TPI Conversion Progress/Process - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Captkaos** · 08-26-2005, 11:42 AM

This past weekend I started working on the pieces required to convert my '78 Jimmy to TPI. I had purchased an SLP TPI harness back in '95 that they were clearing out and had it sitting around for a while. A while back I picked up a TPI intake, MAP setup and Distributor. Well plans have started moving forward to convert the truck (I HATE carbs..)

Wednesday: recieved the new Blazer EFI sending unit from GM

Thursday: ordered fuel lines for a '90 Blazer -not here YET

Friday: ordered: Sensor kit, 127749 ecm (turbo app ECM), 350 TPI prom, stainless steel bolt kit, and throttle body gasket kit and it arrived on Wednesday.

Saturday: started laying out the TPI pieces and started cleaning them up.

Now that the ECM is here I can start repinning the MAP harness from SLP so it can plug into the 7749 ECM and function properly. This should be fun.

There are a few other odds/ends that I need, but progress has started.

87baggedc10 · 08-26-2005, 12:02 PM

looks like a lot of fun.good luck cant wait to see it done

86 GMG · 08-26-2005, 12:02 PM

good good i see those pictures and i see a lot of beer intake b/c i would get mad and quit obviously you see something else. good luck and have fun maybe on of these days i will put up for a motel and you come here and do this for me b/c it would be sweet to not have to pump the hell out of the truck to get it to start in mornings of winter. and the remote start options you can buy be kick a$$ also

bigblock73 · 08-26-2005, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captkaos

(I HATE carbs..)

I HATE wiring...and that there pic scares the crap outta me!

Good luck on the swap CHris, and keep of posted for sure!

Jonboy · 08-26-2005, 02:17 PM

If you are going to run a MAP sensor and all, why not use the 730 (speed density) ECM? Or do you mean MAF? It seems like that would simplify things a lot if your harness is a SD harness.

Russell · 08-26-2005, 02:19 PM

Just think, I did all of those wires by hand! lol

Actually, they are pretty simple, Either go from ECM to ECM, or from 12 volts to ECM. Just a whole lotta little individual circuits

Turbo app eh? I can't wait to see that engine run with a turbo on it! I am very seriously considering turbocharging mine too

**Captkaos** · 08-26-2005, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonboy

If you are going to run a MAP sensor and all, why not use the 730 (speed density) ECM? Or do you mean MAF? It seems like that would simplify things a lot if your harness is a SD harness.

I was apparently typing that to fast and didn't give a good explanation. The intake I purchased was a MAF setup (85-89). I am converting the intake to MAP setup. Instead of using the normal MAP ECM (7730) I am using the 7749 computer which allows me to run a 2bar MAP sensor, which adjusts for boost. The 7730 harness is what the SLP setup is for. I have to repin certain wires for the 7730 harness to work with the 7749 ECM. I won't be using a MAF anymore.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell

Just think, I did all of those wires by hand! lol

Actually, they are pretty simple, Either go from ECM to ECM, or from 12 volts to ECM. Just a whole lotta little individual circuits

Turbo app eh? I can't wait to see that engine run with a turbo on it! I am very seriously considering turbocharging mine too

Yeah the hookup isn't that complicated. The only pain is moving certain wires on the plug to work with the 7749. I don't envy the manual wiring. When SLP put these up for sale is when I first started on the plans for the Hilborn EFI. I didn't even have the intake yet, but for $79 I couldn't turn it down.

This engine won't get alot of boost because it is completely stock, but I got the ECM for when the Jimmy gets an inline6 with Twin Turbos. I am planning on integrating one of my brothers STS systems on the Jimmy with the 350.

Jonboy · 08-26-2005, 04:28 PM

That makes a whole lot more sense. I didn't catch the boosted part.

C&C Chevy · 08-26-2005, 05:30 PM

Be sure to do a good write-up with alot of pics.

Looks awesome Capt!

**N2TRUX** · 08-26-2005, 05:51 PM

Hey, I'm impressed already. You got all the parts out and took pictures. That in itself is a good start....

bigarmzz · 08-26-2005, 09:32 PM

man, those pictures just make my head hurt

bagged74 · 08-26-2005, 10:49 PM

I've been there, it should be pretty straight forward. I can see where it would be kind of intimidating for someone who is not "electronically inclined". Should be a sweet set-up with a little boost.

