86 TPI questions
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Tampa FL
86 TPI questions
Good morning CF friends... I am in the process of putting together a plan for rebuilding/replacing the engine in my tired 86, and I have a couple of tech questions. First, is there a way to determine whether my car is an early 86 with the 2-piece rear main seal or a later 86 with the 1-piece before I pull it and tear into it? Second, for those on the forum who really like the look of the L98 intake, what cam and heads were your final decision and were you happy with the final results? Third, what throttle body size did you choose and did you go with siamese runners for your plenum? And last, did you choose an aftermarket ECU or did you have the stock one tuned?
I've had this car for 13+ years and it's been a blast. I have put about 140K on the car and it had about 75K on it when I bought it in '00. It still runs OK, but in the last 13+ years, it's caught on fire, had the timing chain replaced, the under-hood harnoess replaced, and a myriad of other stuff. Great learning experience and a great/fun car to own. Other than engine, the interior harness, carpeting, dash, and many other things will get refreshed next year.
Please pardon my questions, but this is the best resource for the advice I am looking for.
Thanks in advance...Steve
I've had this car for 13+ years and it's been a blast. I have put about 140K on the car and it had about 75K on it when I bought it in '00. It still runs OK, but in the last 13+ years, it's caught on fire, had the timing chain replaced, the under-hood harnoess replaced, and a myriad of other stuff. Great learning experience and a great/fun car to own. Other than engine, the interior harness, carpeting, dash, and many other things will get refreshed next year.
Please pardon my questions, but this is the best resource for the advice I am looking for.
Thanks in advance...Steve
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 16,475
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From: Kingman AZ
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Early 86 had iron heads, later ones had aluminum. Exception: all verts had aluminum heads.
Good source for L98 info:http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vader86/
Good source for L98 info:http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/vader86/
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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Even the early 86 had a 1 piece rear. Mine did.
Doesn't need a bigger TB unless you completely change out the intake system, and you dont need a new ECM setup.
Doesn't need a bigger TB unless you completely change out the intake system, and you dont need a new ECM setup.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,386
Likes: 534
If a rebuild/replace, do the 383. Prices are right there with just rebuilding it as a 350 on a budget. A recent forum member kept the TPI looks with a 383 and made some great power. He posted the pics and dyno specs on: white Corvette, TPI 383 with black valve covers. TPI intake systems are cheap and you can still make a very fun engine with them. I mean, if on a budget, we shouldn't expect a top end screamer...might as well have fun down low.
