TPI conversion - GM or aftermarket electronics ??
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 5
From: Nashville TN
TPI conversion - GM or aftermarket electronics ??
I am moving closer to putting TPI on my 77. I have all the TPI hardware now I need to focus on the electronics. I want to do a Speed Density system. Which is the better way to go:
1. GM 1227727/1227730 ECM, Tunercat, eeprom burner, WIN ALDL and all the other assocated parts and pieces to modify factroy ECMS
or
2. Something aftermarket like an Accell DFI system that allows monitoring and instant tuning via a laptop on the car.
Would love to hear pro's cons of doing it either way.
Thanks !
1. GM 1227727/1227730 ECM, Tunercat, eeprom burner, WIN ALDL and all the other assocated parts and pieces to modify factroy ECMS
or
2. Something aftermarket like an Accell DFI system that allows monitoring and instant tuning via a laptop on the car.
Would love to hear pro's cons of doing it either way.
Thanks !
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: TPI conversion - GM or aftermarket electronics ?? (dman535)
Try over on the c4 forum for more responces although you should get a fair share here. I have the accel in my Formula and it is fun to play with but if your intentions are to do the Ronco 'set it and forget it' then the Gm stuff will work fine once set up. I have a MAF sytem and am debating on whether to install it or not since I know I want more power then the tpi manifold can flow. Contrary to popular belief the MAf is good to over 500hp if that is a concern, just go track down member skis_down_it, he is running low 11's with a 406 MAF system, ported and no screen stock sensor.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: TPI conversion - GM or aftermarket electronics ?? (dman535)
I have been running the 7730 Gm computer on two differant engines, with letting someone else do the programming....Ernie at Breathless did the last one....it's fine.....engine does roughly 375-400 hp, and so I"m happy enough...
I think the GM system has that redundancy of parts backup via junkyard that you can't ever find for ANY aftermarket system.....I have had this running for 7 years now....in 7 years will your aftermarket system have any tech support???
MY dime is on the stock-ish GM system....sorry....
GENE
I think the GM system has that redundancy of parts backup via junkyard that you can't ever find for ANY aftermarket system.....I have had this running for 7 years now....in 7 years will your aftermarket system have any tech support???
MY dime is on the stock-ish GM system....sorry....
GENE
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
From: Maplewood NJ
Re: TPI conversion - GM or aftermarket electronics ?? (dman535)
If you're a real Do-It-Yourselfer, you could make your own computer.
http://www.bgsoflex.com/megasquirt.html
Matt
http://www.bgsoflex.com/megasquirt.html
Matt
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
From: Feenix Az
Re: TPI conversion - GM or aftermarket electronics ?? (80Xflags)
Good thread. :cool:
I am about where you are on the same project and still haven't decided. I liked the programmable Holley 950 Commander engine management kit. However strictly speaking programmable are not smog approved and I live in Kali where everything is illegal :D
Dane
I am about where you are on the same project and still haven't decided. I liked the programmable Holley 950 Commander engine management kit. However strictly speaking programmable are not smog approved and I live in Kali where everything is illegal :D
Dane
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
Re: TPI conversion - GM or aftermarket electronics ?? (dman535)
IMHO,
If you plan to kep the car for quite a while and enoy and are capable of tuning, go for an aftermarket unit.
If you plan to sell the car or if you have to rely on others for maintenance, go GM.
If you plan to kep the car for quite a while and enoy and are capable of tuning, go for an aftermarket unit.
If you plan to sell the car or if you have to rely on others for maintenance, go GM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: TPI conversion - GM or aftermarket electronics ?? (80Xflags)
OH, So Bruce?? Bowling is now making his own computers?? interesting....I ran across him some years ago when I was doing my own DIY-EFI setup....not to the extent HE was though, I just decided to get a generic prom programmed and do my 7730 computer that way....
GENE
GENE
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: TPI conversion - GM or aftermarket electronics ?? (flynhi)
IMHO,
If you plan to kep the car for quite a while and enoy and are capable of tuning, go for an aftermarket unit.
If you plan to sell the car or if you have to rely on others for maintenance, go GM.
If you plan to kep the car for quite a while and enoy and are capable of tuning, go for an aftermarket unit.
If you plan to sell the car or if you have to rely on others for maintenance, go GM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 0
From: New Wilmington PA
Re: TPI conversion - GM or aftermarket electronics ?? (dman535)
One thing to consider....
If your laptop dies while you are not done tuning you are F-ed. I haven't driven my car in over a month because I can't monitor O2 voltage and there are still some lean spots on my fuel map. :mad :mad :mad
If your laptop dies while you are not done tuning you are F-ed. I haven't driven my car in over a month because I can't monitor O2 voltage and there are still some lean spots on my fuel map. :mad :mad :mad
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 5
From: Nashville TN
Re: TPI conversion - GM or aftermarket electronics ?? (Cookwithvette)
80Xflags- That system is fuel only. I checked them out and they require you to run a mechanical distributor.
Fevre- Its more like $300 to burn GM chips. By the time you figure programmer,chips, socekts, software, monitoring cable and software.
Cookwithvette- I have enough junk computers around the house that I am sure I could rig something up if the laptop dies. :D
Looks like the answer is the GM based systems. Just need to start stockpiling $$ for the job.
Fevre- Its more like $300 to burn GM chips. By the time you figure programmer,chips, socekts, software, monitoring cable and software.
Cookwithvette- I have enough junk computers around the house that I am sure I could rig something up if the laptop dies. :D
Looks like the answer is the GM based systems. Just need to start stockpiling $$ for the job.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Re: TPI conversion - GM or aftermarket electronics ?? (flynhi)
I vote stock GM. I have a harness and chip from Howell in my Vette and a harness and chip from Fuel Injection Specialties in my truck.
