:confused:Opinions?

Found an '85 Corvette 350 TPI on CL for $850. Seller tells me it has the 'spider' intake; sounds like it's a first gen sbc w/GM EFI or?

If its a true Corvette TPI, will it 'bolt-in' to my '70 EC bay and frame, and clear a non-hump hood?

If all that works, will it mate to a 700R4?

Haven't gone to see it yet; maybe 80 mi. drive next weeked.

Clarification: would this sbc be a good efi upgrade candidate if it fits 'as is' [looking for smoother operation/mpg], or is it worth it to search for a later TPI, such as '87 which then, supposedly, added roller lifters.

If you go to the trouble of upgrading to an EFI setup, why not do it with an LS engine? Even a 4.8L truck engine will run circles around an 85 TPI.

Andrew

Ok. Which LS will fit my stock frame mounts, headers, 700R4 and fit under the non SS hood?
BTW, i also want roller liftrs, reg pump gas and cruise control .
Thanks for your time.

I did the TPI swap into my 72 about 15 years ago. Back then it was a pretty hot deal, nowadays not so much. The motor IS the same basic 350 as originally installed in your 70 so there would not be any problems with the install.

But, as stated if you are gonna do it, take advantage of the technology improvements of the last 10 years. Go LS :D Either motor will fit under a flat hood, but the LS will require new motor mount plates, headers and more. There is now a forum devoted to LS motors further down the page, check it out.

Have a look here:

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/1009784-lsx-into-64-72-gm-body.html

There are a number of very well documented LSx engine swaps that will give you an idea of what is involved.

As has been stated, you will need engine mount adapter plates and an oilpan. There are numerous options for both. Before I make any recommendations it would be good to know what your goals are for the car and your budget.

Andrew

>>> "Ok. Which LS will fit my stock frame mounts, headers, 700R4 and fit under the non SS hood? "

None. it's not a bolt in at all.

Tom, Andrew and Rick: thanks for the prompt guidance.

Rick, are you saying the '85 350 TPI [out of a Corvette] will fit gen.1 motor mounts?
Is it otherwise known as an LT1?
A bit confused, eventhough I've read thru a bunch of info from 'wiki' to 'FIS'. Think I'll trawl the above link.
I think I've had a mental block against the LSx's: reverse h20 pump rotation, serpentine drives, engine mount adaptors,...seems like a lot of 'retro engineering' cost.

Reading the LSx link now.

Tom, Andrew and Rick: thanks for the prompt guidance.

Rick, are you saying the '85 350 TPI [out of a Corvette] will fit gen.1 motor mounts?
Is it otherwise known as an LT1?
A bit confused, eventhough I've read thru a bunch of info from 'wiki' to 'FIS'. Think I'll trawl the above link.
I think I've had a mental block against the LSx's: reverse h20 pump rotation, serpentine drives, engine mount adaptors,...seems like a lot of 'retro engineering' cost.

Reading the LSx link now.


There is nothing to be afraid of. Complete engines and transmission packages can be had very reasonably. FYI, the 85 TPI is not an LT1. The LT1 was only made from 91 to 97.

Again, as soon as you start talking about EFI, there is no reason not to look at a LSx swap, because putting EFI on a Gen I SBC, or even using a TPI engine will not result in stellar performance or great gas mileage.

Again, it would really be nice to know your goals and budget.

Andrew

OK.
Goals: smoother idle, smoother acceleration curve, better fuel efficiency, w/out losing the low end torque of the 650cfm-headered-gen1 sbc car presently has [I have a feeling the LSx will easily surpass it].
I like my BTO 700R4, so I'd like to keep that in place if possible, but not sure if it will mate up to an LSx and provide ECM shift control. Maybe better w/out?

Would also like to keep the aluminum Howe radiator/transcooler in place.
Down the road: a state of the art cruise control and modern AC.
Trans=700R4
Current 3rd member= eaton posi, 3.36:1

Budget: up to 4k for engine, including headers. [4k includes a great mechanic who services I can still afford].
I estimate about 1 to 1.5k for the services + 2.5k for the engine [presumes locating a recycle yard engine to be re-built.]
Forgot to budget for the fuel tank/pump acommodations- heard some late model Buick wagon tanks will work on an El Camino?

OK.
Goals: smoother idle, smoother acceleration curve, better fuel efficiency, w/out losing the low end torque of the 650cfm-headered-gen1 sbc car presently has [I have a feeling the LSx will easily surpass it].
I like my BTO 700R4, so I'd like to keep that in place if possible, but not sure if it will mate up to an LSx and provide ECM shift control. Maybe better w/out?

Would also like to keep the aluminum Howe radiator/transcooler in place.
Down the road: a state of the art cruise control and modern AC.
Trans=700R4
Current 3rd member= eaton posi, 3.36:1

Budget: up to 4k for engine, including headers. [4k includes a great mechanic who services I can still afford].
I estimate about 1 to 1.5k for the services + 2.5k for the engine [presumes locating a recycle yard engine to be re-built.]
Forgot to budget for the fuel tank/pump acommodations- heard some late model Buick wagon tanks will work on an El Camino?

It sounds like a 5.3L with a 4L60E trans will work great for you. The 4L60E is basically the same as a 700R only it is computer controlled. You can sell your current 700r to offset some costs.

I would try to purchase a complete engine, trans, ecu, accessories, the works, package. There are many salvage yards that do this. A 5.3L out of a van or 2 wheel drive truck should do it. Most 5.3L engines are rated at around 300HP and have a ton of low end torque. You can use all factory electronics with minor modifications to the harness.

The link that I posted has a ton of info that will hopefully inspire you to go down this road. I think you will be very pleased.

Andrew

Thanks for the info and recommendations Andrew.
I'll be looking at more articles on the swap. Meanwhile, what are the gains-losses of going with a 5.7 over a 5.3L?

Also, are the LSx series variable-valve-timing engines? Whats the good and bad of that, if so?