Custom Plenums?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Custom Plenums?
Hello all. I am thinking about fabbing up a custom plenum to go with the Accel Superram tubes. Id like to do this for a few reasons. One being I am not crazy about the Superram looks/design, especially when it comes to throttle bracket mounting etc. Two being that I think it can be built for less than buying the Superram plenum itself (as it appears prices just went up again lol). I am just looking for any advice and or measurements/designs you have had success with. Any idea on overall volume that I should target for this plenum? Any internal baffling or director plates that would help or make the system more efficient?
Any help, ideas, comments (both positive and negative) are greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Dylan.
Any help, ideas, comments (both positive and negative) are greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Dylan.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,183
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
I like your "outside the box" thinking, but for the cars we have, it doesn't seem practical. I would think it would involve more than a few designs/trys and a fair amount of testing. I had the stock TPI intake and made some changes and noted the results, the Superram, and a holley stealthram(with a modified upper plennum).
The last intake I mention had this upper intake that had good intentions behind it, but no testing. I took it upon myself to pay for my own independent testing on it and it just shows me a guy just can't put something together without extensive testing(this has to involve making more than one version of an intake). And you and I know that means time, energy and money!
While it may not be the best looking intake out there, John Lingenfelter was the right man with the right resources to make that intake. It must have taken alot to come up with that design. I had it and the thing kicked ***.
However, I do applaud you in your quest for "more". Let us know what you come up with. We don't know that you are the next John with a kick *** intake for our cars.
The last intake I mention had this upper intake that had good intentions behind it, but no testing. I took it upon myself to pay for my own independent testing on it and it just shows me a guy just can't put something together without extensive testing(this has to involve making more than one version of an intake). And you and I know that means time, energy and money!
While it may not be the best looking intake out there, John Lingenfelter was the right man with the right resources to make that intake. It must have taken alot to come up with that design. I had it and the thing kicked ***.
However, I do applaud you in your quest for "more". Let us know what you come up with. We don't know that you are the next John with a kick *** intake for our cars.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
89 Paul in Cal, what testing did you do with the stealth ram and what did you find out? I am in the process of making a plenum for a stealth ram also. The new plenum is now about 2" high and 9" wide to keep the volume with a radiused floor that flows into the runner base. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 12,772
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis IN
I dont think you would gain much personally, I can fab up any custom item I woud like and I dont see how the Superram plenum could be made much differently.
The main reason I see is the where the runners are setting ,, the offset front to back means you have to have a box/plenum above the runners so that dictates the overall shape. And, the throttle body angle and spacing are pretty much where they have to be too, even the Miniram I just took off had its issues.
But, If you want simplicity, pick up a Miniram. If you want mor toruqe tha na miniram can offer then fab up a spacer to mount to the bottom of the Miniram and lengthen the runners a bit or cut the top off of the MR and add some meat to the top of the runner.
I will be taking a ball end mill and putting some "grooves" @ .045 deep in my billet lid to replcaite the "fins" that come standard, probably this weekend, strictly for cosmetics.
Nice thought though!
The main reason I see is the where the runners are setting ,, the offset front to back means you have to have a box/plenum above the runners so that dictates the overall shape. And, the throttle body angle and spacing are pretty much where they have to be too, even the Miniram I just took off had its issues.
But, If you want simplicity, pick up a Miniram. If you want mor toruqe tha na miniram can offer then fab up a spacer to mount to the bottom of the Miniram and lengthen the runners a bit or cut the top off of the MR and add some meat to the top of the runner.
I will be taking a ball end mill and putting some "grooves" @ .045 deep in my billet lid to replcaite the "fins" that come standard, probably this weekend, strictly for cosmetics.
Nice thought though!