Russell · 08-27-2005, 01:30 AM

Well, I discovered the problem with mine tonight. Napa sent me the wrong gaskets for my truck, and I never noticed the difference, so they leak terribly bad on the lower runner to intake connections. I'm gonna buy a tube of 02 sensor safe high temp RTV, and use that rather than paying for more gaskets. Should run a heck of a lot better after that!

**Captkaos** · 08-27-2005, 11:54 AM

Thanks for the props. There will be a write-up of all the steps involved from start to finish. I may even try a video of the instalation process.

Wrong gaskets. That sucks! BTW, I forgot to tell you your 73-87chevytrucks.com T-shirt is on its way to you.

1976K5CHALET · 08-29-2005, 08:45 PM

Since i have converted both my K5's to tbi i'll be waiting on progress reports for this tpi conversion....the turbo part of the equasion has really got my interest piqued...

Are you going to mount the turbo on the drivers side exhaust manifold like i have seen before...and since you are going speed density who's going to reburn the chip for your mods?

Doug W.

**Captkaos** · 09-12-2005, 03:00 PM

Update as of Sep. 2nd:
I recieved the EFI stainless fuel lines from Classic Tube. They apparently sent me more than what I needed/wanted though, but... Anyways, here is the latest pic:

The plans for the turbo is it will be mounted under the truck where the current muffler resides. This is simular to the setup on my brothers 2000 Silverado that is running an STS Turbo kit. (where the turbo and other pieces will come from) http://www.gracemotorsports.com/current.html It has put down 400hp (8lbs of boost) to the rear tires on a stock 5.3L with over 120K miles on it and climbing.

The 749 ECM runs a 2 bar MAP setup and it has the capability to run up to 14.7lbs of boost. I don't plan on going over this on the current motor, but in the future any chips will be reburnt by me.

Russell · 09-12-2005, 03:34 PM

Man, those are nice fuel lines! I just bent my own for my truck. Ain't pretty, but they work real well

**Captkaos** · 09-12-2005, 05:00 PM

Yeah, I am taking the simplified route on this one. They are really nice though.

**swervin ervin** · 09-12-2005, 05:24 PM

You lost me at ECM.

Glad to see you getting back into hot rodding/working on something.

I'm with Ken on this, it's a big step in it's self just to see pics of the parts. LOL

Now don't do like you did about 5 years ago and shove everything in a box somewhere and forget about it.

Oh yeah, did I mention carbs rule.

**Captkaos** · 09-12-2005, 05:59 PM

Sorry Mike, the Computer should allow me to do this with no problems (brothers pickup):
http://www.gracemotorsports.com/video/STStruckPull2.wmv

Yeah. I sold the Jeep, so that money pit has died. The money from its sell is going to
the pickup. Hopefully progress pics on it will be coming up soon also. I am trying to get the Jimmy fixed first though.

I hope it won't last 5 years until progress, but.....

Oh yeah, life is better when injected

**Captkaos** · 11-07-2005, 01:26 PM

Update: Wifes foot surgery has taken up most of my time the last couple weeks, but...
3 weeks ago I sandblasted the upper intake plenum and tubes.

This weekend I started repinning the ECM 7730 wiring harness to work the the 7749 ECM.

PICS to come:

86 GMG · 11-07-2005, 01:41 PM

glad to her the wife's foot is doing better tell her that before long she will be back in the kitchen cooking, cleaning, and pampering to your every need. this will alow you a lot of time in the garage/shop if you need a hamic just call me i will loan you mine so you can sleep out there also.

79BIG10 · 11-07-2005, 04:34 PM

Glad to hear your wife doing better Chris. With all the work you have done on that I'll keep my carb. I'm a better plumber than electrician.

**Captkaos** · 11-07-2005, 05:55 PM

Thanks for the kind thoughts.

Brandon, If I wasn't adding the Turbo ECM, there I would be done. It isn't as bad as it looks, seriously.

