TPI fuel injection conversion
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Kennesaw Georgia
TPI fuel injection conversion
Howdy All!
I'm fairly new to Corvettes and the American V8 in general. I've always had German or Japanese cars. So, when I got my 1981 vette I immediatly wanted fuel injection. Towards that end I recently purchased a TPI off of a 1985 C4. The problem is I'm not sure how to proceed. What are all the changes I'm going to have to make?
For instance:
1. Will I have to change my fuel lines to support higher pressures? I know I've got a return line allready, but are the hoses strong enough?
2. will my HEI work with the TIP computer? Will it even fit? I know the HEI is computer adjustable allready, but will I need to do anything to make it work properly?
3. I'm pretty sure I need a higher pressure fuel pump, but does anyone have suggestions on model or experience with this? Should I go for external or internal to the tank?
4. the TPI is coming with 24lbs injectors. Will this be ok?
5. I've got fairly minor mods in place, will this cause a problem? i.e. Patriot ceramic long headers, true dual 2.5 inch stainless steal exhaust, high flow cats and flowmasters
6. Electrical issues...what might I run into?
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
I'm fairly new to Corvettes and the American V8 in general. I've always had German or Japanese cars. So, when I got my 1981 vette I immediatly wanted fuel injection. Towards that end I recently purchased a TPI off of a 1985 C4. The problem is I'm not sure how to proceed. What are all the changes I'm going to have to make?
For instance:
1. Will I have to change my fuel lines to support higher pressures? I know I've got a return line allready, but are the hoses strong enough?
2. will my HEI work with the TIP computer? Will it even fit? I know the HEI is computer adjustable allready, but will I need to do anything to make it work properly?
3. I'm pretty sure I need a higher pressure fuel pump, but does anyone have suggestions on model or experience with this? Should I go for external or internal to the tank?
4. the TPI is coming with 24lbs injectors. Will this be ok?
5. I've got fairly minor mods in place, will this cause a problem? i.e. Patriot ceramic long headers, true dual 2.5 inch stainless steal exhaust, high flow cats and flowmasters
6. Electrical issues...what might I run into?
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,390
Likes: 2
From: New Castle DE
pretty sure you will ned new fuel lines fuel pump...you should try and get the computer from the TPI car as well. Do a search on the archives and you should see some good info. Here is one of the links in there.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...tpi+conversion
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...tpi+conversion
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
I ran my stock lines until I pulled the tpi out. No issues on 78 stock lines. 28 lb injectors were fine for the stock runners, actually to rich sometimes.
Uses a 82 sending unit with a LT1 fuel pump.
If you change the cam, do not go over 220 duration at .050 are if will be hell to tune.
Headers want effect it.
No real electrical issues, just a four wire hook up. 12V, Ign, Ground, and fuel pump.
Uses a 82 sending unit with a LT1 fuel pump.
If you change the cam, do not go over 220 duration at .050 are if will be hell to tune.
Headers want effect it.
No real electrical issues, just a four wire hook up. 12V, Ign, Ground, and fuel pump.
Last edited by Budman68; Aug 22, 2006 at 10:48 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Do a search on TPI conversion. Tons on it here. Here is another link.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...tpi+conversion
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...tpi+conversion
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
24 lb injectors seem high for a 350. I think OE was about 19.
I'm running 23 lb in my 383.
Street and Performance has a video on tpi installation that is very good. They take you through every step.
I'm running 23 lb in my 383.
Street and Performance has a video on tpi installation that is very good. They take you through every step.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Ga
Originally Posted by flynhi
24 lb injectors seem high for a 350. I think OE was about 19.
I'm running 23 lb in my 383.
Street and Performance has a video on tpi installation that is very good. They take you through every step.
I'm running 23 lb in my 383.
Street and Performance has a video on tpi installation that is very good. They take you through every step.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
A lot of people run Ford Motorsports 30lb injectors. They're a direct drop-in for the TPI/LTx motors (but you do need to reprogram your chip with the larger injector flow size).
