TPI Engine in "79
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
TPI Engine in "79
This post may be a bit premature but I'm so excited about it I have to share this with all of you. While talking with a friend at work that does a lot of hot rod stuff and one that I have done a lot for in the past, we talked about building my 79 engine. He asked, why don't you put a TPI engine in your 79. I said money is the primary concern here. He said, I have one sitting in the garage you can have!!!!! What a Christmas present! I don't know what it came out of or what condition it is in but it is an aluminum engine and he thinks it is close to 400 HP. Of course I will tear it down and check everything. So if this isn't a dream, I will be soliciting your help as this rebuild takes place. I would also install another tranny and go back with both as a single unit when it is complete. Cross your fingers and say a prayer for a positive outcome to this possibility!!!!!! 
Bernie
Bernie
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Sounds like a great Christmas present Bernie. Keep us posted on it. Hopefully you will have it all worked out by the spring and can take it on some cruises with us. FI is one thing I would love to add to mine. Good luck with it. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Sounds great! I have 2 retrofitted TPI vehicles. It is really good stuff.
See page 2 of this post for more TPI info.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...9&page=2&pp=20
See page 2 of this post for more TPI info.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...9&page=2&pp=20
Last edited by markdtn; Dec 14, 2004 at 09:34 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
The original you mean as in from the 94 vette or your 79 cable?Theres a couple of aftermarket companys that make cables.I used a 87 trans am cable for my tpi and fit perfect.
I think lokar makes an adjustable cable.
http://www.eddiesrodshop.com/throttle__kickdowns.htm
http://www.streetrodparts.tv/lokar-bracket.htm
I think lokar makes an adjustable cable.
http://www.eddiesrodshop.com/throttle__kickdowns.htm
http://www.streetrodparts.tv/lokar-bracket.htm
Last edited by patsnitrovette; Dec 14, 2004 at 10:23 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by jscdesigns
Ihave just finished putting a 94 vete drive train in my 79. It runs fantastic. Need help on the throttle cable. The orginal is to short. For those who have done this before, what cable did you use.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
aluminium engine????
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
AS USUAL, my habit of junkyard roaming came in handy, I pulled a T cable from some GM car that fit up into the TPI I have and I paid near nothing, the install was SO simple it was a drop in...it's off an 80-90s GM car of some sort, good shopping around for it....easy find....
the TPI setup does wonders for carbed engine, you can't beat the computer, no matter what, with any carb setup....
I did my own wiring harness, out of hookup wire stripped from harnesses and reels of the stuff hanging around, course I can solder a wire, and do proper splices, so did the junkyard connectors also, at the time, 10 years ago, S&P wanted some astronomical price for a harness....no way I"m paying over 100 bux for a wiring harness, junkyard freebees'.....
GENE
the TPI setup does wonders for carbed engine, you can't beat the computer, no matter what, with any carb setup....
I did my own wiring harness, out of hookup wire stripped from harnesses and reels of the stuff hanging around, course I can solder a wire, and do proper splices, so did the junkyard connectors also, at the time, 10 years ago, S&P wanted some astronomical price for a harness....no way I"m paying over 100 bux for a wiring harness, junkyard freebees'.....
GENE
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Mark, I printed your information you sent me on TPI conversions on an earlier post; this info will be priceless if I am able to actually get this engine. My friend told me it was out of a wrecked 1998 ZR1 and something about being an aluminum engine. I'm not up to speed with Vettes yet; spending the last 20 years restoring British sports cars so the information you guys share on these details is much appreciated. I should know for sure tomorrow whether this dream will come true. Like most things like this; they most always do not work out. Never the less, I'm excited about the possibility because, from, the pics I have seen, TPI engines look awesome in C3"s! Thanks for everything!!!!
Bernie
Bernie
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Ann Arbor MI
Yeah you better double check with your buddy because GM did not produce a ZR1 in 1998. I believe the last year was 1996. Also, if the engine is out of a ZR1, known as the LT5- that is one killer motor specially developed for the ZRI. It a 32 valve blah blah blah. It is an all aluminum engine, later models produced 405hp. Earlier versions 375hp
It looks like this:
I think that motor would be great in an older Vette, but I heard it is a mechanics nightmare. Don't let that scare you off because I have no first hand exerience and yours would be free......grab it.
It looks like this:
I think that motor would be great in an older Vette, but I heard it is a mechanics nightmare. Don't let that scare you off because I have no first hand exerience and yours would be free......grab it.
Last edited by 1971Ultra; Dec 15, 2004 at 08:05 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by patsnitrovette
If it is a zr-1 that would be a awesome motor for a swap,but if its a 98 then its a ls-1 and that would be a great choice also.
Bernie: Sorry I posted my info twice for you, didn't notice you were the original poster on the other one.
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: Carlsbad CA
If it does turn out to be a TPI engine and not one of the cooler, sexier ones mentioned above, here's a link to a pretty good TPI FAQ page:
http://www.classictrucksweb.com/tech/0404cl_tpi/
I'm real close to doing a TPI conversion myself, and I plan on seeking all sorts of advice from the folks on this forum.
http://www.classictrucksweb.com/tech/0404cl_tpi/
I'm real close to doing a TPI conversion myself, and I plan on seeking all sorts of advice from the folks on this forum.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 3
From: SF East Bay CA
TPI is the way to go...
I did mine with an intake from www.firstinjections.com
Got everything from them.. pretty easy. Hardest part: new fuel lines and the p/s pump swap when I put on the serpentine system.
Running a FAST ECU with on the fly programability, closed loop. YOU WILL LOVE THE CHANGE!!!
If any qestions feel free to ask.
For the post on the tran cable.... I used a LOKAR cable that you can customize to your desired length. Your local parts shop will know what you need from them. (Looks nover than black plastic as well)
I did mine with an intake from www.firstinjections.com
Got everything from them.. pretty easy. Hardest part: new fuel lines and the p/s pump swap when I put on the serpentine system.
Running a FAST ECU with on the fly programability, closed loop. YOU WILL LOVE THE CHANGE!!!
If any qestions feel free to ask.
For the post on the tran cable.... I used a LOKAR cable that you can customize to your desired length. Your local parts shop will know what you need from them. (Looks nover than black plastic as well)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Just an update on the engine in question. The friend who has the engine and his father have the engine at his father's house. I talked with him briefly today and he said that it was out of a mid 90"s vette and that they have had it for about 5 years. He needs to check with his father to make sure I can have it and his father is out of town on business until friday evening. It still sounds too good to be true, but it could still happen. Both the son and father work for the same company as I. If his father says he has other plans for the engine I will just start looking for a wreck at the junk yards for a TPI for my 79. These are both good guys and I wouldn't let this engine damage our friendship over an offer the son made before he talked with his father. They got the engine from an a family member that bought a totaled vette and stripped it and let them have the engine for a possible hod rod later. At any rate, it is worth persuing. Thanks for all the advice and support; I will keep you posted either way as to the outcome.
Bernie
Bernie
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Mid 90s had LT1 engines (and later LT4 available),. or the LT5, no TPI after 91. If they give away an LT5 they are nucking futs if you ask me, or they don't know what they have. If they offer it for free, pick it up immediately, LT5s go for big bucks.