'83 Cabby w/ GM 350/290 hp "Performer" engine and 700 r4 tranny. Gathering parts to convert to Speed Density TPI with 1227730 computer.
Q-1: What is the correct Knock Sensor for this application ?
Q-2: Can the 700r4 be computer controlled in this application, and what are the pros and cons of doing so ?
Q-3: What exactly is the purpose of additional fan cooling; intake air will be routed to receive outside air in the front of the engine compartment.

In researching these questions I'm finding a lot of conflicting info and would appreciate comments from those who have "been there". Thanks in advance for all responses.

leadmine

Knock sensor should be for a 90-92 Camaro/Firebird with the L98 350 TPI engine. Yes the stock GM ECM will control lock up. Not sure of any real cons with this set up. you really don't have to think about it. computer handles everything for you. Not sure what you mean by your last question. The L98 ran a dual electric fan set up. This is an easy swap over to a G body with a little trimming on the upper fan shroud/mount and the F body radiator.

Hi toms and thanks much for the reply. Cooling fan question: do I really need additional cooling, and why ?

leadmine

Not sure what you mean by "additional". Are you planning on running the mechanical fan? I would ditch that and go with the F body electric fans. Just my opinion.

Posted you a long thread yesterday & hit back instead of submit. OOPS
Anyways, you will need to convert to electric fan[s] anyways with your intake location. This can be done totally separate from computer system if wanted, as I have on tpi & ls1. You will definitely need a custom prom chip made -need to list what you are using & not using so it can be removed & have your check engine lite not lit up. You should use speed sensor for better idle control.
There is a bit of useful info here in older tpi& lt1 threads. Places such as street & performance sell everything you need, Although you could find most cheaper elsewhere.
http://www.hotrodlane.cc
http://www.tpis.com/

Hi Toms and Joe, Thanks for your comments. Yes, I was planning on retaining the mechanical fan - sorry - I didn't think to mention that. The TPI intake will position the same as my existing manifold and measurements indicate that the plenum and air cleaner won't interfere with anything. If there is sufficient clearance, is there any other reason to ditch the mechanical fan ?
Thanks, leadmine

While opinions may vary, most of us will agree that you can actually feel more hp & possibly fuel economy with the electric fans, even though they require more from the alternator.Your engine can noticably accelerate faster ,especially when hot. Kinda like a lighter flywheel on a stick shift.

Like anything there are different opions on how to do things. I have been running a L98 speed density TPI in my 83 Camino for over 6 years now. I have the 700R4 trans, still use the mechanical fan I like the reliability, it get very hot here in Texas VSS comes off the back of my speedometer and in conjunction with the ECM does a great job of controlling the trans. I did change out the rear end to a 3.42 since the 241 was way to high a ratio and lugged the engine at low RPMs. A TPI along with the electric fuel pump like to be first in line when it comes to volts and amps there for the electric fan plan already places additional demands on even a good 100 am alternator and since this is mostly a daily drive I did not want to go to the additional expense of a serpentine system and change over of accessories. You will need a modified wiring harness as well as a reprogrammed PROM. I got my prom and harness from Jim's performance since they specialize in G body modifications to TPI and their harness works well with our instruments and routings. http://www.jimsperformance.com/once you get it all sorted out you will love it take your time and collect what you need before you start other wise you will spend more money and run into delays chasing part. Good luck HaraldK

You got that right Harald, there will always be different opinions on how to do things .And usually no all good or all bad to either side. Not fun having a fan relay burn up in a blacktop crowded parking lot in july. Yeah, don't ask.
Nice setup there, A little prettier on the outside than my old tpi I had till 02'.Didn,t have serpentine either, My vehicle came with right side ac (olds diesel) ,I just made my own brackets. I had mass air, which would have been hard to fit with mechanical fan, Couldn,t have done your filter anyways. The only thing I don,t like on your setup is the street rod type filter breathing in all that hot air in summer. As you say, different opinion. Nice ride.

The electric fans only have a high draw when the first start up. Otherwise not a problem on a newer charging system. The stock "G" body system may not be enough. I did use the Camaro serpentine set up with the higher output alternator. So no charging problems for me. I also like having one belt to run everything and keep a spare in the car. Easy to change and get back to driving if it ever breaks. I agree with jlcustomz about the air cleaner. Some sort of cold air intake would keep a lot of hot air out of the system. Especially with a mechanical fan blowing hot air straight into the air cleaner. Again, just an opinion. But that is a CLEAN set up you have there Harald K.

Regarding Electric Fans, I have mine set up to run only when needed. Once over 35-40 MPH, air flow through the radiator is sufficient. On the highway, they never come on unless I'm using AC, and even then it will only come on if the OAT is over 95+ at highway speeds ( and then maybe only for 20-30 seconds). I had a 140 amp alternator on mine when it was a non-serp setup and converted one for my Serp setup. Gives peace of mind and is not that expensive when compared to a regular alternator.

I also agree on the cold air intake. I've routed mine to get cold(er) air from under the passenger side Inner Fender. If you have headers, temp under the hood can exceed 200-250 degrees easily. Supposedly, every 10 degrees of incoming air is worth 1 Hp, so if I can drop incoming air by 150 degrees, that's 15 Hp. ( hope I remembered these numbers correctly- Getting old!).

All well taken regarding the cooler air intake and maybe one day soon I will change it to extract cooler air. But as you all know changes don’t come as ones or even twos. Moving the air cleaner will involves more than just a longer tube to one side or the other. For now even though I suck up a lot of hot air it has not been an issue don’t forget it is a daily driver mostly highway speed and around town. When it is 110 degrees here in Texas your going to suck up hot air just about any location. if I loose a couple of HP it is unlikely it would be noticed unless I got lost and ended up in a drag race. I’m going to be retiring this year so should have more time to plan out some additional mods such as new AC with a 508 compressor which might evolve into a serpentine system, which might morph into electric fans. but to be honest I’m not a big fan of them I know they work really well in late model cars like my Corvette but I sure see a lot of overheated street rods and mucle cars which have been converted to electric fan spewing stuff all over the ground as they arrive for car shows. Right now I have a three core radiator with a seven bladed fan thermal clutch and never get above 195 or 200 degrees even with the AC on and the traffic at a stand still. Did I mention fan belts are not too expensive so keeping good ones on the engine is just smart preventive up keep. Bottom line all of us are limited by time and money when I get more of each I will probably focus on additional changes. Anyway for now it’s different strokes for different folks that's just how I roll. Harald K :texas: