'does mini ram give any low end at all really"?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 469
Likes: 1
'does mini ram give any low end at all really"?
hi guys,
i have done searches first of all,
but i read in tpis catoluge on the there mini ram page and is says qoute" it has wonderful throttle responce,delievers more torque from 2,000 to 2,700 rpm than a stock or modified tpi and gives a power rush from 3,500 rpm to 6,500 rpm"end qoute!
another thing tpis claim is that qoute " if you use this intake as a replacement for a stock tuned port that you will see a gain of 95 plus horsepower@5,200 rpm?"
so is this all a sales pitch lie or not?
as i have heard,read that it only really starts to kick in at high rpm around the sort of 5,000 rpm mark or more!
if the mini ram did kick some in at low rpm that would be great!
as i dont want a intake that has no low or mid range power,especailly for street driving/racing!
any thoughts guys please on this!
thanks
glen
i have done searches first of all,
but i read in tpis catoluge on the there mini ram page and is says qoute" it has wonderful throttle responce,delievers more torque from 2,000 to 2,700 rpm than a stock or modified tpi and gives a power rush from 3,500 rpm to 6,500 rpm"end qoute!
another thing tpis claim is that qoute " if you use this intake as a replacement for a stock tuned port that you will see a gain of 95 plus horsepower@5,200 rpm?"
so is this all a sales pitch lie or not?
as i have heard,read that it only really starts to kick in at high rpm around the sort of 5,000 rpm mark or more!
if the mini ram did kick some in at low rpm that would be great!
as i dont want a intake that has no low or mid range power,especailly for street driving/racing!
any thoughts guys please on this!
thanks
glen
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 469
Likes: 1
hi there mate,
thanks for the reply!
but tpis still claim that the mini ram delievers more torque from 2,000-
2,700 rpm than a stock or modified tpi and then gives a great rush of power from 3,500 rpm thu to 6,500 rpm!
so is this all a big lie do you reackon?
thanks
glen
thanks for the reply!
but tpis still claim that the mini ram delievers more torque from 2,000-
2,700 rpm than a stock or modified tpi and then gives a great rush of power from 3,500 rpm thu to 6,500 rpm!
so is this all a big lie do you reackon?
thanks
glen
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 18
From: Raleigh, NC
You are going to lose some low end power, but not nearly to the extent the TPI guys on this forum would have you believe. If you've ever driven an LT1 car, your car will feel similar to that with the mini-ram.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
You will make less torque with the mini than a nice TPI set-up but you gain a lot of use usable RPM. I would just make sure you have good gears to wrap up the motor quickly to the RPM band where you make the best power.
One reason why I like minis/LT1 style intakes is they have a nice flat torque curve.
If you want to go that way, do it. But use a converted LT1 intake...way cheaper!
One reason why I like minis/LT1 style intakes is they have a nice flat torque curve.
If you want to go that way, do it. But use a converted LT1 intake...way cheaper!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I've seen TPI and LT1 dyno curves back to back, and the LT1 had it covered from idle to 4500 rpm and beyond. I wouldn't expect any different from the miniram, since it is a copy of the LT1 (or the other way around.)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 304
From: Timra, Sweden
There might have been a differance between TPI and LT1 Heads and Cam that affect those numbers too, not all intake.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Vic89 was running a nearly stock TPI making around 325chp and pulling good short times on slicks.
He did the heads & cam and went to a MR; the result was that it would pull much longer but he lost .1-.2sec in short time.
This means that it does not launch as hard, with a 2,400rpm stall TC as with the modified TPI intake and stock motor.
He did the heads & cam and went to a MR; the result was that it would pull much longer but he lost .1-.2sec in short time.
This means that it does not launch as hard, with a 2,400rpm stall TC as with the modified TPI intake and stock motor.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 469
Likes: 1
You will make less torque with the mini than a nice TPI set-up but you gain a lot of use usable RPM. I would just make sure you have good gears to wrap up the motor quickly to the RPM band where you make the best power.
One reason why I like minis/LT1 style intakes is they have a nice flat torque curve.
If you want to go that way, do it. But use a converted LT1 intake...way cheaper!
One reason why I like minis/LT1 style intakes is they have a nice flat torque curve.
If you want to go that way, do it. But use a converted LT1 intake...way cheaper!
i have a 6 speed with 3.45 ratio at the moment but plan later on in 1-2 years to up grade to 4.10 ratio!
would 3.45 ratio/6 speed be ok with mini ram first up?
i have never driven lt1 before so i have never experienced the power difreence/feel/set up!
what sort of useable rpm are we talking of here?
what if i was to buy a worked cam that will kick in @ lower rpm,s will this help at all?
what do you mean by the lt1/mini ram have a nice flat torque curve?
thanks
glen
Last edited by sxyvet; Jan 6, 2007 at 08:00 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,184
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
Vic89 was running a nearly stock TPI making around 325chp and pulling good short times on slicks.
He did the heads & cam and went to a MR; the result was that it would pull much longer but he lost .1-.2sec in short time.
This means that it does not launch as hard, with a 2,400rpm stall TC as with the modified TPI intake and stock motor.
He did the heads & cam and went to a MR; the result was that it would pull much longer but he lost .1-.2sec in short time.
This means that it does not launch as hard, with a 2,400rpm stall TC as with the modified TPI intake and stock motor.
On the other hand, maybe not having all the TQ at launch RPM can benefit the guy on a launch pad that is slick. Less wheelspin, more forgiving especially to us stick car guys. More MPH on the top end.
