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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: g2bird on May 05, 2010, 11:51:30 am

Title: TPI swap help needed
Post by: g2bird on May 05, 2010, 11:51:30 am
So after much research and checking out what some of you have done I decided it would be a good idea to swap to fuel injection.  I ran across a killer deal on a speed density TPI setup I couldn't resist.  It has everything, except a fuel pump.  I was searching around and, correct me if I am wrong, I will need a sending unit out of an 87 and a fuel pump capable of flowing at least 45 PSI.  I was researching and the pump for an LS motor (AC Delco EP381) is the same price as those for a TPI but the LS pump can flow 65 PSI with less amperage draw.  Would that be over kill?  Any reason it would not work?

For those that have done a TPI conversion from carb what problems did you run into that I might need to be aware of?

Thanks
Title: Re: TPI swap help needed
Post by: g2bird on May 06, 2010, 03:10:42 pm
I have done some more checking and it seems as though the EP381 is from the vortec trucks and such. It is supposed to be a direct fit into the 87 fuel sending unit, and still produces 65 psi.  I have found lots of information that say these pumps are more effecient and draw less power while producing greater flow which seems like a good deal, but I can't find anyone who has tried it with a TPI, or at least will share that experience yet.  I'm assuming that I need the passenger side sending unit since the tank in the 79 is on the passenger side?  
Title: Re: TPI swap help needed
Post by: VileZambonie on May 06, 2010, 03:22:58 pm
Get the correct sending unit for the applicable side. Just use the TPI fuel pump.
Title: Re: TPI swap help needed
Post by: Captkaos on May 10, 2010, 05:33:22 pm
I would just get the TPI pump,  AC 241 is what it should be.

Sending units are side specific.
Title: Re: TPI swap help needed
Post by: g2bird on May 11, 2010, 01:56:13 pm
Thanks for the help.  I was looking at either doing that or a Walboro GSL392 in line pump.  Really only reason for the in line is I think I could get it done a little cheaper but I don't know about what to do with the return line with my current sending unit.
Title: Re: TPI swap help needed
Post by: DnStClr on May 11, 2010, 05:35:31 pm
g2bird, the Walbro in line pump runs $125 at summit Racing. You can get the AC in-tank pump that CaptKaos mentioned for @ $72 at Amazon.com. It will be all you need in a fuel pump and considerably more reliable than an in-line pump. You can also replace the fuel pressure regulator with the XtremeFI unit to use the higher fuel pressure. 
Title: Re: TPI swap help needed
Post by: g2bird on May 11, 2010, 11:48:25 pm
Thanks.  I saw that AC pump price.  I should have added that my truck is a 79 with a mild 327 in it and I would have to get an 87 EFI passenger side sending unit too and the cheapest I found was around $85 so the total for the 2 is more.  Unless someone else knows a good source.  I think the in tank is the better route to take.  I'm just trying to stretch my dollar as far as I can safely.  Would a whole sending unit out of a TPI car vette/fbody work or am I asking for trouble?
Title: Re: TPI swap help needed
Post by: Captkaos on May 15, 2010, 12:48:02 am
you need a sending unit out of a pickup.