T.p.i
Hmmm...not sure why you'd want to do that...but like Ive said before, Im not one to say its wrong to do to your car...
However, I dont think it'll fit. The biggest problem will be the back of the plenum...and if you clear that, you'll have to deal with a distributor.
If you could drop the motor down some by modifying the mounts and the k-member, you might be able to squeeze it in. Maybe get a low profile distributor. Or see if there is something out there that'll let you delete the distributor and use coil packs like the LS1...probably more work than its worth but an option I guess.
I gotta admit...if you were to build the TPI to a decent power level, or perhaps go forced induction, that would be kinda cool... It would be the last thing anyone would expect to see under the hood. As far as being different goes, you'd be up there.
When I pulled my 305 TPI from my 87...I lifted the car off of the K-member, and so it wouldnt be in my way, I rolled the k-member and motor and trans under the 99 Camaro donor car. It looked like it would have gone in without too much issue, but I didnt lower the camaro down far enough to see if the cowl would hit. Haha did look kinda neat sitting in there...
Justin
However, I dont think it'll fit. The biggest problem will be the back of the plenum...and if you clear that, you'll have to deal with a distributor.
If you could drop the motor down some by modifying the mounts and the k-member, you might be able to squeeze it in. Maybe get a low profile distributor. Or see if there is something out there that'll let you delete the distributor and use coil packs like the LS1...probably more work than its worth but an option I guess.
I gotta admit...if you were to build the TPI to a decent power level, or perhaps go forced induction, that would be kinda cool... It would be the last thing anyone would expect to see under the hood. As far as being different goes, you'd be up there.
When I pulled my 305 TPI from my 87...I lifted the car off of the K-member, and so it wouldnt be in my way, I rolled the k-member and motor and trans under the 99 Camaro donor car. It looked like it would have gone in without too much issue, but I didnt lower the camaro down far enough to see if the cowl would hit. Haha did look kinda neat sitting in there...
Justin
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I think what everyone is getting at is the fact that the swap will be much more difficult and costly than trading your tpi setup for an lt1 and swapping that in. That will eliminate physical constraints as well as wiring issues and modifications to the car. Have you ever thought of converting your tpi to an lt1?
http://www.lt1intake.com/services.htm
Im guessing you already have a 383 tpi and thats why you are so insistent on doing this. If you converted your tpi, you could still retain your block/heads and use the updated technology of the lt1. This could wire in directly and fit under the cowl. You may still have to buy conversion motor mounts, do a motor plate, or tubular k member if you dont want to use only 2 bolts on the mounts. Or if none of this sounds appealing, sell your tpi and buy an lt1. Thats what i would recommend personally, and thats coming from someone who has swapped a gen 1 motor into a 4th gen. Trust me, its a pain and can end up costing more than expected. Good luck.
http://www.lt1intake.com/services.htm
Im guessing you already have a 383 tpi and thats why you are so insistent on doing this. If you converted your tpi, you could still retain your block/heads and use the updated technology of the lt1. This could wire in directly and fit under the cowl. You may still have to buy conversion motor mounts, do a motor plate, or tubular k member if you dont want to use only 2 bolts on the mounts. Or if none of this sounds appealing, sell your tpi and buy an lt1. Thats what i would recommend personally, and thats coming from someone who has swapped a gen 1 motor into a 4th gen. Trust me, its a pain and can end up costing more than expected. Good luck.
TECH Resident
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD.
I guess the problem is there ARE space issues.
I've got a '93 Z28 with the LT1. And its real tight up in the cowl area (the cowl hangs over the motor by about 6"). And there isn't really any space at the back for a distributor, which is why its either Optishit or distributorless ignition. And even if there was space, it'd be nearly impossible to change the cap / rotor.
The LT1 intake does have some drawbacks. Its not all that great with respect to tuning (short runners).
'JustDreamin'
I've got a '93 Z28 with the LT1. And its real tight up in the cowl area (the cowl hangs over the motor by about 6"). And there isn't really any space at the back for a distributor, which is why its either Optishit or distributorless ignition. And even if there was space, it'd be nearly impossible to change the cap / rotor.
The LT1 intake does have some drawbacks. Its not all that great with respect to tuning (short runners).
'JustDreamin'
If you're going to go through that trouble swap in one of the aftermarket TPI style intakes instead. Then again, you could just modify an LT1 intake for a distributor and use that, but you'd need the right heads...
Regardless, this is a lot of work for an SBC 383, why not just sell what you have and get a built LT1 or a mild LSx? You'll probably save weight and have way less fitment issues. That 4th Gen cowl is no fun to play with.
Regardless, this is a lot of work for an SBC 383, why not just sell what you have and get a built LT1 or a mild LSx? You'll probably save weight and have way less fitment issues. That 4th Gen cowl is no fun to play with.
TECH Regular
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 456
Likes: 5
Very late to this conversation but, is it possible to modify a TPI intake to fit on the LT1 motor? It is stated that the TPI intake is only 2 3/4 inches taller than the LT1 intake, it should be able to fit, but it will be tight beyond belief.
^^^^ Only 10 years late! You'll have a hole where the distributor used to be, and the holes to bolt the intake to the heads are further apart between the intake holes on the LT1, so I don't think there would be anything to drill a hole in for the bolts on the TPI intake.
TECH Regular
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 456
Likes: 5
^^^^ Only 10 years late! You'll have a hole where the distributor used to be, and the holes to bolt the intake to the heads are further apart between the intake holes on the LT1, so I don't think there would be anything to drill a hole in for the bolts on the TPI intake.
If this could be done, would it be a problem to install such an intake on the LT1 motor? I for one am not concerned about the loss of top end performance, but I do need to talk with L98 owners since I am almost turning my LT1 into an L98, or the spitting image of the LT5, in the most literal terms it's image as appearing in spit!
Last edited by Phoenix'97; Oct 8, 2017 at 11:05 AM.