Cross fire vs TPI

[mikeyc4]

wHICH IS BEST THE CROSSFIRE OF THE FIRST C4S, OR THE LATER TPI MODELS? WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR THIS? AS I AM ABOUT TO BUY MY FIRST C4, IM NOT SURE WHICH ONE TO GO FOR, AND ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT, IVE NOT HEARD MANY GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE CROSSFIRE ENGINE, IS THIS JUST RUMOURS OR FACT?

 

[Minnesota Fats]

Not an expert, but I understand that the crossfire needs a lot tinkering and I'm not a mech so I went newer to avoid the issue. Ended up with a 94 and love it. Worth a couple thousand extra.

 

[vader86]

You dont want the X-fire. They can be reliable for a daily driver, but as far as performance goes, you'll be spending alot of money to make it fast.

Neither intake is the best, but TPI is better.

Always get the newest car you can afford.

 

[HPG]

84 was the only year of the C4's to have crossfire. In 85, they went to tuned Port injection and raised the HP form 201 to 230 hp. and 40 more lbs of torque. R ule of thumb on buying, get the newest one you can afford.

 

[mikeyc4]

sounds like these xfire engines arent the best, thanks for the advice, now i know why the early c4s are much cheaper here in the uk.

 

[Edmond]

sounds like these xfire engines arent the best, thanks for the advice, now i know why the early c4s are much cheaper here in the uk.

The earlier C4's are excellent values. I think their prices will take a dip when the C6 rolls around. The parts are quite plentiful for the TPI Vette's, performance and stock parts!

I'm sure there will be plenty of people trying to sell their late model C4's (LT1-LT4 models) when it comes time for deposits on the C6.

 

[MoeJr]

While I agree that a TPI Vette is much better for a first time buyer the Cross Fire is still an excellent value money wise. I bought my 84 with 81k on it for 4900. I had my throttle bodies set up and it runs like a scalded dog. As far as handling goes stock 84's still have the highest cornering of c4's at 1.01g with the Z51 suspension which over 1/2 the 84's had including mine. If find a deal on an 84 it may be worth a look. Just my.02

 

[Alloydude]

I agree with MoeJr, My 84 with the Z51 suspension corners like nothing I've ever driven. Although there is not much of an after market out there for the Crossfire I do feel that they are an excellent value and I have absolutely nooooo trouble merging onto the freeway

 

[ffvetteman]

Yep time for all us crossfire owners to defend....

But seriously Ive had my 84 for 5 years and have not had a problem with it running.

And as for performance, I have beat late 80's and stayed dead even with a 94 from 80 - 120mph on the freeway.

Mine is stick, so I would assume that has something to do with it. But dont let anyone tell you the 84's are crap. Ive talked to at least 100 people that own or have had one, and NONE of them have said anything bad about it or have had any problems with it.

Besides for 187hp at the rear wheels and 290 torque that car flies!!!!!

 

[HPG]

http://viawebdevelopment.com/clients/corvette.htm Try this site for some crossfire info.

 

[Mad-Mic]

i got crossfire in my 82 Z/28 and had that thing running mid to high 13's. 3:42 gears, tuning, little more cam, some advanced timing, ported heads, ram air, chipped, more fuel pressure, bigger injectors, and a few other mods. also had a 3000 stall, shift kit and manual valve bodies then again i always kept her in tune and from what i hear the crossfire on 84's are good for around 325ish hp but after that your done. time to upgrade.

overall probably best bang for the buck later down the road do the LT1 intake conversion with a TPI ecm and harness if it's not fast enough for you.

 

[MoeJr]

I am sure if someone had the time and resources not to mention skill they could make a different Xfire intak to take bigger TB's and flow more air. If I had the money I would give it a whirl. I think there is some potential for a high hp xfire. Just my.02

 

[mikeyc4]

So i guess its just a case of preference, some good views, some bad, what is the diffference in performance to a TPI? is it hardly noticeable, or do the xfire use more fuel?

 

[MoeJr]

In terms of performance the 84 is about .5 slower in the 1/4 mile and if the 84 is updated to 85 and newer transmission specs the top speed is about 5 mph less. As for MPG the 84 is about 1.5 mpg less on average from what I have seen. Hope this helps.

 

[Glensgages]

While my Corvette is NOT a C4, it is a Cross-Fire, with just 19,800 original miles on the clock.
The Cross-Fire was available just 2 years; NOBODY ever 'seriously' tried to hot-rod them (check-out the 'Cross-Fire Forum"), but I'm told that you CAN do some simple mods to them (headers w/ O2-sensor, port your intake, or install an 'X-Ram' intake, mild cam, etc.) without screwing-up the stock computer, as well as rear gears, shift-kit, converter, etc.
As far as mileage, the only time I took my '82 very far, it got 23+ MPG @ 75-80+ MPH, T-tops off, A/C on, without even 'trying', with the original (soon to be replaced by 3.73s) 2.87:1 gears.
I'm not trying to 'sell' anybody on getting a Cross-Fire, and I'd never 'drop' one into another car, buy don't "NOT" buy an '84, just because of the CFI.
If it's a good car, in good condition, you like it, and can afford it, GET IT!!!
You COULD buy a TPI-car that's a mud-slug...
:duh

 

[Alloydude]

Cross-Fire or TPI, I’d have to say that the impression factor is about the same. Nothings like a Vette.

 

[elkabong]

I have an 84 and no complaints. Sure it is not as 'advanced' because it does not have TPI but heck it is a Corvette none the less and quite reliable and fun to drive to boot. As mentioned in earlier postes check out http://www.crossfire.homeip.net:81/cftest/default.asp. You can set them up to run mid 13's which ain't bad - IMHO.

 

[lincoln]

Where do you find the "Cross Fire Forum" ??

 

[Alloydude]

Hey Lincoln. Try this address

http://www.crossfire.homeip.net/