First EFI build. TPI 327. Where to start?

**garnerm** · 05-03-2015

Ok so I am starting My first EFI build. I am using a TPI unit off a 1991 Firebird formula 305. I am new to EFI but not new to cars and carbs. I've been rebuilding Qjets for about 5 years. But this is my first EFI so I feel like I'm new to cars again.

I will start off with a few questions that I cant find straight forward answers to. What sensors are required for the TPI system to work? My heads don't have any erg stuff so how will this effect the system? The AWFY has been superseded by AXXB for the 730 ECU? So I am going to learn how to flash proms and such on this build can someone point me in the right direction in something to start with for my ecu? What injectors would you use in a 327? 305 or lt1 (I can get the lt1 injectors cheap at the yard)?

So here are the details of my build. Its going into a 1987 S10 that has a 1969 327 out of a c50. The 327 has 47,000 original miles on it. so its bone stock from the heads down. The transmission is a 90's NV3500. I welded in a bung last night so I now have an 02 sensor its narrow band. I am using a signstek mini pro for flashing and atmal at28c256 chips. The Ecu is a 01227730 AWFY. Software I plan to use tunerpro RT unless someone know something better for free. Also I am not a mechanic by trade and not planning on using anything I learn for profit I am a opensource linux guy by night(arch linux for the win)... although I am on a windows computer at the moment... So I plan to share what I learn with others. I will admit I am a little overwhelmed and not sure where to start now that I have almost everything in pocket. Don't hate me for being new please.

**steveo** · 05-03-2015

What sensors are required for the TPI system to work?

at a bare minimum:

coolant temperature (CTS) so it'll know when to use startup enrichment, or when it's overheating.

throttle position sensor (TPS), so it'll have some idea about how much air is about to be gulped, and allow things like acceleration enrichment.

manifold pressure (MAP) is the most important sensor on the 1991 TPI system, without it, it has no idea about airflow.

and finally a camshaft position sensor (in your case sometimes also called an ICM, located in the base of the distributor) so it knows when to spark, and your RPM.

that'll run fine enough.

o2 sensor would be a great idea, so would a knock sensor, without them, the ECM has no way to adjust spark and fuel to meet changing conditions that your tune can't predict. they're also good tuning aids for you, so you can tell roughly how close your fueling is, and if you've pushed spark too far.

an intake air temp sensor is a good idea too.

tunerpro will run just fine in wine for basic needs, or in virtualbox with usb pass through for more advanced stuff, moates emulators, etc. you don't need windows.

My heads don't have any erg stuff so how will this effect the system?

dont worry about it.

**garnerm** · 05-04-2015

So depinning all of these wires all jump out at me. any others obvious wires I should / can depin.
F7 canister purg
F4 Air Divert valve
E9 Exhaust gas recrc solenoid
F6 TCC
C1 cruis control
D16 Gear selector
C9 Ac compressor

Edit: Just posting A useful link to help others Identify sensors that I was just using. http://chevythunder.com/fuel%20injec....%20pg%20B.htm

**garnerm** · 05-05-2015

Ok so I am starting to work with Tunerpro to make my base tune to get the motor to run. So with the 730 computer I use the $8D and even though the ecu has a AWFY bin I should use the AXXB correct? So I am not using a automatic transmission or ac so do I just delete all the TCC/ac paramters and my Nv3500 has a vss pulse of 40 not 4000 can i just change paramters around or is it just not going to work? Sorry I know these are really newbie questions If anyone has time to really explain stuff you can PM and I will give you my email or phone number.

**Markmx6** · 05-05-2015

I have no real information to help, but wanted to say I like the project concept. Would like to see pictures, and Good luck

**garnerm** · 05-05-2015

I will post some pictures once I start to install the TPI system. I am super stressed at the moment because I cracked my knock filter on my memcal. Its one of the moments you just want to punch a wall, slap a baby and do burnouts in someones freshly cut yard...

Edit: If I cant find a cheap fix to my memcal I am just going to buy a megasquirt 3 because I do plan to go Ls one day.

**garnerm** · 05-09-2015

Ok so with the knock filter being broken on my memcal I am removing it. Is there anything I need to do the memcal now that I am not going to run a knock sensor. jumper anything? Also with it having a manual trans do I even need a vss signal going to the ecu?

**garnerm** · 05-09-2015

Ok so I have found out I do have to have a VSS signal. I am also starting with the AXXD not AXXB because I am using a manual trans. I have disabled knock sensor by setting 20c, 20d to FF. They are telling me over at thirdgen that I need to use a drac to get the 4000 signal from the vss anyone know what I need to use.

**Fast355** · 05-10-2015

Originally Posted by garnerm

Ok so with the knock filter being broken on my memcal I am removing it. Is there anything I need to do the memcal now that I am not going to run a knock sensor. jumper anything? Also with it having a manual trans do I even need a vss signal going to the ecu?

Since the 327 and 350 share the same block it would be wise to find a 350 memcal and knock sensor.

**garnerm** · 05-10-2015

I would agree but I dont plan to run the stock computer for a long time. probably about a year. I have really want to build a mega squirt ecu so I am going to. Its $200 for a memcal or $365 for a megasquirt. I really am only using the stock ecu as a learning tool so I can help my buddies out with custom proms and datalogging.