Is it possible to retrofit a TPI system off of a L98 onto a 1970 Chevy 350?? I have read conflicting information and want to make sure I know the facts. I am looking at putting a 350 into my 88 Fiero and have an old 70 model in my shop if it is possible to use this engine and add a TPI system then all I would have to do is rebuild it. Thanks in advance for the info

Sure, anything's possible with a big enough budget. All you need to do is put the complete TPI system on. That includes all the necessary sensors, and an ECM. Tuning it may be difficult if your engine isn't close to anything the factory offered. But then, you can always get a dyno to burn you a custom chip, or go with an aftermarket ECM that will allow you to tune it yourself with a laptop. Check into Painless Wiring. I know they make wiring harnesses to mate TPI to vehicles that didn't originally have it. That's a good place to start looking for detailed info. Also, check with V8 Archie, since he's probably done it before.

No problem. If the lower TPI intake is from '87 or newer (centerbolt valve covers) you'll need to slot two of the bolt holes.

Is there issues with tuning...I wouldn't think there would be b/c they are both 350's and I would be rebuilding the 70 block with new parts anyway...any more input would be great...thanks

Nope, no issues with tuning, just slap the TPI intake and what not on ( requires what Rockcrawl said on 86 and earlier heads)

Actually its the 2 center holes on either side in the middle of the Intake manifold that need to be oblonged.

Add an O2, oil pressure switch/sender and knock sensor, wire it up and your good to go.

All the other needed sensors are mounted in the TPI intake and plenum.

If you choose to use the new style 86-up heads, those will bolt to the earlier blocks.

The new Vortec heads will not match up to the factory TPI intake if you think about going that route.

I used a 73 4 bolt main block, and the heads and TPI set up from a 91 350 F-bird.

Everything works perfect, and asthetically it looks proper other than the dipstick tube on the wrong side.

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1988GT T-Tops, 5spd, Loaded

Is it hard to hook up the knock sensor? Also Since I would be using a 1970 Chevy truck engine could I use some aluminum heads from an L98 Camaro, Corvette, Firebird, Transam eninge(1987-1992)? I would plan on using the TPI system from the L98 engine. Also what would be a good book to get on rebuilding a Chevy 350? Thanks

Install the knock sensor in one of the block drain holes, pull the plug and install the knock sensor. thats where it is in a factory TPI sbc.

Use some pipe dope on it, not teflon tape.

Boring it shouldn't be a great big issue, I didn't bore mine, but I know guys that bore their F-bodies without any issues.

pipe dope?

All the above sounds correct, boring the block is not a problem either. You have two choices with the TPI, Mass Air Flow (MAF) or Speed Density. MAF systems are generally easier to tune than speed density units because they measure actual air flow and the computer adjusts accordingly where as the speed density computers use maps for different parameters. Also, cam selection is an important issue, especially if you want/need to stay emmissions legal. You won't be able to use a cam with a lopey idle or long duration, you need to stay under 220 degrees @ 0.50 lift to run clean enough to pass emmissions. I suggest using a hipo cam made for TPI setups. Crane and comp cams make good ones. A great source for info on TPI setups is TPI Specialties. they are on the web.

"Conventional" performance cams, such as ones for high rise carbeurettor manifolds don't work well with a TPI because of the runner length and resonant characteristics of the intake.

Be sure you go with a TPI specific hipo cam.