86 GMG, she isn't that kind of wife, it would be closer to say get back to helping with the wire mapping on the harness. We eat out A LOT.

Russell · 11-07-2005, 08:35 PM

Chris -- Have you still got the 730 ecm?

I need one to convert my truck to speed density, and I am having a hard time finiding one in the local junkyards...

08-26-2005, 11:42 AM	#1
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	TPI Conversion Progress/Process This past weekend I started working on the pieces required to convert my '78 Jimmy to TPI. I had purchased an SLP TPI harness back in '95 that they were clearing out and had it sitting around for a while. A while back I picked up a TPI intake, MAP setup and Distributor. Well plans have started moving forward to convert the truck (I HATE carbs..) Wednesday: recieved the new Blazer EFI sending unit from GM Thursday: ordered fuel lines for a '90 Blazer -not here YET Friday: ordered: Sensor kit, 127749 ecm (turbo app ECM), 350 TPI prom, stainless steel bolt kit, and throttle body gasket kit and it arrived on Wednesday. Saturday: started laying out the TPI pieces and started cleaning them up. Now that the ECM is here I can start repinning the MAP harness from SLP so it can plug into the 7749 ECM and function properly. This should be fun. There are a few other odds/ends that I need, but progress has started. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com Last edited by Captkaos; 08-26-2005 at 12:31 PM.

08-26-2005, 12:02 PM	#3
86 GMG Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tulsa Oklahoma Posts: 943	good good i see those pictures and i see a lot of beer intake b/c i would get mad and quit obviously you see something else. good luck and have fun maybe on of these days i will put up for a motel and you come here and do this for me b/c it would be sweet to not have to pump the hell out of the truck to get it to start in mornings of winter. and the remote start options you can buy be kick a$$ also __________________ square body trucks an addiction or an investment either way they consume all my extra time and money

08-26-2005, 02:17 PM	#5
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	If you are going to run a MAP sensor and all, why not use the 730 (speed density) ECM? Or do you mean MAF? It seems like that would simplify things a lot if your harness is a SD harness. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

08-26-2005, 02:19 PM	#6
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Just think, I did all of those wires by hand! lol Actually, they are pretty simple, Either go from ECM to ECM, or from 12 volts to ECM. Just a whole lotta little individual circuits Turbo app eh? I can't wait to see that engine run with a turbo on it! I am very seriously considering turbocharging mine too __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

08-26-2005, 04:28 PM	#8
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	That makes a whole lot more sense. I didn't catch the boosted part. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

08-26-2005, 12:02 PM	#2
87baggedc10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 7	looks like a lot of fun.good luck cant wait to see it done

08-26-2005, 05:30 PM	#9
C&C Chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Midwest City, OK Posts: 1,001	Be sure to do a good write-up with alot of pics. Looks awesome Capt! __________________ Robert Current: 1986 SWB Silverado 4.3 / TH400 Past: 1985 SWB Silverado 305 / TH350 - sold 1995 1987 1/2 ton Silverado - FI 350 / 700R4 sold 2007

08-26-2005, 05:51 PM	#10
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Hey, I'm impressed already. You got all the parts out and took pictures. That in itself is a good start.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

08-26-2005, 09:32 PM	#11
bigarmzz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Elkins, West Virginia Posts: 2,542	man, those pictures just make my head hurt __________________ 1987 350 TBI lowered 5/7

08-26-2005, 10:49 PM	#12
bagged74 its just $$$$$ Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: OK Posts: 2,078	I've been there, it should be pretty straight forward. I can see where it would be kind of intimidating for someone who is not "electronically inclined". Should be a sweet set-up with a little boost.

