Engine build planning
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 246
Likes: 6
Engine build planning
I would like to build an L98 type engine with TPI system ( i just love that buck rogers looking intake). The engine block will be an "010" type 4 bolt main. The heads are probably going to be aluminum edlebrock. The motor will be completely roller. Displacement will be 383.
I dont know much about the TPI. I have one available to me at $200. It does not come with wire harness or ecm. What do i need to know about buying this?
Will it work with the block and heads? What cam dimensions should i be looking at?
Are bigger injectors and throttle body needed?
Where can a guy learn about this TPI and engine building using TPI?
Thanks everybody.
I dont know much about the TPI. I have one available to me at $200. It does not come with wire harness or ecm. What do i need to know about buying this?
Will it work with the block and heads? What cam dimensions should i be looking at?
Are bigger injectors and throttle body needed?
Where can a guy learn about this TPI and engine building using TPI?
Thanks everybody.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 246
Likes: 6
No clue
I have no clue as to what numbers to expect. This engine may ultimately end up in an 88 Fiero GT. Or it could end up in a hotrod S10 4x4.
I am really looking for compatibility input. Like, this intake only works with "X" heads. "X" heads only work with "y" block. That type of thing.
I am really looking for compatibility input. Like, this intake only works with "X" heads. "X" heads only work with "y" block. That type of thing.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 190
From: Custer, WI
If it's factory GM TPI stuff it should bolt up to standard SBC heads no problem. (not including vortec)
With a 383 I'd expect your max RPM to die off around 4500 maybe lower. I think the TPI was originally designed for a 305, it's restrictive to the 350 for anything beyond 4500-5000 RPM but as mentioned above will make piles of torque below that
With a 383 I'd expect your max RPM to die off around 4500 maybe lower. I think the TPI was originally designed for a 305, it's restrictive to the 350 for anything beyond 4500-5000 RPM but as mentioned above will make piles of torque below that
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 246
Likes: 6
This motor has been on my mind for years. The TPI has always appealed to me. Its just, it seems so beyond my capability. Intimidating. But man, in a Fiero, that would be a 200 mph car down at the Texas Mile! Who knows what 1/4 mile times it could make.
$200 seems like a good price for a TPI. The fact it comes with no wires or ECM, scares the crap out of me. In the end, is this $200 TPI worth buying?
$200 seems like a good price for a TPI. The fact it comes with no wires or ECM, scares the crap out of me. In the end, is this $200 TPI worth buying?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Wouldnt spend any money on a used TPI to put on a 383 if you dont have any intake yet
Grab a converted LT1 or shorter runner intake...or better yet a single plane & holley sniper EFI system they are very simple. Youll thank youself later
Grab a converted LT1 or shorter runner intake...or better yet a single plane & holley sniper EFI system they are very simple. Youll thank youself later
Last edited by cv67; Sep 16, 2017 at 12:13 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 133
Likes: 6
From: Minnesota
I'll try to find a link to the article, but back when tpi was new one of the magazines threw a stroker kit into an l98 (no other changes) and got 500lbft of torque starting at about 2000rpm.
Yeah, it was done by 4500, but with the right gears that could be fun!
Yeah, it was done by 4500, but with the right gears that could be fun!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,220
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
At least not on a stock TPI. As pointed out, they were made for a 305. By the time it's on top of a 383, you'd be shifting by 4k rpms! And, I'm serious about that! That's too low...especially when you're talking about 200mph and/or 1/4 mile. You'd be disappointed in top-end bigtime.
If this custom car/hood can handle the height of a stealth ram, that might be your best bet. If not, consider a miniram or superram (though they'd cost more).
I have an AFTERMARKET, super-hogged TPI and still shift around 4-4.5k rpms on my zf6 383. It pulls at least 30% more air than stock. It's like driving a full-bore 1968 427/454 around town but I wouldn't take bets on a race above 100mph. It doesn't get enough air.
My sig shows the numbers it makes.
Last edited by GREGGPENN; Sep 16, 2017 at 10:42 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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If you even CONSIDERED a stock TPI on top of a 383, that's probably what you'd want to do too. It would be a tire shredder from idle-3500 rpms...but NOT the best 1/4m car.