Problems converting a stock carb setup to a TPI???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Fort Worth Texas
Problems converting a stock carb setup to a TPI???
Im looking at getting a 350 block out of a 73 Camaro. What problems, if any, will I run into with making the switch from Carb to TPI? Im completely rebuilding the engine. Thanks, Zak.
Team Owner
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From: sw Ohio
You wont have problems with the engine itself fitting, however, make sure you get a low rise intake roughly 4.5 inches tall and a drop base air filter or it wont clear the hood. The biggest challenge I think is configuring the fuel lines and throttle linkage.
Le Mans Master
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From: Australia
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From: The Top of Utah
The car is already a TPI, right? A C4 probably? You want to take a carbed 350 core and rebuild it and install the TPI from the car on the engine and into the car, is that correct? If so Pete K. is absolutely right. Once the intake manifolds are off the two engines, the only differences are year related. There are no carb vs EFI issues. Also, there are no year differences that can't be dealt with. Things to be be aware of are the side the dipstick is on and whether there is a difference in the style of the rear main seal.
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Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Carmichael ca
I not sure what year it started, but at some point in L98 production the flywheels had a weight cast into them. If you use one of these with an earlier engine it will cause a vibration. You will need a flywheel that's compatable with the older engine.
Paul
Paul
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From: Fort Worth Texas
The car is already a TPI, right? A C4 probably? You want to take a carbed 350 core and rebuild it and install the TPI from the car on the engine and into the car, is that correct? If so Pete K. is absolutely right. Once the intake manifolds are off the two engines, the only differences are year related. There are no carb vs EFI issues. Also, there are no year differences that can't be dealt with. Things to be be aware of are the side the dipstick is on and whether there is a difference in the style of the rear main seal.
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Exactly...thanks for the help. Zak.
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From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by Paul Ruggeri
I not sure what year it started, but at some point in L98 production the flywheels had a weight cast into them. If you use one of these with an earlier engine it will cause a vibration. You will need a flywheel that's compatable with the older engine.
Paul
Paul
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Thread Starter
Instructor
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From: Fort Worth Texas
Your caution is a repeat of one already given. "Things to be be aware of are the side the dipstick is on and whether there is a difference in the style of the rear main seal." The external balancing in the rear came about in 1986 when Chevy went to the one piece rear main seal. Prior to that all SBCs except the 400, were internally, neutrally, balanced. The flange on the crank shaft had to be changed to accommodate the new seal. The crank flange bolt pattern changed at the same time, so this isn't a "GOTCHA" that will sneak up an bite you with no warning. A one piece seal flywheel or flex plate won't bolt up to a two piece crank shaft and vice versa.
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Thanks again.
Melting Slicks
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From: College Station TX
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Fort Worth Texas
Yeah, I figured it wasnt a good idea. So what do I put on a 400 for it to work with my car and be able to pass inspection? I heard a carb setup wont pass inspection...What do I put on it? Thanks, Zak.
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From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by The Batmobile
What about putting the stock TPI on a 400? Will it support it? What problems will I have? Thanks, Zak.
If you need more power and rpm capability for either the 350 or the 400, there are all the usual "rams"; the mini, super, stealth, etc. In addition, Edelbrock, Holley and others sell port injection "systems" that ought to satisfy most needs.
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Thread Starter
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From: Fort Worth Texas
It would bolt on to the 400 with the same ease as the carbed 350. Don't under estimate the possibilities. A TPI 400 won't be a high rpm screamer, but I know of Crossfire 400s that run quite well. If a Crossfire, why not a TPI? Especially as a DD, the TPI 400 should have more grunt and low rpm torque than the 350 it replaced.
If you need more power and rpm capability for either the 350 or the 400, there are all the usual "rams"; the mini, super, stealth, etc. In addition, Edelbrock, Holley and others sell port injection "systems" that ought to satisfy most needs.
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If you need more power and rpm capability for either the 350 or the 400, there are all the usual "rams"; the mini, super, stealth, etc. In addition, Edelbrock, Holley and others sell port injection "systems" that ought to satisfy most needs.
RACE ON!!!
So there shouldnt be a problem putting it on there? Also, what about the computer if I change the engine to a 400? Thanks, Zak.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
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What about the 400 damper? Wasn't the stock damper too big to fit a C4 and the front cross member needed grinding and hammering? This is something I think I remember from the ancient times when still people did 383's with 400 bits. 
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From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by The Batmobile
So there shouldnt be a problem putting it on there? Also, what about the computer if I change the engine to a 400? Thanks, Zak.
Originally Posted by ToniH
What about the 400 damper? Wasn't the stock damper too big to fit a C4 and the front cross member needed grinding and hammering? This is something I think I remember from the ancient times when still people did 383's with 400 bits.
I am trying to keep this simple and basic, at this point.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Fort Worth Texas
If you don't tell the computer, I won't. With a mild, torque oriented, build, the computer won't need a thing.
I think you are getting ahead of yourself, here. This project is just in the exploratory stages; what can or can't be done. Just as adjustments would have to be made for some year variances, the 400 damper would have to be dealt with. You are right, it is too big and won't clear the cross member. Either the cross member would have to be modified or a specially balanced, smaller diameter, damper would have to be attained.
I am trying to keep this simple and basic, at this point.
RACE ON!!!
I think you are getting ahead of yourself, here. This project is just in the exploratory stages; what can or can't be done. Just as adjustments would have to be made for some year variances, the 400 damper would have to be dealt with. You are right, it is too big and won't clear the cross member. Either the cross member would have to be modified or a specially balanced, smaller diameter, damper would have to be attained.
I am trying to keep this simple and basic, at this point.
RACE ON!!!
Thanks for the help. Zak.