C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Mini ram or super ram

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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 12:49 AM
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Default Mini ram or super ram

I am looking to rebuild my 86 L98 and add a mini ram or super ram. I am looking for around 350 at the crank with a mild engine rebuild. What is the best way to go for this type of application, and how much modification is required to make the setup complete. Also, I am looking for a used set up and I was wondering were I could find one! :reddevil
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 01:02 AM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (Marcum_Marley)

I am looking to rebuild my 86 L98 and add a mini ram or super ram. I am looking for around 350 at the crank with a mild engine rebuild. What is the best way to go for this type of application, and how much modification is required to make the setup complete. Also, I am looking for a used set up and I was wondering were I could find one! :reddevil
Do you have an auto or manual car? The general consensus of most folks on the board is that the SuperRam is great on an automatic car while the MiniRam is better for a 6 speed. Of course, there's people running MRs on Autos and SRs on Manuals.

Do you want most of your power down low (better with SR), or do you want more of the power up higher in the RPM range (better with MR and cam).

Explain a little more on where you want to be (outside of HP) and the folks on the board can get you in the ballpark.

Ron
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 01:10 AM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (RonRed89)

In my opinion

high HP engine = mini ram
high torque engine = super ram

Good luck with your choise !! recently I chosed the mini ram and I am proud of it :flag

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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 01:19 AM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (RonRed89)

I have an automatic. This car is to be my daily driver and I probably will go for my torque because I don't really want to build a high rev. engine. I don't want to change to roller-rockers and etc. I can't spend five thousand dollar motor to build! I am looking to spend about a thousand in parts with basically stock engine!
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 01:22 AM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (Marcum_Marley)

My other option is to build-up the motor with the stock tpi. However, I don't really no my options on what type of a motor. Maybe a 355 or something. I figured if I did the SR or MR I could get better heads or other later! :reddevil
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 04:17 AM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (Marcum_Marley)

i own a miniram & can tell you a few things. large engines, big cams, deep gears and a heavy right foot work great on minirams. however a general 350 rebuild with a stock auto will be much more drivable on a superram and probably faster as well. the minirams kill low end air velocity from such a short runner, the benifit is they aren't at all restrictive. the 219 cam on a super ram combo is a awesome rebuild package that makes great power till 5800-6000rpm. this sounds just like the ticket your after.
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 05:45 AM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (Marcum_Marley)

I don't want to change to roller-rockers and etc. I can't spend five thousand dollar motor to build! I am looking to spend about a thousand in parts with basically stock engine!
If you don't want to spend the money the valvetrain definately a SR, but if you only going to $1000 (Does that include the SR?) You may want to look at other options, if your car is 100% stock.
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 05:58 AM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (dgoodhue)

here's kyle's list of cheap engine parts and where to find them if your on a budget.

#1 speedpro hyperutectic pistons .030 or .040 $89 off ebay
#2 speedpro roller lifters $95/set off ebay
#3 hastings plasma moly rings $50/set off ebay
#4 fel-pro gasket set $50ish from summit racing
#5 ARP main studs $39 summit racing {i think} 2bolt block W tray {machine shop will need to cut some off these for perfect clearance
#6 find a quality machine shop to resize your rods, turn and polish your crank and fit the bearings. make sure they get the tolerances close !! main bearing clearance and ring end gap are two real critical areas to pay attention to.
#7 do a big burn out when it's done and post the video on the forum
:jester
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 07:44 AM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (gtsyellow)

I would keep the TPI in your situation. Tons of torque on the street.

You can still pull 350 HP(Flywheel) from a TPI.

Vic
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 12:45 PM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (Marcum_Marley)

What type of setup would deliver this kind of power out of a tpi.
Basically what do I need i the rebuild. New heads?
Thanks
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 01:10 PM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (Marcum_Marley)

If you want the power out of the TPI youll have to modify it. Large runners, full headers and exhaust, ported intake manifold.

Also for an 86, youll want new heads, a set of D-ports (88-91 heads) or some AFR 190s. Probably would be a good idea to install a cam with similar specs to the Accel 211.
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 02:31 PM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (vader86)

Do a search for MR or SR and you will have enough reading for a week!
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 04:26 PM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (RonRed89)

Well I'm going to go with leaving it stock. A manifold change on your 86 won't help much unless you change the cam and heads. Before giving this advice I checked you profile and it say's 23 year old student. I doubt at this point in your life you can really afford to blow it up. Enjoy the car as it is when I was your age I would have killed to own even a stock corvette.

:cheers:
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 04:40 PM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (Marcum_Marley)

You will need to free up the exhaust too. Hooker super comp headers and a cat back will add to your cost.
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 05:17 PM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (Bluevette85)

the money really starts adding up doesn't it? leaving the TPI totally stock is the cheap route but you'll be horsepower capped. the other part is when you start buying big bases, large tube runners and spending hours porting it all you'll be damn near the price of the superram. your tpi is also worth $150-200 on ebay to compinsate some of the SR cost. just a completely stock rebuild with a SR and headers will really wake the car up & make over 300fly/hp. a few people mentioned age & not being able to blow it up, that's actually a point well taken & some weight on your back to do this right. i just had my 26th birthday a couple weeks ago & also finished the engine in my sig a month before it. after spending some $7,000 over the summer for this and that i can tell you murphys law applies to engines. make a rough quote, double it & you'll know what the whole deal will cost you. :thumbs:
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 07:39 PM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (Marcum_Marley)

Well,
I can assure you after having this car for eight years, if I was going to blow it up it would have happened long ago. the car is smoking and I am running 50 weight oil to try and reduce the smoking. It has a 140,000 on her and I am not about to open her up without bringing a little more pep to her step. "She deserves it!" As for being a student, I am a student in electrical engineering, and I have no intentions of blowing the car up, but I appreciate your concern. I think if i put a stout rebuild in the car add a super ram and maybe some decent heads in the car it would be a strong runner. Anybody know a good deal on a super ram or a mini ram? :reddevil
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Old Nov 26, 2002 | 11:08 PM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (Marcum_Marley)

you could start with the big mouth base when you rebuild engine & a set of headers coupled with something like the 219 cam. this will still run fine with the factory TPI till money provides to buy the superram top. ford 24lb injectors also may be a smart idea with 140k on yours. other than that just follow the parts advice i listed above & you should be set on a cheap rebuild that has a good amount of pep to it
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Old Nov 27, 2002 | 11:12 AM
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Default Re: Mini ram or super ram (Marcum_Marley)

Based upon your motor size and performance goals, the SR would work better. The only other reason you might want a MR is if you plan to tear down your motor in the future. The SR is an aweful PITA to disassemble/assemble. The MR comes off/on in one piece.
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