TPI intake on an LT1??
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Indy
TPI intake on an LT1?? I have a budget project build on my hands..
I Have an '87 debadged GTA that had a TPI 350 in it.. had problems, so I pulled it.. and have since gotten an LT1 out of a '97 Camaro and a 6-speed setup out of a '95 Camaro...
Anyway, since this is on a budget right now, I want to get it running and on the road.. then do it right later on. What issues, problems, etc am I going to run into with the TPI setup on the LT1? Seems like it matches up.. but I have found out apparently the LT1 intake doesn't have coolant flow through it, but the TPI does.. if thats the case, how to I get aroud that?
I don't want to deal with an Opti.. and since the existing wiring is there and the block has the setup for the old distributor, I can save a bunch of money as:
Opti $500
Wiring and computer >$700
modified LT1 intake and injectors $500
The object right now is to get it to run, there is alot of money that needs to be spent just to complete the engine ie. modifyed timing cover, valve covers, gaskets, accessory brackets, pulleys, and accessorys.
There will be alot of things going on with this car over the next few years so stay tuned
I Have an '87 debadged GTA that had a TPI 350 in it.. had problems, so I pulled it.. and have since gotten an LT1 out of a '97 Camaro and a 6-speed setup out of a '95 Camaro...
Anyway, since this is on a budget right now, I want to get it running and on the road.. then do it right later on. What issues, problems, etc am I going to run into with the TPI setup on the LT1? Seems like it matches up.. but I have found out apparently the LT1 intake doesn't have coolant flow through it, but the TPI does.. if thats the case, how to I get aroud that?
I don't want to deal with an Opti.. and since the existing wiring is there and the block has the setup for the old distributor, I can save a bunch of money as:
Opti $500
Wiring and computer >$700
modified LT1 intake and injectors $500
The object right now is to get it to run, there is alot of money that needs to be spent just to complete the engine ie. modifyed timing cover, valve covers, gaskets, accessory brackets, pulleys, and accessorys.
There will be alot of things going on with this car over the next few years so stay tuned
Last edited by KITTvsKARR; Nov 2, 2007 at 05:07 PM.
This link contains details that show what's involved in modifying a stock LT1 intake to fit a SBC.
Since you'll be keeping the intake with the original motor it came on and just want to set it up to use the vehicle's ignition, the only part you need to pay attention to is the section that deals with modifying for the distributor:
http://www.lt1intake.com/files/swapping.htm
Going to all the trouble to modify a TPI intake to fit an LT1 is a huge waste of time.
Since you'll be keeping the intake with the original motor it came on and just want to set it up to use the vehicle's ignition, the only part you need to pay attention to is the section that deals with modifying for the distributor:
http://www.lt1intake.com/files/swapping.htm
Going to all the trouble to modify a TPI intake to fit an LT1 is a huge waste of time.
TECH Junkie
Joined: Dec 2005
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In stock form there is not enough material for the TPI intake manifold ports to match up to the LT1 heads to make a good seal. You would have to have some welding involved. Then there are numerous other problems such as the manifold bolts and the issues regarding water. Like was said above I would forget it.
Last edited by 1989GTA; Nov 2, 2007 at 09:18 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: Indy
Thats the thing.. I don't HAVE the stock LT1 intake.. that remaind with the previous owner... to get one and get it modded for the distributor is going to run me $650... can't imagine it would cost that much to get this set up to work.... I'm confused.. what is needed to be done to the TPI setup? I understand about the coolant.. but that can be bypassed...
Last edited by KITTvsKARR; Nov 2, 2007 at 05:05 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: Indy
NM.. I just went out and put it back on to see.. when I did it last night, it was really late and dark and I was tired and matched up the 4 outside bolts.. didn't think about the middle ones.. you're right.. doesn't even come close.. 
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If I understand all this correctly, you want to install a LT1 long block (block and heads) into a TPI car using the TPI intake manifold.
You can’t use the Optispark setup unless you use a LT1 based PCM and wiring harness. It’s pickup and communication methods with the PCM are unique and cannot be mixed with a non-LT1 PCM.
Assuming you get past all the mechanical, cooling and fitment issues, this may actually work.
Don’t expect it to perform much better than a TPI motor as the intake system was a major limiting factor in making power and where in the RPM band the power was produced.
Honestly, if you want to go an easier route, acquire the GM manifold that’ll allow you to use a carburetor and a HEI distributor. They also have the kit that closes up the opti hole in the timing cover. You’ll still need the stock camshaft driven water pump.
You can’t use the Optispark setup unless you use a LT1 based PCM and wiring harness. It’s pickup and communication methods with the PCM are unique and cannot be mixed with a non-LT1 PCM.
Assuming you get past all the mechanical, cooling and fitment issues, this may actually work.
Don’t expect it to perform much better than a TPI motor as the intake system was a major limiting factor in making power and where in the RPM band the power was produced.
Honestly, if you want to go an easier route, acquire the GM manifold that’ll allow you to use a carburetor and a HEI distributor. They also have the kit that closes up the opti hole in the timing cover. You’ll still need the stock camshaft driven water pump.
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Thread Starter
Teching In
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From: Indy
Yeah, like said, it won't fit like I originally thought.. I NEVER was planning on using the opti.. I want to use the distrubitor since the wiring harness is already there for it.. which is why I originally wanted to use the TPI since it was free (already had it) and it was ready for the Dist. Don't want to go carb.. eventually this will go turbo.. but just wanted to get the car on the road first. then upgrade as I got funds for it instead of letting it rot in the driveway. So as I said.. I'll be looking for an LT1 intake and have it modded for the dist.
TECH Senior Member
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From: Decatur, TN (N-W of Athens)
To be honest, the TPI Speed Density isn't all that differen from the LT1 Speed Density. I think that if you really wanted to run a TPI on a LT1, you need to do some engineering. I'd see if somehow you could keep the reverse flow of the LT1 and block the intake from having coolant. It would keep the intake much cooler. It would make a really sweet towing motor since it'd make enormous torque.
Thread Starter
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From: Indy
Well.. like stated above.. the middle bolt holes don't match up at all.. in fact there isn't anything to bolt to for 2 of them.. so not sure how I could engineer that...
As you can see the hols that don't match up.. pretty much the only ones that do are the 4 corners..
As you can see the hols that don't match up.. pretty much the only ones that do are the 4 corners..
Not that it matters but it looks to me like that TPI manifold was on a Corvette at one time. At Summit, the intake is $270 and the opti cover is $60. Pretty cheep to get a LT1 up and running. I'd think it'll run pretty decent, too.
You could even leave the optispark in place and not connect it to anything to plug up the hole.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...2&autoview=sku
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku
You could even leave the optispark in place and not connect it to anything to plug up the hole.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...2&autoview=sku
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku
Thread Starter
Teching In
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From: Indy
I appreciate that.. but I dont have an opti... I don't have the injectors, I dont have the intake, etc from the LT1.. I just have the longblock.. no accessories (yet), no top end, etc. There is a guy I talked to a while back that will supply me with a worked LT1 manifold with injectors for a Dist for $400. So I gotta find him again.. lol.
