TPI w Vortec Head Conversion ?!?!? Possible???

[HotRodPC]

I've often thought I'd like to go Vortec. But I sure don't like the idea of the Spider Assembly. TPI might be the way to go. Now if I was to go Big Block, then yeah, I'd love to go Big Block Vortec, but I'm thinking TPI is the way to go Small Block. Anyone know if there is an intake system for TPI and Vortec heads? Or how do TPI heads rate vs Vortec Heads?

hmmm, maybe this a question better asked in the engine conversion cat.

 

[RetroC10Sport]

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/56858_tpi_intake_vortec_head/viewall.html

 

[8T6K5]

Good stuff, but Scoggin Dickey = $$

 

[HotRodPC]

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/56858_tpi_intake_vortec_head/viewall.html

Not bad at all. 425ft lbs Torque and 354 Horses for a TPI 350 with that intake and Vortec Heads. Sounds like a perfect combo for my 4x4. It'll probably be that, or a Vortec 454 and I don't see the Vortec 454 doing much better than that for the mega loss in mpg. I just prefer injection on a 4x4 rather than a carb that can starve for fuel on a steep angle.

 

[HotRodPC]

Good stuff, but Scoggin Dickey = $$

Have you ever tried or bought any of that Scrotem Dickey stuff? I'll look around and see if there is other options. Of course this is way off for me. I'd be happy with an OEM set up for now. But, got other priorities first for certain. Like the A833 manual trans conversion.

 

[Jims86]

To make thing much easier, and If I were to do it again, I would highly suggest using the later 96 truck ecm and harness modified for the TPI injectors along with the earlier TPI Manifold. That way, you dont have to mess with a shitload of tuning to get the bastard running, like you would have to when using an OBD1 setup. You would have to run MAF, and a crank sensor...but the results are worth the little extra work.
I really miss TPI though.
Been looking into A MAF TBI project too.
The scoggin dickey manifold is definately the way to go, or, if you want more high rpm capabilities, save your pennies for a FIRST manifold, which allows you to mount the throttle body(large single bore) pointed forward like normal, OR, you can mount it on the drivers side of the plenum. It flows waaaayyyy more than a sock GM setup. The original TPI heads(l98, what 8t6k5 is running) have the same chambers as TBI, they just breath a little better becase there is no swirl ramp.

 

[8T6K5]

Have you ever tried or bought any of that Scrotem Dickey stuff?

No I haven't mainly due to the cost. I've looked extensively into upgrades for these motors.... and SD or EB offer the intake-runner upgrades and everything to go along with.

http://sdparts.com/

I spend some time lurking in a Camaro forum when I need motor specific info. With these motors the Vortec heads seem to be the best mod you can make....however you need to factor in the cost of a new intake. Slap on some high flow runners, larger TB, cam, injectors and a tune and these guys are making huge numbers.

Inherent problem is that the TPI tapers off at about 4500rpm. Not the best for a street/strip car, but run a tuned TPI set up on a 383/400 in a K5-Burb and you will have a nice little torque monster.

Besides, they are good looking motors are relatively inexpensive and easy to find...

Some TPI porn I found....

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C-10:

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CJ-8:

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Studebaker:

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Volvo S70:

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31' Ford Coupe:

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[RetroC10Sport]

 

[bucket]

Mmm... TPI.

I've been wanting to try out that First Injection setup for a while now, along with more cam and a set of AFR heads. Maybe someday.

 

[Jims86]

Mmm... TPI.

I've been wanting to try out that First Injection setup for a while now, along with more cam and a set of AFR heads. Maybe someday.

Yup, and an obd2 ecm will respond a lot better to heads and cam than speed density obd1

 

[bucket]

Yup, and an obd2 ecm will respond a lot better to heads and cam than speed density obd1

That's the part that scares me. I'll be doing good if I can just manage to get the current setup converted to speed density. I was going to ask Brian about a new chip again, but you have me scared about that now too.

 

[Jims86]

That's the part that scares me. I'll be doing good if I can just manage to get the current setup converted to speed density. I was going to ask Brian about a new chip again, but you have me scared about that now too.

Thats a walk in the park...In your case, you need a 7730 ecm, and a few connectors. The mod can be done without removing the harness from the car.

 

[RetroC10Sport]

Thats a walk in the park...In your case, you need a 7730 ecm, and a few connectors. The mod can be done without removing the harness from the car.

I'll bet you already have an ECM Andy...

6000 87-89 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-173 (2.8L)

6000 89-91 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-191 (3.1L)

BERETTA 87 Elec Cont Module (ECM)

BERETTA 88 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 4-121 (2.0L), thru VIN 500,000

BERETTA 88-89 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-173 (2.8L)

BERETTA 90-91 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-191 (3.1L)

BERETTA 92-93 Elec Cont Module (ECM); (above right kick panel), 6-191 (3.1L)

CAMARO 90-92 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-191 (3.1L)

CAMARO 90-92 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 8-305 (5.0L), MFI

CAMARO 90-92 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 8-350 (5.7L)

CAVALIER 87 Elec Cont Module (ECM)

CAVALIER 88-89 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-173 (2.8L)

CAVALIER 90-93 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-191 (3.1L)

CELEBRITY 87-89 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-173 (2.8L)

CELEBRITY 90 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-191 (3.1L)

CENTURY 87-88 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-173 (2.8L)

CIERA 87-89 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-173 (2.8L)

CIMARRON 87-88 Elec Cont Module (ECM)

CORSICA 87 Elec Cont Module (ECM)

CORSICA 88 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 4-121 (2.0L), thru VIN 500,000

CORSICA 88-89 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-173 (2.8L)

CORSICA 90-91 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-191 (3.1L)

CORSICA 92-93 Elec Cont Module (ECM); (above right kick panel), 6-191 (3.1L)

FIREBIRD 90-92 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-191 (3.1L)

FIREBIRD 90-92 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 8-305 (5.0L), MFI

FIREBIRD 90-92 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 8-350 (5.7L)

FIRENZA 87 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 4-121 (2.0L), w/o OHC

FIRENZA 87 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-173 (2.8L)

SKYHAWK 87 Elec Cont Module (ECM); (4-121, 2.0L), w/o turbocharger; w/o OHC

SUNBIRD 91-93 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-191 (3.1L)

TEMPEST 87 Elec Cont Module (ECM)

TEMPEST 88 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 4-121 (2.0L), thru VIN 500,000

TEMPEST 88-89 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-173 (2.8L)

TEMPEST 90-91 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 6-191 (3.1L)

 

[bucket]

Thats a walk in the park...In your case, you need a 7730 ecm, and a few connectors. The mod can be done without removing the harness from the car.

I've had the parts to do it for 8 or 9 years, just never got around to it. I'm using this as my guide: http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28/ecm_swap_730/

 

[bucket]

I'll bet you already have an ECM Andy...

Yep, you're right, I've got several. I've collected several from '87-'89 V6 Celebrities so I had a spare for each combo (3spd/4spd, MAF/MAP).