in my 87 regal, pure brawn, no computer obviously. I always wanted to upgrade to fuel injection and I plan on using the TPI set up from a camaro or older vette. I've read that it is better to get a wire harness from plug and play, my question is, what else do I need? Are all sensors a must, or can I block some and find a way around them, I'm not worried about any emissions due to the age of my car.. Any other input or recommendations are appreciated.
Thanks,

 

[DRIVEN]

It's been stated that "The TPI is the best truck motor GM ever made". They are great for making low-end and mid-range torque. They typically flatten out in the 4500-5000rpm area. Check out the HP/TQ numbers from the cars that used them originally and you'll see what I mean. They can be modified to make power higher up but by the time you're done there isn't much left of the original system. Personally, I'd probably look for another system if your engine is really "pure brawn".

If you are going to run TPI you will need the upper and lower plenum, runners, trottle body, injectors, fuel rails, TPS, MAP, MAF (depending on year), knock sensor, O2 sensor, coolant temp sensor, TPI specific distributor, wiring harness, ECM, high pressure fuel pump and return line. You'll find it's much easier to get everything from one donor car rather than piecing it together from CL or eBay. Aftermarket harnesses are simpler but factory GM harnesses can be converted to standalone. Expect to need a custom chip burned if you have much of a cam in your engine. If you are running a geardrive be warned that they can produce a tone that the knock sensors will pick up as detonation.

 

[87regalkid]

Thanks for the reply, the reason that I asked this question now is because there is a guy near me selling the lower intake, plenum, runner, injectors, and rails as a whole. However, I will be putting in a geardrive and of course I want improvement in power, so if TPI isn't going to be worth the work, I won't do it.

My next question however would be turbocharging, I don't want to cut a hole in my hood for a blower, and I've heard that turbocharging is the most efficient method of power gain. I have dual exhaust and I hear that unless I weld in a crossover, I would need twin turbos. Would you happen to know what I would need as far as engine reinforcement? I want a power gain, but not 1,000 horse power. I would shoot for 500-maybe 600 range. I have a four bolt main, do I need a forged steel crank, etc? I would like to do this without changing everything in my engine, because it is a crate motor with less than 2,000 miles on it, so I don't feel like building the whole thing again. Opinions? Also, can I run this setup with a carb?

 

[DRIVEN]

"Crate engine" is a pretty broad term. You could be talking about an $800 Oreily replacement reman engine or a $25k custom build. I couldn't really say whether or not it needs upgrades without knowing what the specs are. I'm by no means a turbo expert. Obviously stronger forged components are preferred over most stock replacement pieces. High compression isn't usually what you want either. GM used simple suck through turbos on some carbed applications in the late '70s and early '80s but they weren't famous for their power numbers. Simply bolting a turbo kit to a relatively stock 350 isn't gonna produce 500-600hp. If you're just doing it for looks -- that's a whole different thing.

I would suggest you ask Google first. Spend a lot of time reading before you make any decisions. Don't expect to complete a turbo install on the cheap or without a ton of fabrication. You may find it cheaper to make the same power by simply going to a larger N/A engine. Do the math and see if it's cheaper to make 500HP/TQ with a BBC or a 350 with a turbo system. Power comes from burning fuel and air. A 500ci Cadillac will probably make more reliable power than a turboed 350 -- and likely get better mpg in the process. Just something to consider...

 

[87regalkid]

I don't plan on swapping out my motor, trans, crossmember, etc for a BBC because my system has only been in for about two months. My engine is a mexican goodwrench crate motor. 8:5:1 compression, nodular iron crank, headers, high-rise intake, flat tappet cam, cast heads 76cc, four bolt main, 4bl carb, about 300 stock hp @5100 rpm & 354 ftlbs torque. It's a reliable motor that does just about whatever I want it to, but I figured that maybe I could step it up a little and get another 100-200 horse power. I'm not scared of the work that turbos bring, I'm not sure though exactly what goes into the project completely.

I would also like to hear opinions on how much things like a cam swap, aluminum heads, maybe other bolt on recommendation parts add. The main purpose is power gain, what can I do, I'm obviously not set on anything.

Thanks,

 

[dream on mcss]

If you are going to run TPI you will need the upper and lower plenum, runners, trottle body, injectors, fuel rails, TPS, MAP, MAF (depending on year), knock sensor, O2 sensor, coolant temp sensor, TPI specific distributor, wiring harness, ECM, high pressure fuel pump and return line.

TPI systems had distributors? I thought they all had DIS (distributorless ignition system). Well i guess you learn something new everyday!