You can likely find a nearly complete TPI system on eBay,
www.ThirdGen.org classified section, or several other sites. The information on Bernie's site (
www.sethirdgen.org) is very good. Presuming this is going on top of a 350, you may want to lean toward a speed/density system (1990-later) as opposed to a MAF system. Either would work, but avoid the 1985 MAF systems at all costs. The '85 systems used a bastard MAF (FM type), 8-bit processor and minimal addressing capability of the processor, and increasingly rarer support modules for the ECM (burnoff, I/O buffer, ESC).
The '86-89 MAF systems are more tolerant of modificaions, but can be a bit restrictive at higher RPM ranges (above 4,800) without some open loop reprogramming. The '90-92 S/D systems don't pose quite the same restrictions, but still can fall off at higher RPMs due to the runner lengths, and will likely require more frequent reprogramming with modifications. The S/D systems also are more likely to have the problematic Multec injectors, whereas earlier systems used Rochester/Bosch injectors that are far more reliable.
Actually, the programming is rather easy, and
should be done for either system. You'll probably want to review the timing tables, injector constant, and V/E tables on S/D systems, and LV8 tables on either system. You'll also want to consider enabling the Highway Fuel and Spark Modes that the factory programmed, but disabled. Many relatively high power ThirdGen F-cars are making close to (and some over) 30MPG highway with these modes enabled. With either system, you'll need to provide a VSS input. The '86-88 ECM firmware will accept the older type VSS quadrature input. The newer ECMs may require the swap to a newer style VSS, which could be problematic if your's it loaded into the speedo housing iinstead of mounted to the transmission (I'm not certain how the Y-cars did that).
The '86-'89 1227165 ECM can support a VATS system with an external module, and require external ESC. '90-up '730 ECMs have the VATS and ESC internal to the ECM (with the exception of the starter interlock relay), and can be programmed more extensively than the earlier '165 ECMs. Many aftermarket base programs have tables that are extended to 6,300+ RPM, as opposed to 5,600 RPM in stock program tables.
If you have your choices, and decide to go with the analog MAF system, the year won't matter (so long as it isn't the 1985). Any '165 ECM can be programmed for VATS, manual or auto trans, single or dual AIR valves, cold start injector or not, and about any other option that was available through the 1993 model year. The EGR is not a problem either way (with programming).
Ideally, you could get an S/D system, the necessary harness, ECM, sensors, injectors, and retrofit an LT1 intake with a provision for your "normal" distributor installation. The converted LT1 intakes are available for about $400, and completely change the torque/RPM characteristics of the engine/fuel system. A system from an F-body is likely going to be more available, and therefore less costly, but you need to realize that the wiring harness will have to be altered (lengthened) to enable you to install the ECM in the stock (Y-Car) location behind the left seat. Altering the existing E4ME wire harness is not an option. Painless Wiring may have a prefabricated harness that would solve this.
As another note, whatever you get, send your used injectors out for service as soon as you get the system.
www.cruzinperformance.com does excellent work at a very reasonable price.
