I have an 86 Z28 with the Rochester 4bbrl. I recently bought an 86 Iroc TPI with 82k original miles. Other than some oil leaking from a loose intake (I think) when hot, the engine really ran well. It is the 305 TPI and everything looks to be original and unmolested. As a matter of fact I have a folder with every receipt for everything done to this car. I'm looking to pull the TPI out and pop it into my z28. I understand the computer will have to be swapped and I assume another fuel line for return will have to be installed. Other than that how practical is a swap like this for the novice backyard mechanic?

 

Did the same thing on mine 6 yrs ago. Best thing in my opinion is to get the computer, and maybe look into getting an aftermarket wiring harness for simplicity. Yes the extra fuel line will have to be ran, however taking the tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, and the motor out at once which is what I did, you should have no problems. Everything should bolt right up.

 

Do you mean taking the tank and lines from the donor car? Can fuel lines & tank be reused on another car without bending/busting them all up?

 

your best bet would be to PB blast everything down that you need and slowly take everything off, I would just get all new rubber hosing for the fuel lines. No sense in taken off the lines and having them leak down the road a few weeks later. Its not that expensive to get hoses. check for rust too while your under there.

 

I reused the donor cars fuel lines. I took it out carefully and reinstalled it carefully. No problems. Before I knew wether or not it would work I took the tank lines and computer and ran the motor on the engine stand.

 

How do you even begin to remove a fuel tank?

 

You have to drop the rear end, first.

 

Take a trip over to www.chevythunder.com.
He has a lot of good stuff on the TPI upgrade.
I've used his thread and everything I've learned here and have done 5 different installs in non TPI stuff.
Ron