Zerocool350 said:
I got a 96 ss. I wanting to put a TPI in it. What all do i need to do and have for this swap. I have an older 350 block (70s-late 80s) all complete except for heads.
what all will I need to do for a tuned port? Is it just the intake, ecm, wiring harness, sensors, distributor, coil, ect.?
For converting you will need:
-TPI base, runners, plenum, etc.
-ECU (preferably a later speed density ECU) and wiring harness
-Heads to match your intake base (usually late model heads)
-Intake with MAF sensor if you don't use the speed density ECU
-Computer compatible camshaft
-Larger injectors and a tune if the TPI setup was off a 305
There's a couple things to note. First, there's two types of TPI: the earlier version with a MAF sensor and the later version without (speed density). Since the early version uses a MAF you have to have an intake on your TPI. For the later version you can just put an air filter directly on the throttle body. Also, some TPI setups will have an additional injector for cold starts, I can't recall which ones have it, though. It's possible to convert from MAF to speed density, but that'll cost you more money in the long run.
Next, the stock intake base only bolts up to late model heads. If I recall you can modify the base a bit to bolt to early model heads without too much difficulty. There is also an aftermarket base available for use with Vortec heads. That would be your best bet, in my opinion.
As far as your camshaft goes, you'll need one that will work with the computer. Pretty much everyone makes cams for fuel injected applications. MAF is more forgiving when using more radical cams. Speed Density comptuers will need a tune for it, though. You may be able to use your current cam with the computer with a tune, but don't count on it. I really can't say much about cams in the first place, so anything about them out of my mouth is subject to correction.
Lastly, if your TPI setup and ECU came off a 305 you're going to have to program the chip for a 350. That's a simple change, you can actually do it yourself if you buy a programmer ($85, cheaper than getting it tuned in most cases). If moving from a 305 to a 350 you'll also likely need larger injectors. Your ECU will have to be programmed for the larger injectors as well. Again, that's a simple change you can do given the proper equipment.
If you have the money you may want to consider an alternative fuel injection system. the stock TPI system doesn't breath as well as it could and cuts off the powerband relatively low in the RPM range. Holley has the StealthRam and TPIS has the MiniRam. Accel has some stuff, too, but I think overall the Holley StealthRam is the best to get.
You can find out all you need to know about TPI systems over at
http://www.thirdgen.org/. I've got an account over there on the same name.