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Necoa #: 1318
Location: San Marcos, CA USA
Joined: Aug 01, 2003
Posts: 181
Posted: Mon Oct 25, 2004 3:45 pm Post subject: TPI conversion donor question
Hello,
I've decided to get rid of that stupid CC carb and go TPI as nobody out here can seem to tune it right. Now onto the question, I'm gonig to start looking for a donor car for all the components minus the wiring(will get that from Painless), which year Camaro/TransAm should I be looking for, I was thinking of a 89-92 with MAP or should I go with and 87-88 with MAF? Any help would be great! As always thanks fro any help.
August
P.S.
I've used the search engine to try to answer this question and so far have not found anything to answer this question.
I suggest you go to www.tbichips.com . Brian is very knowledgeable when it comes to the different systems. _________________ 82 SS El Camino, Gen 5, Album #20
Super charged 3.8 fwd 48 Buick
68 Norton Fastback
74 MCI 36,000#, 40' Private Coach
To the wife: Better cars than bars.......
Good luck _________________ '85 SS, Ash Blue Mica ( 2003 Lexus Color), '87 L69 305, Choo Choo Conversion, Roll Pan, Edelbrock Intake and TES Headers, Acura leather Buckets, 2004 Gp Console and Shifter, 8.5 GN rear with 3.73, GN 200-4r
Necoa #: 2182
Location: Costa Mesa, California
Joined: Jan 13, 2004
Posts: 25
Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 10:32 pm Post subject:
i had the same problem, i converted my el camino from carb to tpi. i decided to go with map instead of maf. the reason being is that i like the cleaner look of map and it will be cheaper to replace parts in the long run. maf sensors can get expensive, stay away from 85 maf they have a burnoff relay that you will be replacing often. if you plan on making alot of changes to motor after you install the tpi then go with maf. if you plan on having everything done to the motor and then put on the tpi then go with map. then you can go get a chip burned to the specs of motor and it will run great. i also went with painless, and its not so painless but the guys are helpfull when you have tough questions, i recomend buying it new instead of ebay. that was my problem and it was already hacked up so i had to retrace his steps. good luck _________________ 87 TPI El Camino In the Process.
Man who stands on toilet is high on pot.
Necoa #: 1318
Location: San Marcos, CA USA
Joined: Aug 01, 2003
Posts: 181
Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 9:01 am Post subject:
I was looking at the TPI units for sale on Ebay, I was thinking of looking for an 89-92 that would be a MAP version correct? I have a mild cam(RV) in there now with headers and a custom exhaust all a smog legal I don't think they would be a problem do you? At a later date since then the engine will be a later model I was planning on installing a supercharger, am I correct in assuming I will need to get a chip burned for that? Thanks for answering these questions.
August
I converted my elky about 8 years ago. Back then it was a big issue about which cams would work with a computer. Reprogramming was not as widespread as it is today & was a bunch more expensive. If you are gonna burn a chip, check with the programmer & make sure that your cam can be made compatible. You may need to swap cams. The advice info you got above about MAP & MAF is very good. _________________ Rick Schaefer
72 El Camino
Necoa #: 2182
Location: Costa Mesa, California
Joined: Jan 13, 2004
Posts: 25
Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 6:40 pm Post subject:
most any cams will work, im sure you will have the right cam in now, because of smog you cant go with anything to crazy. im in CA and have the strictess smog laws, all you need to do is find someone who has a dyno, give them your cam specs and they can do the rest as far as burning chips go, usually about 150 bucks an hour. but you will thank yourself in the end once done. it just takes a little time and money to understand it all. i have a 1994 5.7l block, with mild cam and head work, headers and all the bolt ons you can think of. im pushing 375hp, i will install a supercharger later. i have to look into smog and also the chip will need to be flashed again. _________________ 87 TPI El Camino In the Process.
Man who stands on toilet is high on pot.
Necoa #: 2441
Location: Spring - The Woodlands, Texas
Joined: Feb 17, 2004
Posts: 29
Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 2:56 pm Post subject:
I converted mine November of 03 using a harness from painless with a MAF system and later repinned to a MAP system to start learning how to program with a almost stock 305 before the solid roller 427 goes in.
Personally I would go with MAP if you are up to doing your own chips.
I spent about 250 for notebook and burning software/hardware as well as 275ish for the innovate motorsports wideband O2(not required makes WOT fueling quick and easy).
If not the 86-89 MAF system will handle a cam slightly better than the MAP system with factory programming. If you choose to do your own chips then don't worry about the cam as much.
Necoa #: 2182
Location: Costa Mesa, California
Joined: Jan 13, 2004
Posts: 25
Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 6:08 pm Post subject:
i would still go with map, when adding the supercharger and then go get your chip flashed, then that way everything is insync. _________________ 87 TPI El Camino In the Process.
Man who stands on toilet is high on pot.
Necoa #: 2441
Location: Spring - The Woodlands, Texas
Joined: Feb 17, 2004
Posts: 29
Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 6:19 pm Post subject:
If you use MAP there is code that allows for a 2(about 15 PSI) or 3(about 30 PSI) bar map sensor which allows you to tune fuel and timing in the PROM with out using external Fuel Management Units or timing retard boxes. If you are planning to add forced induction then MAP would be the easiest choice.
Necoa #: 1318
Location: San Marcos, CA USA
Joined: Aug 01, 2003
Posts: 181
Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 8:42 am Post subject:
Thanks for the info, how would you input the codes without an external device? Am I to assume that the intakes and runners are pretty much the same from 86-92 and that the difference is mainly in the sensors and ECM?
I spent about 250 for notebook and burning software/hardware as well as 275ish for the innovate motorsports wideband O2(not required makes WOT fueling quick and easy).
there are minor differences between the lower intake, runner, and upper intake through the years. There are differences between F-body and Y-body systems as well.
Hate to see you giving up on your cc rochester. Just finished going through mine on my 86, runs good,but try checking out customefis.com. This guy may be able to give you what you want. _________________ 86 El Camino SS Z15 / Posi / 305-V8-4bbl
http://elcaminocentral.com/users/pops86camino/
Necoa #: 1318
Location: San Marcos, CA USA
Joined: Aug 01, 2003
Posts: 181
Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2004 8:58 am Post subject:
I don't like giving up either but at some point you have to take a look at how much money you are thowing away only because of one part of your engine. Thanks for the info.
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