My 1990/automatic intake maifold is leaking coolant. Since the manifold is gonna be off anyway this seems the time to upgrade. The problem is which one do I go with. TPIS big mouth $425, Edelbrock $400, I plan to do the runners and plenumn at a later date. I like the mini ram but cost and locating one isnt easy. I like the idea of the LT conversion but would need to locate someting I can bolt in (im not a machinist). the car has cat back exhaust with muffler eliminators, future plans call for gear change. Im thinkin 3.45 as the 2.59 is wayyyy tooooo high. Any help is greatly appreiated. thanks Rich

 

Speed costs, how fast would you like to go?

This may be just what you are looking for; not the ultimate weekend warrior fighter, but a damn fine street fighter that is silly fun http://www.firstfuelinjection.com/products.htm not the low price leader, but if you do a search this one comes up as being worth the difference. Keep in mind that their product comes very complete with throttle body etc. - it is a good value for what is there.

Thomas

 

money is always a thought; but bang for the buck. my only reason for changing the intake now though is because of the coolant leak. I am mainly looking for a foundation in which i can build on later

 

My 2- Go with the TPIS Big Mouth. Then later on, add large tubes and a 52mm tb. You could go ahead and port the plenum now while you have it apart.

 

For someone with their eyes on a MR and taller gears, it's hard to see you looking at the LT conversion route. Taller gears are best suited for motors that are built to wrap.

For an interim solution (especially if you don't feel confortable doing mods/porting/etc...), that FIRST intake isn't the worst option you could consider. The main obstacles there are the fuel lines and possibly the distributor.

The SR is really the other "crossover" intake that competes in both the torque and HP categories. IOW, keeps good torque for lower powered motors, but winds up higher than your current intake.

The USR HSR and/or the mini could/should be considered as well.

To be honest, ANY of these intake options are going to run you north of $1000 by the time you install them. Used options might save you a couple hundred but the $500 "perfect" manifold doesn't pop up everyday.

To be honest, porting isn't that hard. I self-taught myself to do it with a drill, burr, flap wheels, and some patience. Learning how to port is worth your time and improves what you can do.

For a large tube intake (and lack of desire to port), the TPIS or AS&M tubes are hard to beat. At least they provide the best flow out of the box. But, I'm not sure I'd consider that unless you ONLY wanted to swap runners. A base + runners is $800. For that, you can find a super ram. Or, buy a FIRST, used mini, or whatever. That's because you're gettin' up into the $1000 range I was talkin' 'bout.

Plan on a grand, learn to port, or stop the leak and call it good.