DIY tpi runner mod
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 195
Likes: 25
From: Owasso Oklahoma
DIY tpi runner mod
I started a strange little project a while back and never got around to finishin it. Im considering starting up on it again but thought id see if anyone thought it was worth the effort/ time. Idea is to cut the "middle" out of some runners and weld a flat plate in where the middle was to kinda "siamese" the stock runner all the way down makin a big oval runner instead of 2 little round ones. In my head it will have effectively shorter runners and more plenum volume which would make for more hp and a higher powerband. Think it will show any performance gains ? Will it be worth the 50 bucks in supplies to finish it?
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 93
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Do you plan to mig or tig weld it? I have an extra stock TPI I could mess with if yours works good. Keep me posted on the results, the tach sould be the first indicator of how much extra it breathes.
If you really wanted to make a real bad A$$ intake cut the flanges off and get large oval tubes welded in place.
If you really wanted to make a real bad A$$ intake cut the flanges off and get large oval tubes welded in place.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 14
From: Stafford Connecticut
I know you want to use the parts you have.But I think you would be better off using a used set of SLP runners.If you buy them used that would keep the price down.Over at Third Gen. Org.they have siamesed the SLP runners base and plenum and gotten close to 400 horsepower and torque on a 350.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 195
Likes: 25
From: Owasso Oklahoma
The reason im using these runners is becuase they were only ten bucks. And total cost for all mods will only be around 100 bucks. Which is considerably less than used slp runners. The price of the aftermarket tpi parts a absolutley rediculous so im determined to find a cheaper solution. And i cant imagine that much of a flow differents btw the slp and this setup. Maybe im wrong. But at least it will be cheap.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 7
From: Chewelah Wa
I am very interested how this will work, I have been thinking of doing the same thing to mine. I have been looking for a cheap set of SLP's, some people ask more on Ebay than I can purchase a new set for. WS6 store sells them for 275 bucks. I even purchased some Aluma-Weld rods that allow you to braze aluminum with a Mapp gas or propane torch. I already have a Edelbrock ported base.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 195
Likes: 25
From: Owasso Oklahoma
Yeah like the pics except all the way down and probly siamese about 1-2 inches into the base and hog everything out as much as possible. Where did u find the pics? Ive been lookin for pics of somethin like it finished for a couple weeks to no avail.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2007
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
This was done many years ago when the TPI first came out. The runners, as said are thin so it will take the right guy to stich them back up but it can be done. Hey for $50 total Id think it would be hard to go backwards. Like seeing backyard stuff being done even though its easy to go buy aftermarket.
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 7
From: Chewelah Wa
I'll let ya know how it works....I plan on trying it out on some aluminum sheet first. Like all welding, brazing, and even soldering, it may take some practice to master the proper technique. Soldering is even difficult for most people if they have never done it before.