Hello,

I'm new to the forum, I'm hoping I can get some good information here. I've already done a lot of searching (both here and other website), and the information I found is kind of confusing.

I'm purchasing a 85 IROC that currently has a 305 TPI engine in it. This will be a project car for me, I plan on purchasing a crate engine for it, haven't decided if I'm going with a 350 or a 383 stroker.

The main question I have is, do I stick with TPI or go with a carb (or something else)? It seems that there are advantages/disadvantages to each. Wondering about tuning, reliability, performance, install, etc. My brother is a mechanic so I'll have his knowledge and experience to help me with install, but I need to make the decision on which way to go. Thanks.

 

Go with the TPI, its one of the most basic and reliable fuel injection systems out there. Easy to tune and very responsive to the proper mods.

 

Thanks for the response. If I do go with TPI, what on the existing motor can I reuse and what do I have to buy new? The crate engines I was looking at are long block or "turn key" systems that typically come with everything (at least if they are carb motors). Would I be better getting a short block, then by the intake and other parts I need?

Thanks again.

 

there is a few things that need to be changed if going to a stock performance 350. you will need 22lb injectors, 350 knock sensor, and the chip for a 350 equipped car (or better, a custom chip). now if you buy something with a larger cam, put on headers, modify the intake, remove emissions items, etc. you will need a custom tune and larger injectors. if you want something wild, it will be cheaper to put a carb on it if your emissions laws allow it. 85 still offered carb and if there are laws, im sure you can find a way around it. if you need more detail, take a look at st. ebony's 305 to 350 swap thread in this section, or feel free to ask me

 

I'm in Detroit, so not really worried about emission laws

If I made the decision to stick with TPI...then what? I read a few posts on that 305-to-350 swap you recommended and from that, found the BluePrint Engines. If I wanted TPI, would I get something like this? And then buy the proper intake, injectors, etc.? Or does somebody already make a fully dressed TPI engine that would be better?

Thanks again.

 

you might be able to find a dressed tpi engine on ebay, but i dont think can be purchased as a crate engine anymore. now holley does sell a short ram setup that will work with the tpi, and it looks like the lt1 setup. its more for higher rpm power, and costs about the same as running a tpi intake and the required parts for it to operate. now the bluepring engine you linked to will require the custom tune, 36lb injectors, a larger throttle body, large diameter headers and exhaust, more powerful cooling fans and a very large radiator, larger fuel pump, high voltage ignition, and many other items