Question for the C4 guys since this is your area of expertise....

To start off, the engine is a 383 stroker, 91 block, roller cam, Brodix IK200 heads, and installed in a 68 coupe.
Plan on going the EFI route, so I picked up a TPI to use unit since this is what I'm most familiar with. Thought I'd do some test-fitting to see what kind of problems I'd run into, and saw that the TPI intake will not cover the Brodix ports(uses a 1206 gasket, the TPI uses a stock gasket). So far, I cannot get a straight answer from anyone I have talked to about which aftermarket TPI base I can use(not asking the right people maybe) plus the intakes I have seen start at over $400, not including the runners!
For that money, I'd like to take a closer look at my options. There's the LT1 conversion. Manifolds on ebay are cheap and I can do the metal work myself, but will the ports work with the Brodix ones? If a 1206 gasket will fit on the LT1, it should work.
Then there's the LT4 manifold. Looks like the port sizes are close(can anyone confirm this?), but manifolds are scarce.
Checked out Holley's Ram manifolds, won't fit under the hood.
This is not a track car, street only, so high RPM's are not an issue.
Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

Do the intake bolt holes line up? Those heads have big ports, might not be suited to tpi low mid-range power those intakes develop. Do you know anybody good with a tig welder?

 

First of all, larger ported heads aren't normally "prime" territory for a TPI application. That's because TPI intakes (long-runner intakes) die off in flow above 5k rpms. However, there is an obvious "solution" to your question for a 1206 TPI intake. And, that would be a FIRST fuel injections intake. Why?

The FIRST intake is built on a 1206 platform. The inside tubes (all the way thru) have the same cross-sectional area as a 1206 gasket. To be clear, FIRST tapers that intake down to a 1204 at the head -- so it will be compatible with standard sized heads. (Remember, more turbulance is created by putting a big port on a small-ported head vs putting a smaller port on a big one.)

With a modest amount of porting the FIRST will easily open up to your 1206 gasket require -- and be the ONLY true TPI intake that would work well with those heads. Sure, you can open up some other aftermarket TPI bases thru-out the runners, but you'll never equal the flow of a FIRST for a long-tube setup.

That said, TPI often means other things to other people. Where I think long-tube (TPI), minirams, HSR's, LTx, and other intakes qualify.

Here is a good link to an overall review of TPI intakes...
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/al...nversions.html

 

Yes, intake holes all line up. Checked both mating surfaces with both stock size & the 1206 gasket, the ports on the IK200's are raised by about 1/4. It will take a manifold with runners similar to the Edelbrock RPM I took off to get this to work

I have access to a TIG welder at work

 

you can mod a HSR to fit under the hood with a little work.. sounds like you have the skills. Do a search on The HSR mod for more info.

 

Another vote for the FIRST intake if you want a long tube runner intake. Nice looking piece and should keep up with those heads.

 

Under the hood of a 68??
It's tight as it is with the RPM Air-Gap. I'll check more thoroughly

 

Unmodified, the HSR is a 1205 port and it taller than a FIRST.

If www.stealthram.com is still on the web, there's a good page showing what has to be done for a 1206 match-up.

Either intake might take some finnegling to get under a 68 hood. Maybe a 1206 MR is your best bet -- for an EFI bolt-on, clearance-free installation.

 

Thanks for the links, I've been going over them for the past hour or so. The Miniram and FIRST both would work fine, both out of my price range at this time

 

It doesn't look like www.stealthram.com is still there. FWIW, I thought I read a thread where someone posted another link (or backdoor link) to the old site. But, after 10min of using search, I can't find the thread.

That sucks!

Short of using a used intake, I think you'll find any intake's going to run $800 or more. The advantage(s) of the FIRST is that it includes a new, larger TB for that price (possibly making it the "best buy" in a new intake). Both the FIRST and MR have EGR provisions if you need/want it.

Also, the FIRST (IIRC) has an easy/free mod where it'll fit under a C4 hood. That means it's lower than the HSR, but I don't know if it'll fit under a C3 hood.

Also, it sounds like you found it, but FIRST's website is www.firstfuelinjection.com

 

Yeah, I tried the Stealthram link, didn't work

That FIRST set-up looks sweet, and for the price that included the rails and a lot of those nickel-and-dime brackets and gaskets that can be a hassle to locate on a stock set-up. Definitely an option later down the road if I can't find something sooner I can make work

I'm open to a used intake as long as it's in good shape and can be cleaned & can make the necessary mods if I have to

 

what about a single plane? but u will loose some torque.

 

Like a Miniram?? Nice but pricy more than the FIRST set-up

Think I'll give TPIS a call tomorrow and ask about their TPI manifold. Unless they want to give me a screamin' deal on a miniram the TPI base will be the cheap(relatively speaking) and easy way out and will get me back on the road. The responses to this thread has pointed me towards a number of options, the Miniram, the FIRST or maybe an LT4 conversion(for the challenge of making it fit) potential projects for the summer

 

Save yourself the call. TPIS doesn't discount their pricing. BTW, a miniram is not a singleplane intake.

Since you have 'til summer, just shop the parts section of this site and thirdgen. You'll surely find a used setup by then.

 

no I mean like this.. a single plane EFI manifold.. put an elbow fuel rails and TB on it and go.
The first is nice too

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-28095/?rtype=10

 

OK, looks like I may just put the carb set-up back on for now. Have the 68 back up & running in an afternoon

I'll start saving in the meantime.....

Thanks for the advice guys, I learned a few things here

 

I tried to find the Backdoor link as well and can't find it. But it was orginally posted by RODJ. I'm sure he still has it.


I knew I say it.

http://web.archive.org/web/200710210...noresults.html

 

If all you have are afew TPI parts, no eletroncs etc at this point youre better off bang for the buck with a good dual plane and a well tuned carb. The holleys that are being sold these days are pretty darn nice and dont have the finicky nature they had many years ago. Edelbrock RPM works real well, think a Torker II will fit under your hood easily too. Youll lose a bit of low end torque under 3 k with it but midrange will feel good with a nice "boost"at about 5k thats always fun.

 

682XLR8, PM sent

 

I already have the RPM Air-Gap, it bolts up to the Brodix heads fine. What I don't have is the well-tuned carb. I have a new Holley 650 vac secondary I 've been running on it. I have tried changing jets(have a Holley jet kit) and tuning the best I can short of drilling out passages(best left to the experts). It runs alright with the carb, it could be better, but I'm running a good-sized cam, would like better street manners with it. Reasons for the EFI swap, I'm looking for better drivability and throttle response, the car has plenty of power as it is.