Just Got Back From TPIS
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Eau Claire Wisconsin
Just Got Back From TPIS
After getting wooped by a 2007 Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG last week I decided to take a road trip to TPIS.
First off I would like to say that these guys are top notch. I dealt with Jim Hall, he was very knowledgable and never made me feel like I was asking to many questions. So a big thumbs up for TPIS
OK, so here is what I ended up getting...
JetHot coated 1-3/4 LT headers
ZZ-409 Roller Cam
Isky valve springs
52mm Throttle Body
Along with the above parts from TPIS I have recently installed the following...
1.6 Comp Cams Pro Magnum roller rockers
Dana 44 with 3.55 gears
9.5" 3000 stall converter from Kane
The PCM is being retuned by PCM4Less for all the new parts.
I am hoping to run some deep 12 sec. times with this full setup and a set of Drag Radials (Hoosier 315's)
I ran a best time of 13.6 @ 102 with a stock converter, 3.07 gears and Goodyear GS-D3's
I would like your thoughts on what this combo should be doing in the 1/4 mile. Jim at TPIS said I should be in the 400 hp range at the crank.
Needless to say I can't wait till the track opens next month, I hope that Benz is there!!!
First off I would like to say that these guys are top notch. I dealt with Jim Hall, he was very knowledgable and never made me feel like I was asking to many questions. So a big thumbs up for TPIS
OK, so here is what I ended up getting...
JetHot coated 1-3/4 LT headers
ZZ-409 Roller Cam
Isky valve springs
52mm Throttle Body
Along with the above parts from TPIS I have recently installed the following...
1.6 Comp Cams Pro Magnum roller rockers
Dana 44 with 3.55 gears
9.5" 3000 stall converter from Kane
The PCM is being retuned by PCM4Less for all the new parts.
I am hoping to run some deep 12 sec. times with this full setup and a set of Drag Radials (Hoosier 315's)
I ran a best time of 13.6 @ 102 with a stock converter, 3.07 gears and Goodyear GS-D3's
I would like your thoughts on what this combo should be doing in the 1/4 mile. Jim at TPIS said I should be in the 400 hp range at the crank.
Needless to say I can't wait till the track opens next month, I hope that Benz is there!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,005
Likes: 38
From: jackson nj
Best of luck with your endeavor and I hope you succeed. I am considering getting the TPIS Mini Ram, Heads, cam, and their cold air intake (if they still have them) as well as many other parts for my 89 as well. I'd be really interested in how the TPIS headers fit the car, if there are any spark plug clearance problems, and whether you like the "slip fit" collectors or not (I did not like them on my C5 as they always leaked a bit).
You mentioned the Dana 44, did you buy it from them as well? I am beginning my search for a Dana 44 swap in my car and want to look at all the options I have for getting one.
I am considering getting the TPIS Mini Ram, Heads, cam, and their cold air intake (if they still have them) as well as many other parts for my 89 as well. I'd be really interested in how the TPIS headers fit the car, if there are any spark plug clearance problems, and whether you like the "slip fit" collectors or not (I did not like them on my C5 as they always leaked a bit). You mentioned the Dana 44, did you buy it from them as well? I am beginning my search for a Dana 44 swap in my car and want to look at all the options I have for getting one.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 111
My whole car has been equipped mainly with TPIS parts; the headers fit are great; I am running the "racing cold air intake" from them as well, which did require cutting of the fan shroud; I deal with Jim also; thinking about taking my car there to be tuned and have other issues worked out, but I am very far from them......
why did you not have them perform the chip also since they know your application??...they did my chip, but now I have the mini and want it reprogrammed....
why did you not have them perform the chip also since they know your application??...they did my chip, but now I have the mini and want it reprogrammed....
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
I hope their in house professionalism exceeds their mail order service.
I have tried to be a TPIS customer multiple times, but they do not want to sell to me for some reason.
Once they started lying to me, I wrote them off.
I have tried to be a TPIS customer multiple times, but they do not want to sell to me for some reason.
Once they started lying to me, I wrote them off.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 111
I have noticed that e-mailing them does not work well.....and their web-site is fine for browsing, but you really need to call them...I normally call and ask for Jim...he knows my application (probably forgot by now since its been a while)....
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
However, my buddy is a dealer for their products, and there was enough profit to overnight is back and 4th 3times.
Regardless, my disappointment was ultimately with them lying to me.
Everyone has a bad day, but man up and do the correct thing was always my way to handle a bad day.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 111
My troubles were not related to the website, but related to them not shipping parts. When I requested they expedite the shipping to correct their shortcoming, they explained that the shipping would exceed the profit, and they would not take a loss on the part as a result of their "forgetting" to send it.
However, my buddy is a dealer for their products, and there was enough profit to overnight is back and 4th 3times.
Regardless, my disappointment was ultimately with them lying to me.
Everyone has a bad day, but man up and do the correct thing was always my way to handle a bad day.
However, my buddy is a dealer for their products, and there was enough profit to overnight is back and 4th 3times.
Regardless, my disappointment was ultimately with them lying to me.
Everyone has a bad day, but man up and do the correct thing was always my way to handle a bad day.
I need a reputable tuner/mechanic in my area (Missouri/Illinois)
Last edited by 856SPEED; Mar 29, 2009 at 03:39 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 76
From: Santa Maria, CA
My troubles were not related to the website, but related to them not shipping parts. When I requested they expedite the shipping to correct their shortcoming, they explained that the shipping would exceed the profit, and they would not take a loss on the part as a result of their "forgetting" to send it.
However, my buddy is a dealer for their products, and there was enough profit to overnight is back and 4th 3times.
