Putting TPI setup in a C3
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
Putting TPI setup in a C3
Are there any threads out there that say what you need to do to install a TPI setup in a C3? I did a search, but I could not find anything. I have the opportunity to get a rebuilt 350 from the late 70's with a 85-86 TPI setup already on it. It has the computer and everything already with it. I am sure that I will have to put an electric fuel pump on it. What else do I need to do.
I would also like to see some pictures of some of these if anyone has done this. Thanks in advance for the help.
I would also like to see some pictures of some of these if anyone has done this. Thanks in advance for the help.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 13
From: ar
Tpi
Here is a picture of mine in a midyear. Been in for about 10 years now. I would strongly suggest finding a tank from 80-82 and putting the correct pump in. It is one of the biggest mistakes I see is when people try to scimp on the pump and have trouble with the entire system.
Hope this helps SSS
Hope this helps SSS
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 692
Likes: 1
From: Peabody Ma.
I did the same to my 81 I used street and perfomance for parts ECM and wire harness. I have a extra 82 sending unit I could sell you and save you lots of money!! there not cheap!! . PM me if you like most of this is verry fresh in my mind
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
I used a 60 bux pump wrapped in rad hose and clamped to the rear frame section just under and behind my tank outlet on the '72 here, works fine, been there for nearly 11 years now...stock lines too...plenty of pressure, only issue is hard cornering with a lo tank, no baffel....someday I will fix that also...
GENE
GENE
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
What is the purpose of the new tank? Is it because the electric fuel pump will not mount inside of the old tank. If I recall, didnt' the 1980 have an internal bladder inside of the tank that made them expensive to replace?
It sounds like the most important part is addding the fuel pump. I know that some brands, such as Holley, sell an inline electric fuel pump. Will something like that work, or should I stay away from those?
What other things will I have to do to get this to work? Thanks for the tips so far.
It sounds like the most important part is addding the fuel pump. I know that some brands, such as Holley, sell an inline electric fuel pump. Will something like that work, or should I stay away from those?
What other things will I have to do to get this to work? Thanks for the tips so far.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 13
From: ar
Thanks for the compliments guys.
Hey Mr Vette, good to hear you have had good luck with external pump, my expierence was just the oposite. I had 2 external pumps go bad and left me on the road once. So after I put the factory pump in the tank I have had no trouble. That is why I always recommend the pump in the tank.
Dgruenk, I have a friend that put one in a 80 and all he had to do was drop a late model pump and return system in the top and has had no trouble since.
Hope I haven't confused the issue, at any rate you will enjoy the TPI.
SSS
Hey Mr Vette, good to hear you have had good luck with external pump, my expierence was just the oposite. I had 2 external pumps go bad and left me on the road once. So after I put the factory pump in the tank I have had no trouble. That is why I always recommend the pump in the tank.
Dgruenk, I have a friend that put one in a 80 and all he had to do was drop a late model pump and return system in the top and has had no trouble since.
Hope I haven't confused the issue, at any rate you will enjoy the TPI.
SSS
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Here was my experience.
Get a good unit, and plan on replacing all the sensors if needed. Before installing unit, have injectors checked, or replace with new ones. You will appreciate this step later. Look for a tpi off of a 86-92 vette as the fuel lines will be easier to connect to because of thier angle. Get a compression union and connect some SS line to the fuel rail and you are set to go there.
Fuel pump wise easiest for you would be get a external fuel pump for a mid 90 Ford truck and mount it to the frame rail using a MSD coil bracket.
Computer/harness wise shop around. I had a guy build me a custom harness, relays, supply a ecm, and custom program the memcal which he supplied for less then 400.00. Works like a champ.
Its really not that hard of a conversion. Need any help let me know.
Get a good unit, and plan on replacing all the sensors if needed. Before installing unit, have injectors checked, or replace with new ones. You will appreciate this step later. Look for a tpi off of a 86-92 vette as the fuel lines will be easier to connect to because of thier angle. Get a compression union and connect some SS line to the fuel rail and you are set to go there.
Fuel pump wise easiest for you would be get a external fuel pump for a mid 90 Ford truck and mount it to the frame rail using a MSD coil bracket.
Computer/harness wise shop around. I had a guy build me a custom harness, relays, supply a ecm, and custom program the memcal which he supplied for less then 400.00. Works like a champ.
Its really not that hard of a conversion. Need any help let me know.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
JustForFun: I don't know what the TPI unit came off of, but it apparently is an 85 model year, because it is fitted to the older style heads.
It also comes with the computer and wiring. Do I need any additional wiring harness for my 76. I don't have any type of computer wiring right now.
Thanks again for your help.
It also comes with the computer and wiring. Do I need any additional wiring harness for my 76. I don't have any type of computer wiring right now.
Thanks again for your help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
You could use the original harness, but ide HIGHLY suggest having a harness made. There are cheaper places then painless and many of the other brand name places. I found a guy who does the original harness`s for GM so he built mine and programmed it...supplied all the parts and like i said was under 400
Question i always ask...why do you want to convert to TPI...or whats your objective?
Question i always ask...why do you want to convert to TPI...or whats your objective?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
I am getting ready to do an engine swap and I am looking for an engine to put in. This engine that I found already comes with the TPI attached. The thought of fuel injection doesn't sound too bad, I just want to find out what I'm in for if I get this particular engine.
What would be the difference between the OEM harness and an aftermarket harness?
What would be the difference between the OEM harness and an aftermarket harness?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Originally Posted by dgruenke
I am getting ready to do an engine swap and I am looking for an engine to put in. This engine that I found already comes with the TPI attached. The thought of fuel injection doesn't sound too bad, I just want to find out what I'm in for if I get this particular engine.
What would be the difference between the OEM harness and an aftermarket harness?
What would be the difference between the OEM harness and an aftermarket harness?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,818
Likes: 13
From: ar
Justforfun has it right, get new sensors and have the injectors cleaned and check on a flow bench. Give Street and Performance a call on the harness and computer, it will be 10 times easier and you will save a bunch of time.
It could be a problem if the motor you bought has a wild cam in it, the TPI computer system will have a hard time controlling an engine with out enough vacumn.
SSS
It could be a problem if the motor you bought has a wild cam in it, the TPI computer system will have a hard time controlling an engine with out enough vacumn.
SSS
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
I used the stock 87 trans am harness when i did my swap ,i now run a ls1 but removed the old motor and just got done installing it in a 80 vette for forum member bcpockets.Here it is wheni had it in my vette.It was a 360 ci. world products sportsman 2 heads,zz4 roller cam ported tpi unit from 87 trans am 24 lb motorsport injectors,custom made prom.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...2841409DFmkyh#
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...2841409DFmkyh#