Engine swap or upgrade?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Engine swap or upgrade?
Hey all, I'm looking to either upgrade my engine with a TPI or do a swap, most likely a LT1 since I hear that is easier than the LS1. What are the pros and cons of a TPI vs. LT1? What all is required for the swap or upgrade? Which has better fuel economy?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 202
From: Atoka, TN
i posted earlier about turn-key F.I. engines and haven't received any responses either. i know my LT1 vette got better gas milage than my TPI camaro. i think they run about the same prices for replacement parts except for the LT1 opti-spark. but the prices are coming down on those. i do like the TPI better...it seamed to make better low-end torque. as for purchasing the engines, i am not fond of buying a junk yard motor unless the motor and accessories and sensors, ect. were low milage. but that would be hard to find.
chris
chris
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
See www.corvettefaq.com for some installations. I prefer TPI over LT1 because parts are more common with the regular old small block. You can use all your original accessories too. With LT1 you have to use LT1 stuff. Also the Optispark is a pain to deal with. Visual appeal, nothing beats a TPI IMHO. Between the 2 of them, TPI wins hands down for me.
Now, TPI is not as friendly to upgrades. THe stock runners are only good for 5500 rpm or so on a 350. You can get bigger runners and a bigger throttle body and port the intake. As long as you want a stock or relatively stock engine, then stock TPI is great.
Either way, the installations costs will be similar. On both it is easier to go speed density over mass air so you don't have to deal with locating a MAF sensor.
Ask any more questions you may have, there are several around with TPIs.
Now, TPI is not as friendly to upgrades. THe stock runners are only good for 5500 rpm or so on a 350. You can get bigger runners and a bigger throttle body and port the intake. As long as you want a stock or relatively stock engine, then stock TPI is great.
Either way, the installations costs will be similar. On both it is easier to go speed density over mass air so you don't have to deal with locating a MAF sensor.
Ask any more questions you may have, there are several around with TPIs.