08-27-2005, 01:30 AM	#13
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Well, I discovered the problem with mine tonight. Napa sent me the wrong gaskets for my truck, and I never noticed the difference, so they leak terribly bad on the lower runner to intake connections. I'm gonna buy a tube of 02 sensor safe high temp RTV, and use that rather than paying for more gaskets. Should run a heck of a lot better after that! __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

08-27-2005, 11:54 AM	#14
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Thanks for the props. There will be a write-up of all the steps involved from start to finish. I may even try a video of the instalation process. Wrong gaskets. That sucks! BTW, I forgot to tell you your 73-87chevytrucks.com T-shirt is on its way to you. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

08-29-2005, 08:45 PM	#15
1976K5CHALET Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Grand Junction, Colorado Posts: 610	Since i have converted both my K5's to tbi i'll be waiting on progress reports for this tpi conversion....the turbo part of the equasion has really got my interest piqued... Are you going to mount the turbo on the drivers side exhaust manifold like i have seen before...and since you are going speed density who's going to reburn the chip for your mods? Doug W. __________________ Doug Wright aka K5NUTT over @coloradok5.com Owner of http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChevyK5BlazerChalets Certified K5 Nut

09-12-2005, 03:00 PM	#16
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Update as of Sep. 2nd: I recieved the EFI stainless fuel lines from Classic Tube. They apparently sent me more than what I needed/wanted though, but... Anyways, here is the latest pic: The plans for the turbo is it will be mounted under the truck where the current muffler resides. This is simular to the setup on my brothers 2000 Silverado that is running an STS Turbo kit. (where the turbo and other pieces will come from) http://www.gracemotorsports.com/current.html It has put down 400hp (8lbs of boost) to the rear tires on a stock 5.3L with over 120K miles on it and climbing. The 749 ECM runs a 2 bar MAP setup and it has the capability to run up to 14.7lbs of boost. I don't plan on going over this on the current motor, but in the future any chips will be reburnt by me. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

09-12-2005, 03:34 PM	#17
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Man, those are nice fuel lines! I just bent my own for my truck. Ain't pretty, but they work real well __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)



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09-12-2005, 05:00 PM	#18
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Yeah, I am taking the simplified route on this one. They are really nice though. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

09-12-2005, 05:24 PM	#19
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	You lost me at ECM. Glad to see you getting back into hot rodding/working on something. I'm with Ken on this, it's a big step in it's self just to see pics of the parts. LOL Now don't do like you did about 5 years ago and shove everything in a box somewhere and forget about it. Oh yeah, did I mention carbs rule. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

09-12-2005, 05:59 PM	#20
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Sorry Mike, the Computer should allow me to do this with no problems (brothers pickup): http://www.gracemotorsports.com/video/STStruckPull2.wmv Yeah. I sold the Jeep, so that money pit has died. The money from its sell is going to the pickup. Hopefully progress pics on it will be coming up soon also. I am trying to get the Jimmy fixed first though. I hope it won't last 5 years until progress, but..... Oh yeah, life is better when injected __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

11-07-2005, 01:26 PM	#21
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: TPI Conversion Progress/Process Update: Wifes foot surgery has taken up most of my time the last couple weeks, but... 3 weeks ago I sandblasted the upper intake plenum and tubes. This weekend I started repinning the ECM 7730 wiring harness to work the the 7749 ECM. PICS to come: __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com Last edited by Captkaos; 11-08-2005 at 11:56 AM.

11-07-2005, 01:41 PM	#22
86 GMG Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tulsa Oklahoma Posts: 943	Re: TPI Conversion Progress/Process glad to her the wife's foot is doing better tell her that before long she will be back in the kitchen cooking, cleaning, and pampering to your every need. this will alow you a lot of time in the garage/shop if you need a hamic just call me i will loan you mine so you can sleep out there also. __________________ square body trucks an addiction or an investment either way they consume all my extra time and money

11-07-2005, 04:34 PM	#23
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	Re: TPI Conversion Progress/Process Glad to hear your wife doing better Chris. With all the work you have done on that I'll keep my carb. I'm a better plumber than electrician. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

11-07-2005, 05:55 PM	#24
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: TPI Conversion Progress/Process Thanks for the kind thoughts. Brandon, If I wasn't adding the Turbo ECM, there I would be done. It isn't as bad as it looks, seriously. 86 GMG, she isn't that kind of wife, it would be closer to say get back to helping with the wire mapping on the harness. We eat out A LOT. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

11-07-2005, 08:35 PM	#25
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Re: TPI Conversion Progress/Process Chris -- Have you still got the 730 ecm? I need one to convert my truck to speed density, and I am having a hard time finiding one in the local junkyards... __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

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