Regardless, my disappointment was ultimately with them lying to me.
Everyone has a bad day, but man up and do the correct thing was always my way to handle a bad day.
However, my buddy is a dealer for their products, and there was enough profit to overnight is back and 4th 3times.
Regardless, my disappointment was ultimately with them lying to me.
Everyone has a bad day, but man up and do the correct thing was always my way to handle a bad day.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
Me too. I managed to find alternatives. Like I said, they did not want me for a customer, based on their handling of the situation(s).
I am embarrassed to say that there were 3 of them before I finally stopped kissing their azz.
I am embarrassed to say that there were 3 of them before I finally stopped kissing their azz.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,838
Likes: 341
From: Database Error Indiana
TPIS, the people are like drug dealers. I got addicted. I need the parts. Headers, they lied and said "sure we have them in stock." Three weeks later I got them. At the time they were the best choice, they fit great, they are coated, they are overpriced and I had to have them. Miniram, way overpriced but I had to have it. Glad I got it, but damn a $1200 intake ?? Yes I would do it again because I"m hooked. Got to have good parts. I am probably not the only one. 
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
TPIS, the people are like drug dealers. I got addicted. I need the parts. Headers, they lied and said "sure we have them in stock." Three weeks later I got them. At the time they were the best choice, they fit great, they are coated, they are overpriced and I had to have them. Miniram, way overpriced but I had to have it. Glad I got it, but damn a $1200 intake ?? Yes I would do it again because I"m hooked. Got to have good parts. I am probably not the only one.
I have a few used tpis parts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,262
Likes: 0
From: E. Amherst NY
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,749
Likes: 41
This isn't the first time I have heard this......
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,146
Likes: 3
From: The Motor City
yet you needed a mini, or should I say 2, since you swapped the first for a ported version... LOL
got the motor in that car yet ?
.....nice analogy, and no you are not alone. Waiting sux in general, they do good machine work and have good gear for a.honing , boring etc, and like yourself I like some of their parts.
Others I've dealt with have been slow, on rear parts, em, and tom's, promised dates did not happen, However, the quality was there. The only place commercially I've dealt w/that's on time is summit. Now some individual builders are pretty darn good, Pete K did exactly what he said he would. I guess the bottom line I have gotten to the point were the wait or whatever didn't bother me as much anymore, AS LONG AS the parts were right when I did finally see them....now if it has to go back, wrong part, bad work, then I start to get hot.
got the motor in that car yet ?
.....nice analogy, and no you are not alone. Waiting sux in general, they do good machine work and have good gear for a.honing , boring etc, and like yourself I like some of their parts.Others I've dealt with have been slow, on rear parts, em, and tom's, promised dates did not happen, However, the quality was there. The only place commercially I've dealt w/that's on time is summit. Now some individual builders are pretty darn good, Pete K did exactly what he said he would. I guess the bottom line I have gotten to the point were the wait or whatever didn't bother me as much anymore, AS LONG AS the parts were right when I did finally see them....now if it has to go back, wrong part, bad work, then I start to get hot.
Last edited by mseven; Mar 29, 2009 at 12:40 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,838
Likes: 341
From: Database Error Indiana
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Eau Claire Wisconsin
Wow, I didn't mean for this to turn into a rant thread about TPIS.
They treated me good and that is all I can comment on. PETE K, pm me about when you will be in the Eau Claire area again.
Back on topic...Any ideas as far as 1/4 mile times/hp with this setup???
They treated me good and that is all I can comment on. PETE K, pm me about when you will be in the Eau Claire area again.Back on topic...Any ideas as far as 1/4 mile times/hp with this setup???
Last edited by GS4-LT1; Mar 29, 2009 at 03:34 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
Likes: 19
400 rear wheel hp is enough to run 11.70 @ 116 give or take.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh PA
LT1 car with stock heads? with 409 cam, those parts/etc
Easily 340whp and low 12 sec slips if you hook and launch well. 3000 stall and those gears are perfect for that setup. You could go abit more gear but overall thats a smart combination of parts.
I'm gonna guess 12.3's at 112-113mph assuming 3400-3450lb race weight and a 1.65-1.70 60 foot. You may go abit quicker...there are alot of cammed stock head LT1's hitting near 115-116 mph and touching high 11's.
Easily 340whp and low 12 sec slips if you hook and launch well. 3000 stall and those gears are perfect for that setup. You could go abit more gear but overall thats a smart combination of parts.
I'm gonna guess 12.3's at 112-113mph assuming 3400-3450lb race weight and a 1.65-1.70 60 foot. You may go abit quicker...there are alot of cammed stock head LT1's hitting near 115-116 mph and touching high 11's.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Eau Claire Wisconsin
LT1 car with stock heads? with 409 cam, those parts/etc
Easily 340whp and low 12 sec slips if you hook and launch well. 3000 stall and those gears are perfect for that setup. You could go abit more gear but overall thats a smart combination of parts.
I'm gonna guess 12.3's at 112-113mph assuming 3400-3450lb race weight and a 1.65-1.70 60 foot. You may go abit quicker...there are alot of cammed stock head LT1's hitting near 115-116 mph and touching high 11's.
Easily 340whp and low 12 sec slips if you hook and launch well. 3000 stall and those gears are perfect for that setup. You could go abit more gear but overall thats a smart combination of parts.
I'm gonna guess 12.3's at 112-113mph assuming 3400-3450lb race weight and a 1.65-1.70 60 foot. You may go abit quicker...there are alot of cammed stock head LT1's hitting near 115-116 mph and touching high 11's.