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1991 TPI to Carb Swap???

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Old 12-18-2010, 09:30 PM
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marlonb601
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Default 1991 TPI to Carb Swap???

I recently acquired a 1991 Corvette, with TPi in a trade. The condition of the wiring under the hood is a nightmare because the car sat for years and rats had a feast on it. I'm considering converting the TPI to a carburetor, but I,m finding that hood clearance is going to be an issue. Does anyone have suggestions as to what intake/carb combo I should use, or any other tips and factors I should consider before I start? I'd appreciate any photo references from those of you who may have made this conversion.

UPDATE!!!!...Ok after some patching to the wiring, adding a new fuel pump, plugs and wires I actually got the car to start and run!! However when i drove it, the car appeared to be running on only about 4 or 5 cylinders. Soon after that the car wouldn't start. I checked the pressure at the rail by turning the key to the on position to engage the pump. The gauge immediately jumped to 50 psi but fell back to 0 within a couple of seconds. Does anyone have any clues what might be causing this? I know I'm getting spark because I can spray injector cleaner directly into the throttle and the car starts but quits as soon as the cleaner burns off.

Last edited by marlonb601; 12-19-2010 at 08:50 AM. Reason: additional info since the previous entry
Old 12-18-2010, 09:38 PM
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383vett
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When I carbed my 84, I used a low rise, dual plane Weiand manifold and a Holley vacuum 750 cfm carb and a dropped base 14" air cleaner. Tight hood clearance. Sorry no pics.
Old 12-18-2010, 10:15 PM
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marlonb601
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Originally Posted by 383vett
When I carbed my 84, I used a low rise, dual plane Weiand manifold and a Holley vacuum 750 cfm carb and a dropped base 14" air cleaner. Tight hood clearance. Sorry no pics.
Thanks!!! How did that combo work for you as far as performance?
Old 12-18-2010, 11:35 PM
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383vett
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Car ran well. Main problem was fuel perculation after shutoff. Had to put ducts in the hood to vent air. Switched to a SuperRam later.

Old 12-19-2010, 02:09 AM
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vetteoz
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Originally Posted by marlonb601
I'm considering converting the TPI to a carburetor,
One option




Or see
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...tock-hood.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1565824290-post28.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1575279731-post2.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1562777550-post26.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1575137446-post33.html
http://s31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...Picture344.jpg
Old 12-19-2010, 06:48 AM
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CorvetteMike2024
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Why not try one of our vendors here for a good used engine wiring loom? I would think that would be easier than switching to a carb. Also if you try to sell it, a carb my limit who wants to buy the car. JMO
Old 12-20-2010, 01:46 PM
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aklim
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Originally Posted by marlonb601
I recently acquired a 1991 Corvette, with TPi in a trade. The condition of the wiring under the hood is a nightmare because the car sat for years and rats had a feast on it. I'm considering converting the TPI to a carburetor, but I,m finding that hood clearance is going to be an issue. Does anyone have suggestions as to what intake/carb combo I should use, or any other tips and factors I should consider before I start? I'd appreciate any photo references from those of you who may have made this conversion.

UPDATE!!!!...Ok after some patching to the wiring, adding a new fuel pump, plugs and wires I actually got the car to start and run!! However when i drove it, the car appeared to be running on only about 4 or 5 cylinders. Soon after that the car wouldn't start. I checked the pressure at the rail by turning the key to the on position to engage the pump. The gauge immediately jumped to 50 psi but fell back to 0 within a couple of seconds. Does anyone have any clues what might be causing this? I know I'm getting spark because I can spray injector cleaner directly into the throttle and the car starts but quits as soon as the cleaner burns off.
I would think you can easily get a wire harness without too much sweat.

That sounds like a bad fuel pressure regulator.
Old 12-20-2010, 02:31 PM
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marlonb601
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Originally Posted by 383vett
Car ran well. Main problem was fuel perculation after shutoff. Had to put ducts in the hood to vent air. Switched to a SuperRam later.

Thanks for that info. I appreciate you bringing that factor to my attention.

Your car is a work of art...but it pains me to look at it because it reminds me of how far I have to go. Thanks again for your input.
Old 12-20-2010, 04:22 PM
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383vett
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Originally Posted by marlonb601
Thanks for that info. I appreciate you bringing that factor to my attention.

Your car is a work of art...but it pains me to look at it because it reminds me of how far I have to go. Thanks again for your input.
If you treat it as a hobby, it becomes fun.

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