stock TPI vs high-rise and carbs

[Bill Riggs]

Hi folks,
I am thinking about changing my 85's TPI intake system into a high-rise and dual carb system. Yeah, I'll play with it from time to time but not for racing. I just like the old style setups. What else will I need to change and what kind of headaches can I expect? :cool

 

[redc4corvette]

Hood may not close??

 

[Bill Riggs]

TPI intake change

While the hood is off for the rebuild, I'll have it cut and refinished to fit the mod's.

Hood may not close??

 

[G Winter]

I would assume that you are going to install a diff cam to handle the extra breathing?

 

[Vettelt193]

Hi folks,
I am thinking about changing my 85's TPI intake system into a high-rise and dual carb system. Yeah, I'll play with it from time to time but not for racing. I just like the old style setups. What else will I need to change and what kind of headaches can I expect? :cool

I can't even imagine the computer problems... if you have auto or 4+3, they both have some computer interaction, and I am not sure how much of that ties to engine... The digital dash will probably be a nightmare (every carbed C4 I have personally seen has a whole new dash with 'regular' instruments). so, you would be forced to go with a custom computer, and figure it all out... or possibly spoof the computer in the car to thinking it has fuel injection still... or dump the computer and hope for the best?

 

[Ken]

That's what I did ...

...dump the computer and hope for the best?

Although I did stick with fuel injection.

I went with the Electromotive TEC3.

Keep us informed as to the decision and progress of the project.

 

[WhalePirot]

if you have auto or 4+3, both have some computer interaction

'Separate' automatics can be had.

The '+3' switching can be bypassed, as many have done. The relay gets switched directly by the console switch, instead of passing a 'request' to the ECM.

I would ask what your goal is. A properly setup ECM can smoothly and more effectively (and efficiently) run a wilder engine than a carb. There is a lot to learn, but if you have the basics mastered, this electronic approach is merely an extension of what you know.

 

[Bill Riggs]

Man, I really appreciate all the input.
Yes, I expect to change the cam while I have it open for new timing gears and chain. The ECM is what I'm concerned about. I've made similar mods on older hotrods but nothing newer than a 78 Chevelle. As for the tranny, I'm planning to replace the 4+3 with a Richmond 6spd. Still, having seen Space Odyssey 2001 and 2010, I can just picture me and "Hal" the computer going at it over the changes.
I may just try and find myself another 79-81 model to play with.