However, we all want lower ET's. We also know the first 60' are critical and need TQ to launch hard. But many launch pads don't bite.
<shrug>
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
Camshaft selection (a good match for heads and intake) and gearing are equally important as intake design/purpose when shooting for a useable RPM operating range. Obviously bore and stroke are also major factors. A Mini Ram adds tons more mid-range and top-end power compared to what little it gives up 'off idle' to about 2,000 RPM.
Consider it close to what a ported LT1/4 intake is capable of then add another 500 RPM (if you want, or need it).
1/8th mile drags, automatic trans....you can try to make a modified TPI style intake set-up work.
1/4 mile drags, road courses, 6 speed....give yourself some room for improvement and go Mini Ram.
Consider it close to what a ported LT1/4 intake is capable of then add another 500 RPM (if you want, or need it).
1/8th mile drags, automatic trans....you can try to make a modified TPI style intake set-up work.
1/4 mile drags, road courses, 6 speed....give yourself some room for improvement and go Mini Ram.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 12,597
Likes: 237
From: Bartlett Illinois
With the right combo the Miniram has plenty of torque. I have had my Miniram for 7 years.. I am very happy with the way the motor is. I enjoy driving it on the street..
This was with a 6spd and 3.45 gears, I also used 3.73 gears and now have 4.10 gears.. every set-up was good
This was with a 6spd and 3.45 gears, I also used 3.73 gears and now have 4.10 gears.. every set-up was good
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
The 3.45 works great with the ZF6. You might even want a 3.73 to get the most out of it with the higher revs from the miniram.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 1
From: NewCastle IN. USA
your stock cam is already going to give as much low end as you can get out of a miniram.
the 3.45 rear will work fine, a 3.73 or more will "feel" faster and make the throttle response feel better compared to a stock TPI setup. the gears only make a small difference in actual 1/4 mile times though (maybe .1-.2 seconds).
its hard to beat the stock L98 for driveablity (instant throttle response, max power in the idle to 3500rpm range) so you should expect a little difference with the switch, but you won't hate it, it will just feel a bit softer at lower rpms.
since you have a 6spd, and IF you want it to be faster (not just drive around town) then I'd say the miniram will do that for you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,270
Likes: 3
From: Seattle Area WA
3.73s could be fun, and I know some guys go to the 4.10s and love them. Your car will definitely feel faster too, but no rush. Might as well try the current gears, I am betting they will be very good.
Build the combo together, I wouldn't pick a cam with a low rpm range to go with a high rpm motor. The result will be lost power low and high. I would pick a good combo that is suited to peak at ~6300-6500 rpms and has great power from 2.5-3k+. Should be tons of fun.
With the numbers people put down with the LT4 Hotcam, I would be tempted just to run that!
As for the torque curve, just search for LT1 dyno graphs and TPI dyno graphs. The TPI looks like a mountain and torque can peak higher, the LT1 is pretty flat and wide. The end result is:
TPI: Damn that was fast
LT1: Damn this is fast...and it keeps pulling
At least that is my interpretation...
P.S. And this from a happy SuperRam owner...
Last edited by USAsOnlyWay; Jan 7, 2007 at 02:49 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
From: Bedford Tx
The real issue is phycological.
some TPI fans, think that a peak of 350 ft-pound at 3000 rpm,
with less everywhere else.
is better than ...
400 ft-pounds,from idle to 6500...
because TPI is 'peaky'.
I meean, how do you have fun, without a peak?.
some TPI fans, think that a peak of 350 ft-pound at 3000 rpm,
with less everywhere else.
is better than ...
400 ft-pounds,from idle to 6500...
because TPI is 'peaky'.
I meean, how do you have fun, without a peak?.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 0
From: Poop land
I've been so far 100% satisfied with my MiniRam + stock cam combo. I might have given up 30-40 ft-lbs of torque off idle for about an extra 1000 rpms on top. Torque is usable from 2500-4500 rpms. I have let the car shift at 5600 rpms before and it still feels like it can pull a little more up top. My base timing is also set at 12° BTDC. I feel like this gives it a crisper throttle response off idle as well.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 0
From: Poop land
Ahhh... I remembered my stock TPI dynoed at 210 hp @ 4000 rpms, peaked at 335 ft-lbs of torque @ 2800 rpms to the rear wheels. The fun all ended at 4500 rpms. By 5200 rpms I seem to have about 170ish hp to the wheels. By 5500 rpms, the hp seems to have dropped to about 150ish hp.
Fast forward 2 years later, on that same dyno shop, I currently have 270 hp @ 5200 rpms, and 300 ft-lbs of torque from 2500 - 4500 rpms to the rear wheels. My peak hp is 276 hp @ 5400 rpms. I'd say the fun would end at about 6000 rpms where the power starts to dip. So TPiS claim is actually 100% true, if you take into account the rpms where power is made and falls off.
Seems like TPiS is very clever with their marketing. I bet that trick throws off a lot of people.
Fast forward 2 years later, on that same dyno shop, I currently have 270 hp @ 5200 rpms, and 300 ft-lbs of torque from 2500 - 4500 rpms to the rear wheels. My peak hp is 276 hp @ 5400 rpms. I'd say the fun would end at about 6000 rpms where the power starts to dip. So TPiS claim is actually 100% true, if you take into account the rpms where power is made and falls off.
Seems like TPiS is very clever with their marketing. I bet that trick throws off a lot of people.