Advice on My 1980 Landau For new TPI Motor

[rbutler1615]

Can anyone help me? I Took the factory 3.8 out of my caprice. Put in a 91 firebird tpi 350. I need to delete alot of firebird extra wires. So im looking for a wiring diagram. And how do i know the old key resistance to get the correct vats bypass module? Really looking to get this up and running. Any one done something like this? Any advice would be help.

[Blue Bowtie]

You really don't want to delete any of the wiring from the TPI. You need to connect that wiring to make the system work. The system will likely have to have a custom PROM burned for it, so the VATS can be turned off at that time, or you can bypass it. You can find VATS information HERE.

If you don't burn a custom PROM, you'll have to provide a VSS signal to the ECM so that the transmission TCC locks up properly, so that the decel fuel cutoff works, to make the fans cut off at the proper time, to prevent random EGR fault codes, to allow Highway fuel and spark modes (you'll want that for maximum fuel mileage), and to prevent stalling when stopping the vehicle.

I've done a couple of TPI retrofits, and really strongly suggest you connect the wiring rather than delete it:









Your B-Car should be a little easier since there is already an ECM installed, so the bracket is already there and the harness is partially in place. You can install the relay panel for the TPI under the hood like the stock F-Cars, and route the harness through the same location as the original engine harness.

[rbutler1615]

Thanks for the links! I have the 700r4 trans out of the firebird and it has the vss in the side of the tranny. But the caprice has a cable operated speedo. Is there a cable/sensor for this so i can have both work? And the wires i was trying to get rid of are what i think to be some of the headlight or exterior lighting from the bird. The harness was undone from the firewall which looks to have a big plug. Like going to the fuse panel. I'm not sure what i need to keep?

[deesandvees]

Whatever you do this sounds f***ing awesome!

[Blt2Lst]

Originally Posted by deesandvees

Whatever you do this sounds f***ing awesome!

I always wanted to put a TPI engine in my caprice but never followed through.
If I was to do it now, I would probably go with a LS1 series engine but that's a story for another day..

[Blue Bowtie]

The Camaros through 1988 used a cable drive and VSS on the back of the speedometer. You can use a similar setup adapted to your cluster.