I have Eldebrock hi flo manifold and runners for my TPI. Eldelbrock no longer makes these and has switched to a "miniram" system. I wrote Summit and ask if that's an upgade. Heres the answer.

Thank you for your email.

Honestly, I don't know that you would see any performance difference. The old system was discontinued simply because it ran it's course, and guy's just weren't buying parts for the TPI engines any longer. This new setup fits all from 55-86, not limited to the TPI engines like the previous version was.

We appreciate your business,

Brad
Summit Racing Equipment

 

Straight forward and honest.

 

I went from an Edelbrock base, TPIS runners to a TPIS miniram and picked up .28 in the 1/4 mile. No other changes.

 

^That is an answer.


For real? What I would call that, is "NOT an answer". He didn't answer the question at all! The question was "minram vs TPI" -I'd assume performance. We already have a a lengthy thread going on that covers this question in detail....but Summit answered a question that wasn't asked: "Why did Edelbrock quit producing their TPI base and runners?" That wasn't the question.


.

 

brads been there a long time surprised
Plenty of truth to that really how many are really building TPIs not many shame they did stop though. Guess even China figures its not worth it lol.

 

Perhaps because Summit does not sell the miniram?? I think TPIS manufactures and retails their products; at least the the last time I checked as I am a fan of both companies. Summit could put TPIS in their pocket as they are MUCH bigger. My point is maybe Summit does not offer the product to comment on it. Not sure;

I can tell you I picked up avg. 4-5 mph in quarter from Edelbrock base/runners to Miniram; no other changes at all; not even the upgraded tune for the miniram. My ET's went from avg. 13.1 to 13.3 (depending on 60 foots) to 12.6 to 12.8 avg. (depending on 60 foot launch). I run a ZF manual with Fidanza aluminum FW with 3.73 gears. My traps speeds with the Edelbrock averaged about 103 to 105 MPH; now they are never under 111-112 MPH (with proper tuning). I don't launch well until I have made a few passes. My trips to the drag strip are far and few these days.

I recommend the mini- you get what you pay for; flat torque curve but I have the right engine and gear combo for it.

I have read the many posts on here; contrary to common thought patterns, the torque curve is flat; it makes plenty of torque before 6,000 RPM. These are 350 cube engines ; not 283's; we have enough torque at low RPM's to move a 3,300 lb. (give or take) car from a stop with that kind of cubes. I would recommend a different cam/head package and possibly gears if going with the miniram however. Even if you did not, if you are hunting for 13 second ET's from an 86 TPI, that is the best ticket for you; your MPH needs to increase through the traps; the mini is a great intake for that for intake air requirements at WOT in the higher speeds (trap speeds in the quarter).

Good luck!

 

interesting comments, lots of food for thought. I run 14.3 and just under 100mph in the 1/4, stock. My goal is in the 13s at anything over 100mph. I have Eldebrocks hifol system but haventinstalled it as yet. Hmm, maybe should sell it and get the new system..AND stinking tires that will grip,lol. here it is on the summit page. In the eldebrock catalog, its cheaper' BTW it comes in standred ,vortec and LS head versions.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/e...make/chevrolet

 

Get a drag radial, the edelbrock pieces perhaps even unported you should be able to dip in the 13s. your times and mph are dead on for a stock TPI , ghoastrider
Your mph may not increase much but et will at least in the 1/8
If it were me port that Eddy base do what you can with the runners get the most out of it.
If you know someone who can weld have a bandsaw cut those runners in half, go totown on them weld em back together. Too hard to do a good job with the curve they have in them.
Grind the weld down repaint, noone would be the wiser
Or use some textured paint to cover the seam then use your color of choice.

 

A couple things to consider; nice intake BTW.

You will need to purchase the throttle body that fits and fuel rails along with the intake as you see the list of recommended parts. And BY ALL MEANS; MAKE SURE THAT INTAKE FITS UNDER A C4 HOOD.

 

I went low 13s with stock TPI stuff(ported plenum and ported runners). You won't gain as much on the intake side as you think with a mostly stock motor.

Last couple of years with Edelbrock tpi runners and lower intake while they were in production...lots complaints. Runners were not flat and intake manifolds were not sealing. Even with the old stuff I would never use it out of the box. Lot of gains. I can port them(the runners) and out flow ASMs. Then the lower needs some work...

Gains with miniram will depend on many things...gears,cam,and converter in an auto.