Are TPI blocks and heads the same as TBI? - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

zuuhlsT/A · 10-15-2011, 10:27 PM

Can you swap a TPI block into a TBI set up? I gotta 91 Camaro RS with the TBI and found a TPI motor with no intake. Will it work?

Tru2Chevy · 10-15-2011, 10:48 PM

The only possibly difference in the blocks would be if it's setup for a roller cam and whether it's a one or two piece rear main seal. Those are both dependent on the year rather than which intake setup was installed. The '91 block you have should be a 1 piece RMS roller block, any idea what year the TPI motor is?

- Justin

zuuhlsT/A · 10-16-2011, 06:59 AM

It came out of a 1987 IROC.

The Fixer · 10-16-2011, 07:03 AM

If it was the original motor, then it'll work. '87-'95 heads cast iron heads (except Vortec, they're different also) all have the same bolt pattern for the intake manifold. And '86-up blocks all are 1-piece rear main seals. Are you swapping a 305 for a 350, or are they both 305s?

zuuhlsT/A · 10-16-2011, 07:15 AM

The cars are both original 305's.

Jared1970Chevelle · 10-16-2011, 04:35 PM

it seems like the swap your doing isnt going to be worth the time unless the motor your switching out for the new one has very very low miles and you want to keep it original... if your taking the motor out you might as well replace it with a 350 355 383 etc and get some extra power since your doing a motor swap....

zuuhlsT/A · 10-16-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jared1970Chevelle

it seems like the swap your doing isnt going to be worth the time unless the motor your switching out for the new one has very very low miles and you want to keep it original... if your taking the motor out you might as well replace it with a 350 355 383 etc and get some extra power since your doing a motor swap....

Well I think I can explain. A) The 305 has 35,000 miles on it for $400 and that fits my finances at this point. B) It's not my car, it's my girlfriends sons car and believe me he don't need a 350 or 383 cause he'll either lose his lisence, kill him self or someone else or kill the car. 170HP is enough for him right now. It's his first car and he's gotta heavy foot. C) if I had alotta money he wouldn't have this car in the first place. it woulda been a 4G with a 3.8L. Enough to get outta you're own way but not enough to get into trouble unless you're doing something incredibly stupid. Believe me if he had more time behind the wheel I would thrown an LT1 or LS1 in it.

zuuhlsT/A · 10-16-2011, 07:12 PM

Anybody else got info? I really need to button this up and I appreciate all the info I've recieved so far. Just trying to nail this down without question...

Kat · 10-16-2011, 08:46 PM

It will work and be slightly faster also. The 87 had a slightly bigger cam and better flowing heads. As for the swapping part. Everything will swap over from the 91 to the 87.

The Fixer · 10-17-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zuuhlsT/A

Well I think I can explain. A) The 305 has 35,000 miles on it for $400 and that fits my finances at this point.

Can you verify it only has 35K? How was it stored? Like Kat said, it'll bolt right in and will pick up a few HP (the LB9 cam and heads are better than the original LG4), but I wouldn't pay that much money for it. I bought a running '87 TPI 305 motor, complete with the intake, wiring harness, ECM, MAF, and electric fans for $500 - 11 years ago. There are better deals out there. I even bought a running L98 (minus intake) from a member here for less than $200.

zuuhlsT/A · 10-17-2011, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TPI Monte SS

Can you verify it only has 35K? How was it stored? Like Kat said, it'll bolt right in and will pick up a few HP (the LB9 cam and heads are better than the original LG4), but I wouldn't pay that much money for it. I bought a running '87 TPI 305 motor, complete with the intake, wiring harness, ECM, MAF, and electric fans for $500 - 11 years ago. There are better deals out there. I even bought a running L98 (minus intake) from a member here for less than $200.

He has the supporting documentation for the motor. Also had video clip of car running. The engine was just removed about 5 days ago... i wish I could find a deal like you did but unfortunately thats not happening for me. I gotta get this car back on the road ASAP so desperate measures call for desperate means. I checked with my mech and he said no prob too. Thanks for everyones input. I appreciate it

zuuhlsT/A · 10-17-2011, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kat

It will work and be slightly faster also. The 87 had a slightly bigger cam and better flowing heads. As for the swapping part. Everything will swap over from the 91 to the 87.

Slightly faster is good

Thanks for the info