TPI, cams, and rockers

[MaineShark]

I'm thinking, while I have half my engine compartment apart to do the TPI installation, I might as well tear some more apart.

So, what camshafts might be a good addition, to work with the TPI well (within the ability of the MAF to compensate - I don't want a new chip), and not be too extreme.

For those who haven't been following the whole project, the car has 3.55 rear gearing (stock with the TH350 auto), dual 2 1/2" exhaust (when I pull it out to put the O2 sensor in, I will add a crossover H pipe), and is a daily driver during the summer. So, something reasonable for the street, and something that will complement the TPI system's low-end torque well.

And, while I'm doing the cam, I figure I may as well replace the rockers with roller rockers. I may have a lead on Crane Gold rockers for a good price (after I find out if they will fit my engine). Does that sound like a good idea? I know a few people around here have tried the Comp Cams roller rockers, and liked them, but I haven't heard many reports about the Crane rockers. Will they fit under the valve covers?

Also, is it a good idea to change the timing chain, while I'm in there, or is that more one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" things? Anything else that needs to be replaced at the same time?

This is becoming a significant project That's half the fun, though. I do think it may end up being a fall project, rather than a spring project, at this rate. I'd rather do it right, all at once, and take it apart ten different times. I wanna be driving it, not wrenching on it

Joe

 

[skeetimer]

I would like to know as well. I have an 82 that I plan on installing TPI on and would like to change cams and rockers. Would like some good suggestions for that set up.

 

[phoenix73]

Here is what I'm doing with a slightly different setup.

I've got a 73 L48 auto (TH400, stock stall, shift kit), stock heads (for now), 3.08 rear.

I am swapping in an L98 TPI fuel injection system with a custom wiring harness and chip based on the above information as well as a Comp Cam which is very similar to the XE256, but set up for fuel injection. Dynomax headers as well.

I called comp cams, crane, summit, TPI and the place that I bought my EFI system (affordable Fuel Injection). Basically, they all said that since I am putting in a stock TPI system, and for now I have stock heads, I should look for low end torque. They all said that I should stay under 220 duration on both exhaust and intake.

Affordable EFI will reburn chips for me until I am happy, but I have local vette friends who can burn them too.

My advice is to call comp cams and crane to see what they recommend. They may recommend something different for you since you have higher rear gears.

Good luck, it looks like we will be doing about the same thing at around the same time.

I'm just about to finish with the rearend and get the car off jackstands so that I can pull the engine.