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Convert from TPI to Carburation

Doktor-t

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 28, 2006
Messages
79
Location
Gothenburg, SWEDEN
Corvette
1988 White targa automatic
My car does have some issues which I think is caused by the fuel injection.

I´ve started to play with the thought of replacing the TPI-stuff with an carburator and an dualplane intake manifold.

What do you think about it?


//Tobias
 
Since having TPI I do not like carbs. To much maintenance on a carb system.

Glenn
:w
 
I agree with Glen since converting to TPI I have thrown away all my Carb stuff.
What may be involved if you try it I'll take a stab at it, I am not familiar with C4s but have installed TPI's on 2 carbed vehicles.
First you will have to decide how much computer control you want to have on your engine especially if you have an automatic(they are tied in together engine./trans).

If you want to ditch the computer all together you will need to acquire an early Vacuum advance HEI or other Distributor that will control spark timing.
If you have an auto you will have to get a wire kit to control the lock-up feature. You will most likely lose the cruise-control and speedometer if you remove the computer completely.

I dont know if just disconnecting the injection circuts and plopping a carb setup on will work out reliably. I have seen carbed C4's but they were trailered to the track.
Good luck
Craig sr.
 
Is this for your TPI converted '76? If so I can't imagine too many difficulties to going back to a carb. What tranny do you have? What electronics are you using?

<edit> I just read your profile. You have a 5-speed. Your car should be a piece of cake to convert back to a carb since that is how it started life.
 
ZumZum said:
Is this for your TPI converted '76? If so I can't imagine too many difficulties to going back to a carb. What tranny do you have? What electronics are you using?

<edit> I just read your profile. You have a 5-speed. Your car should be a piece of cake to convert back to a carb since that is how it started life.


I am not the one going back to a carb the only thing I have with a carb on it now is my lawnmower ;LOL I was just taking a stab at what Doktor-t might encounter by trying to go with a carb on a C4. I even have TPI on my 52 F1 pick-up.

My 76 has had TPI since 2000 and is running a Holley Commander 950 ECU
 
bossvette said:
I am not the one going back to a carb the only thing I have with a carb on it now is my lawnmower ;LOL I was just taking a stab at what Doktor-t might encounter by trying to go with a carb on a C4. I even have TPI on my 52 F1 pick-up.

My 76 has had TPI since 2000 and is running a Holley Commander 950 ECU
I see :lol: What the heck you waiting on? I've got an extra TPI setup that you can use on that lawnmower if you like.:D

<edit> After rereading this thread I realize I now it wasn't you looking to do the conversion. I'm an idiot, sorry. <bangsheadonwall>
 
Doktor-t said:
I´ve started to play with the thought of replacing the TPI-stuff with an carburator and an dualplane intake manifold.
After learrning about TPI while changing from TBI, I decided to never go carb again. Messing with our '77 Suburban's Rochester 4 bbl. reinforced that notion.

All those mysterious sensors can be studied and their functions understood, such that they become your pals when troubleshooting, with the assist of the ECM.

The TPI allows my engine to do things (like idle nicely at 850 and pass SMOG) that a carb could never do.

I think it's a bad idea. :w
 
I'm not sure if the hood would close with the carb and air cleaner set up.
 
I'm not sure if the hood would close with the carb and air cleaner set up.

With the right set-up you can. I know a guy that has a absolutly screaming motor in his '91. He has a carb setup and a stock hood.
 
Do you know which intake, carb and air cleaner were used.I'm considering on doing the same.
 
Do you know which intake, carb and air cleaner were used.I'm considering on doing the same.

I'll have to check with him. I'll get back to ya.
 
He's running a Edlbrock Victor JR. (#2975) and a Barry Grant Mighty Demon 650 cfm carb. The air cleaner is a no-name chrome 14" with a 1 1/4" drop base. The air filter is an Accel 14x2 (actually measurement 2.25"). He also has a 1/8" spacer under the carb to hold his throttle cable. A Weiand Excellerator or Edlbrock Performer intake would probably gain you some more clearance.

His clearance is about 1/2" over the carb stud and about 1/4" at the front of teh air cleaner.

eng3.jpg


eng2.jpg


eng1.jpg
 
Ive done it!

My car does have some issues which I think is caused by the fuel injection.

I´ve started to play with the thought of replacing the TPI-stuff with an carburator and an dualplane intake manifold.

What do you think about it?


Ive ripped out the tpi on my 89 6-speed with excellent results.I used the edelbrock 3701 performer intake(in case I ever move to a state that requires EGR) an edelbrock 4601 carb w/1" spacer to increase low end torque,and a mallory 4309 fuel pressure reg.I was looking at the conversion from a depedability standpoint.Last year I took 3 rides in the cab of a flatbed tow truck and I didnt like it.It cost me just under $1200 doing the job myself and that price included TPIS's AC and AIR delete pulley kits($300).I could have easily spent that much cash on sensors and injectors.But right now I still get 20+ mpg highway;there is no computer saying that theres something it doesnt like and kills either the ignition or the injectors;not to mention that my car "always" starts up the first try! You can buy an intake that fits under the stock hood but I went with a stinger hoodscoop cutting a 14" diameter hole in my hood with a 10" X 3" K&N air filter element.I also installed a 160 thermistat and my typical engine temp is 170 to 185.I also wired my fuel pump to the fuse box with an inline switch mounted near the ALCL jack for safety. -And because my powerband has expanded dramatically,theres a longer timespan between gear shifts since the motor just keeps on pulling past 5000 rpm's.Speaking stricktly for myself;I love my car again and can live with trading less torque for more horsepower since it runs so good and always starts up! Good luck on whatever you decide to do.
 

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