what happened here ?
you did runners,base and ported and u got no hp ???
i don't get it

 

OK, I think I understand a little better. The stock TPI's runners are too long and restrictive to be the HP makers of my dreams. The only real way to shorten them is to buy an intake set up like the mini or super ram where all the components are built together. After buying all the singular performance components, I can buy the MR instead and get better results. Fine, anyone want to loan me $1000?

 

Call shamdave or loosebolt beretta

 

 

I think he said he had a built (high performance) motor. If that's the case then he would be disappointed with his horsepower. The SLP runners and accel base will give you results on a stock or mildly modified motor, but will be too restrictive to make high hp numbers on a highly modified motor.

They could probably be used to build a torque monster, just don't expect great hp numbers.

 

thanks !

 

For replies like Mack's, an explanation of expectations would be helpful. In fact, ANYONE who provides a bit of explanation with their responses is a better contributor IMO. Was he disappointed for 1/4 mile racing? What exactly was "built"?

With fully ported heads, headers, hotcam, and the ASM LT runner/base setup, you can get about 320rwhp/400rwTQ. At the crank that's probably about 370hp/450TQ. There is a member of this forum running this combo right now. Says he can "run down C5 Z06's" and it'll pull hard to 120mph. (ZF6 w 3.45 gears).

Install a short runner intake and the numbers shift. HP goes up and TQ goes down. For 1/4m racing, it does give faster times. For auto-x, street, and low-speed races not so much. (The guy above races auto-x and is quite pleased with his setup). Many people would say long-runner setups feel faster -- because they pull harder from 2500-4k rpms. People with cars exceeding 500hp at the crank probably won't because, at a certain level, excessive TQ just spins tires. Others just like their car to pull longer in each gear..... Personally, I think your tranny makes a difference too! Auto's seem to put down more TQ because of the converter anyway. So, stick owners might like modified TPI setups better... Just a thought...

Modify the ASM setup posted above with the mega-ported/4" siamesed SLPs (referred to in the OP) and I'd expect 20-25 more HP in exhange for ~10 TQ. (Results will reduce accordingly if you don't have a "built" motor.)

To the OP: I think you're getting it. If you're buying new parts, SLPs + base + porting will cost you about as much as a short runner intake. Even if you buy cutting bits and use a drill for some DIY porting, you'll spend $750 for the runners/base. Don't lock yourself into a certain option yet.

The FIRST can be found here. A complete setup is in the $825-850 price range. Keep in mind though, that a small-cap distributor, conversion plugs, and fuel lines may be required. So, the TPI option may still cost less -- depending on your goals.

Since intakes don't have moving parts, buying them used is worth your look -- especially considering the depressed used pricing I'm seeing during this recession!

 

The FIRST is a fine intake but looks to be alot more intensive in mods. To get the full Monty with the electronic package, the cost is closer to $2K. Looks to me they are still developing parts and making them work. I am a decent bolt turner but I dont have alot of fabrication equipment so if it takes milling, there are additional costs. We are also back to 3 pieces and even modified, the intake runner length is pretty long.

The TPiS system is one piece and other than maybe modifying the fuel rails and connections there of, it seems pretty drop in. There is no mention of other electronic packages or having to mill anything. The elimination of 8 gaskets is a good thing too.

So if I will start modifying the intake side, TPiS will get my money or someone selling the product, anyway.

 

http://www.firstfuelinjection.com/

Some like this, some don't because it is still a TPI design. The biggest problem people have is that not many seem to be running them yet, but there was a GP recently (I bought one) so there will be a few more on the street to share their experiences shortly.

When mine is done I will put up the dyno runs....

 

They are not under development,,,,been around for years.

What I said is the cost - not $2k. Call them to get better info + your warm and fuzzies.

Any setup you install will run best if you tune it -- so that part of the cost would be the same -- regardless.

Read the post entitled "I just got back from TPIS" before you decide.

 

if you want an intake because you need more performance than you will have to get a better intake period, not play with a (choker) low rpm intake.

superram
miniram
holley modified steath ram
fast
lt1 modified
unless you are not building the motor, or changing gears.
yes you can buy larger styles of the original tpi, but if you notice people who had that, then went to one of these anyways.

 

It wasn't for 1/4 mile racing just street driving.My build was for horsepower and torque. What I was also looking to get was past the TPI wall,4500 rpm.But that was as far as my motor would pull.I had the motor in a carbed El Camino and it pulled like a bear.

 

I have Heavly ported SLP's on my '89 and the results are very satifying.

They fit well.

I would look for used, though?

Ceramic coat them after the grinding.

TJM

 

Siamesed SLPs or a FIRST would have raised the ceiling. You didn't say anything about the rest of your build and/or if you'd disagree with the results I described above.

 

Why? Ceramic coating dulls/clouds over time. So, I don't see the visual advantage.

Does it help isolate engine heat from the incoming charge? What's it cost?

 

About $70, and they claim to create smoother air flow.

Thinking performance here, not so much looks [ which is sort off point Huh ???].

TJM

 

I don't disagree with your results above as a matter of fact what got me to buy the runners and base was an article in Chevy High Performance that claimed to get better results than what you posted.I'm telling you what I got.From the majority of builds I have seen on here the best results were not with TPI.

 

I don't disagree with that either... unless you consider applications where pure street TQ is wanted. I've also seen a bunch of posters who, like myself, want a 5k rpm car. They don't want to redline it much. In those cases, the TPI (&/or FIRST) can't be beat for mid-range power.

I think you're more in the market for a spinner.

 

Gregg, I mentioned the development of the FIRST system in reference to the use of the modified electronics package that is new. The FIRST has been in production since the early 80s. Using the big HEI distributor is where the improvement needs to be and where TPiS has the advantage. The electronics package isnt a requirement but makes the install easier and some gains are realized too. Looks like a great addition but there again, another $1000.

Following what I already mentioned about my rebuild, if I add the MR, I guess the new choke point is gonna be the L98 iron heads. Assuming that port and polish is as far as I am going with them, am I wasting the money until I end up with some better flowing heads?

A further thought too, if I buy a flat tappet cam to go with the iron heads, will it end up on the junk pile later if I do buy some AFR's or similar?

Most of this is going way beyond what I want to spend. I need the rebuild because the Sled is burning a quart every 500 miles or so. With me doing all the wrenching, I am looking at hopefully $1500 with the machine shop to do the rolling assembly and rework the heads after I do the P/P myself. Include the cost of carbide bits, I have a die grinder and compressor. Include flat top pistons and rings, hyper instead of forged, $200 or so. Bearings, gasket kit, new oil and water pump, etc. about $500 or so. Another $200 for the cam kit. I am quickly approaching $3K which doesnt leave alot in my $3500 budget to buy a bunch of performance add ons or unforeseen problems with my present engine. I still have to have the exhaust work done after I install the already purchased LTH's from Merle.

I guess it will take longer than I want but I have a Jeep project approaching 4 years at this point so that doesnt scare me. I just dont want the Sled down for that long so I will have to buy and sit on the stuff until its all here. I will keep adding oil as needed and get as much enjoyment as I can until I am ready or it pukes and goes to the back yard.

Thanks for all the great input!

 

You could put some used 113 heads on for not much cost. I didn't pay that much for my large runners, $450 after I sold my stock parts. Large base, AS&M runners, 52 TB and plenum. You could just look for some used runners and port the stock parts. The base takes a LOT of time and work though. This intake has gone a best of 13.22 so far in the quarter, there's more to gain yet. A second faster then stock feels much faster. Oil loss, sure it's just not valve seals?