Alright well this isnt your every day thirdgen swap. Right now the system is going to be on a basically homebuilt zz4 engine in a 71 camaro (No need for EGR or other smog parts). I didnt buy the zz4 but I used the corvette aluminum 58cc heads, a cam almost identical to it , etc etc...

So for posting purposes lets just assume its a zz4. I've spent about 2 hours researching TPI on this forum and the general consensus is that a stock tpi system will not provide power past 5k rpms and will basically reduce hp by 20-30 from my engine?

My question is can I port the stock tpi system to beable to handle the motor or am I going to be better off using an aftermarket system?

I've been hoping to do this for maybe around 600 bucks? My holley 750 is sucking gas like no tomorrow (13-15 mpg) so I figure I'd make up the money in gas over the next year?

Thank you for your time,

Dennis

 

For your application and budget, I would actually recommend a well tuned Quadrajet and an overdrive transmissions. You would pick up way more mpg's/$$$ than with the TPI IMHO.

 

Well I actually want to go FI for better throttle response, better starting, and for better gas mileage. A t56 is next in the plans after this so yeah.

I'm guessing the TPI system wont take full advantage of the motor so what else should I be looking at and at which price range?

 

The thing about a $600 budget in your situation is the older car issue. Don't get me wrong, I luv 'em. I have one I'm been trying to convert to TPI for a few years now (school is $$$$). The problem is that the fuel tank has to be modified to provide baffling or a sump to prevent fuel slosh as well as installation somewhere of a high pressure fuel pump (usually also in the tank, but can be installed externally). You also need to mod (if not replace) your fuel lines with larger diamter ones to accomodate the EFI (I believe it is 5/8" inlet, 3/8" return, but I am not sure about the exact measurements). I don't know how much of this work you are planning on doing yourself, but when I checked on just getting the tank modded for my '68 chevelle a few years back, I was looking at $400 +.

Now I'm not saying all this to deter you, I'm just trying to work within your budget. If you do the above, I personally believe a stock TPI unit would hold back your motor and cost more than $600. Earlier I recommended a tuned Q-Jet and an overdrive tranny as my choice for your budget. I still believe a WELL TUNED Q-jet on a dual plan would be hard to beat. If you are hard set on EFI, then I think you could MAY be able to do a TBI conversion for less $$$ than a TPI conversion, given the mods needed to the tanks. I'm less sure about that, but I am thinking you may not need the tank baffling, which would save you quite a bit of money. I guess the ultimate problem at hand is upstart expenses. $600 isn't much to work with. If you want, PM me and I will give you the rundown on all the expenses I have encountered with EFI parts for my Chevelle.

 

rather than modify the existing tank, wouldn't he be able to swap in a tank from a 3rd gen, or possibly a fuel cell?

if money is a factor, don't discount the effectiveness of a well setup TBI configuration. cheaper to construct than a tpi, and still gives you most of the characteristics you are looking for. plus, if in the future you wish to upgrade to a tpi or related system (miniram, super ram, etc.) you are already plumbed for high pressure fuel.

 

If it fits, and I have no idea on that.

I know TBI runs at much lower pressures than TPI...I wanna say around 12psi or so. I don't know how much different the plumbing is from a MPFI vehicle. I think just the pump is different. I agree with the rest. TBI would probably be the best route given $$$ restrictions.