Putting a TPI engine in a 1985 Chevy truck

[glen_t_90]

I have a 1988 firebird and a 1985 Chevy truck. I wrecked the firebird and bent the frame, so now I want to put that engine into my truck. I just would like to know how much I would have to do to get it going. Thanks.

[eventhorizon66]

What does the truck have now?  A 350 or a 305?  If it is currently a 305, I'd say the TPI 305 would be an upgrade.  If it's a 350, just swap the TPI unit on (you will need a new base manifold from a TPI Vette or aftermarket for Vette application).  Either way this is a great opportunity to inject your truck.  What trans does the truck have?  And the 'bird?  If they're both 700R4s you're golden.  I've never done this, but I suspect it's very easy and, with a Firebird to cannibalize, you already have most of the parts there at your disposal.

[glen_t_90]

The truck has a 305 now and a 700/r4. The car has a T5 5-speed.

[glen_t_90]

700R4

[topp]

What does the truck have now?  A 350 or a 305?  If it is currently a 305, I'd say the TPI 305 would be an upgrade.  If it's a 350, just swap the TPI unit on (you will need a new base manifold from a TPI Vette or aftermarket for Vette application).  Either way this is a great opportunity to inject your truck.  What trans does the truck have?  And the 'bird?  If they're both 700R4s you're golden.  I've never done this, but I suspect it's very easy and, with a Firebird to cannibalize, you already have most of the parts there at your disposal.

You'd have to do a lot more....

ECM from Donor and wire harness needs to come over too.

You'd have to get the ECM tuned to the new motor size for the TPI or it would run way lean.
New injectors prolly as well....

[glen_t_90]

I am putting the whole engine in from the firebird so the engine size would not change.

[78Big10]

doing the same swap on my 78 except getting parts one by one. Theres alot involved to retro-fit fuel injection on a carburated truck you have to rebuild the entire fuel system (high pressure pump, high pressure sender lines, return lines). reprogram the ecu accounting for tire diameter, rear end ratio, vehicle weight, etc. its not too hard just time intensive and a little expensive. anyway good luck with your swap!

[eventhorizon66]

You'd have to do a lot more....

ECM from Donor and wire harness needs to come over too.

You'd have to get the ECM tuned to the new motor size for the TPI or it would run way lean.
New injectors prolly as well....

Yep, wiring and high pressure fuel system.  That doesn't sound like too much to me.  I didn't mean to imply with was a bolt-in affair.  It's a project for sure.  But a complete donor will minimize new parts, making the whole thing easier and faster than piecing it together.  And I think it's worth while, even if it's from carb 305 to TPI 305.  That'll get the TPI in and running.  Then down the line, when the 350 is in order, your just a chip and (maybe) a fuel injector set away from a really nice combo.

[Captkaos]

The biggest part you have covered already.  The engine and wiring.  you can get most of the fuel line from Inline Tube or Classic Tube, and you will need a sending unit for a EFI truck and a pump for your F-body.  The front lines you can either move them to the back of the rail or feed them to the back.

[slammed79]

Where do you live?

[VileZambonie]

Check out pugsy123's yellow truck he did a tpi swap.

[glen_t_90]

I live in Mercer, Pennsylvania.