91 Camaro Z28

Ok people, i've done the searches and everything, but none of the threads can answer my question- So here we go--
I currently have a 305 TPI, and its just not doing it for me. I need something with more juevos. Here is my theory..

I want to get a L98(5.7) out of a similar year camaro(89-92) and build it piece by piece.

I'll have a local performance shop do the internals for me, but as far as the intake/heads/headers, i want to do that myself- Here are my questions--

What is the best intake as far as power/money/reliability??

Which intake(s) will work with which heads?

What are the expected powerbands for the following intakes?

I want Trickflow 23* Aluminum heads

My theories below are based on my searches:

LT1- Can make good power with a little work, and they're cheap-

StealthRam- Good power, looks good, not too pricey but not emissions legal-

Ported TPI-Can make good power with a lot of porting and siamesing(what is siamesing) but will still be restricted as far as high end HP

Which of these is the best route to go for the most power for the money- I've done searches but none will answer my questions.
Has anyone had experience with those intakes? What kind of results did you get? I'm not in too much of a hurry or anything- I want to take my time and build the ultimate 5.7 for my 91Z28- Any and ALL input is appreciated and welcome-
Thanks in advance people
My main goal is to get to 11s n/a on pump gas- possibly blown is all good

MILT

I was doing the same sort of contemplation, but I just went ahead with the HSR. The ported stock TPI will give you some extra power and rpm range, but you're still limited. If you're doing it yourself it may be worthwhile for the time being. If your ultimate goal is 11s, consider the HSR or TPIS miniram. The miniram is probably best, but the HSR is much cheaper, and probably almost as good as far as rpm-range is concerned.

I guess the ideal option would be to port your own stock pieces, and run them until your motor is ready. Then throw a miniram on that.

What I opted to do was buy the HSR and run it on my 305, as it has a nice mid-upper level cam and manual trans. I am then going to build up a 350+ cid engine and throw it underneath the HSR. For the price, I simply couldn't justify not going with the HSR. If you find it limits your power later on, you can always sell it and recoup some of your money to use on the miniram.

I'm not a huge fan of the LT1 intakes. It's still a "stock" intake, and the price is similar to that of the HSR, which I think would definitely outperform the LT1 piece.

Sorry, I don't have any numbers to back up the claims, just what I've learned here...

MILT

ontogenesis

i'd really like to know how the holley stealthram is similar in price to my lt1 manifold, i've got everything i need for the swap and i'm out $400 (40 for a tb, 60 for the intake w/rails, 50 for the injectors, modified myself, 150 for the wiring harness and ecm, 36 for the distributor, $30 for gaskets and bolts) for the whole deal.

The LT1 is an excellent flowing intake, i believe that except for runner length, it's no different than an hsr (could be wrong on this) and i KNOW it's VERY similar to a TPIS miniram. If the lt1 manifold isn't any good then explain to me why there are 10 second 4th gens still running the stock intake (albeit some porting here and there).

TPI is a low end intake, it makes good numbers, but it's more suited to low end torque than it is high end hp. with a 383, i'd almost tell you to go with it because 383's make gobs of torque already, but in general, i'd stay away from TPI.

I really don't know about the HSR, i don't know many people on here with one, but that might just be coincidental. I can't give you an opinion on it at all.

PLANT PROTECTION

iTrader: (6)

If you don't mind the hack job the LT1 is the way to go. I however do so I went with a HSR. The LT1 seems to be cheaper by a few bucks also.

John Millican

iTrader: (1)

Don't knock it till you try it (LT1 intake). Besides, any intake other then stock could be considered a "hack job" since you will have to modify something.

PLANT PROTECTION

iTrader: (6)

I mean no disrespent John, you make a great product. I put my HSR on today and had to 'hack' the under hood bracing for clearance, so you're right.

383LT1intake

ive got the lt1 intake on my 383 for 2yrs now no probs at all with it no leaks or anything i LOVE IT!!!!! may sound stupid but i jus dont like the look of the hsr the lt1 being a 1 piece design is great to i dont miss the headaches of multiple pieces its a great intake thanks john does great work later

91 Camaro Z28

John- can you email me at jburroughs@comcast.net with all the info on what you do as far as LT1 intakes? i've got a couple questions on it.

where is the thermostat located?
how much power is to be expected from a stock TPI

my car:
1991 Z28
305 TPI
K&Ns/Ram Air

let me know bro

383LT1intake

hey 91 camaro if youd like some pics of it installed let me know i have lots but i cant get them to post here says my files to big to put on here the thermostat is put in a remote houseing still looks pretty good and theyre is noone around here with the same set up as me i like being different later man

87transam5.7tpi

my ported and simesed 355 TPI NEVER had any problems going to 6000rpm + that was with the stock cam too. before I ported and simesed it would start dying off at around 4500rpm or os. the way Isee it is try a ported/simese TPI intake. its free, if you don't like it go to a HSR. thats just my 2cents

Josh

91 Camaro Z28

383LT1INTAKE- yea bro, send me some pics man- jburroughs@comcast.net i'd love to see how it looks. my 'maro is bright red so i'd definitely go with the red powerdercoating.. peace

John Millican

iTrader: (1)

No offense taken.

John Millican

iTrader: (1)

There is plenty of info and pictures on my web site.

ctandc

I love this......same old discussion......


The TPI was engineered for low AND mid range torque, where you feel and use it everyday. Port the intake, port / clean up the plenum, clean up the runners, and with the right selection of cam, exhaust, and TUNING, it's a monster.

Lingenfelter has helped / inspired many a Vette L98 owner into the 11's with the basic LTR TPI setup.

Now, I'm a tightwad, and if I can score some good aftermarket runners, I may......but it is all a $$ vs. outcome effort to me......

For $600 or so, the SR will make good numbers, although it will drop some low / mid range torque to the LTR setup, but it will gain HP in the process........

And there again, you need to maximize it's potential with the right cam, heads, exhaust for THAT particular setup.

Now, I've been SERIOUSLY thinking of building another 400......but this time I'm thinking of running the Pro Topline Vortec casting heads ( better than factory, screw in studs etc etc ) and the Vortec TPI intake.....which is PLENTY beefy to be hogged out a GOOD Bit........with a good set of runners, this would be an absolute TORQUE monster..................

Wanna know the difference between torque and HP? Go drive a LS1 or LT1 car......yes, they are quick......but even with the 6 speed they lack the low end BRUTE force of a 350 TPI motor. Why do you think the M6 guys always addd 4.11's or 3.73's?

Now get back in a LTR TPI 350......feel that? That pressure in your lower back pushing you back.....? That's torque.

Now, my car is a DAILY DRIVER, rain or shine. If it was a street / strip toy, I'd be more likely to go SR or miniram / LT1 ( same thing really ) but I sure would miss that torque.

A 11 second 1/4 mile car is FUN......I've built and driven a few of 'em.......but they were no where near as FUN to drive on the street as my T5 / 350 TPI car is now.......

It's ALL about what YOU want out of YOUR Car, and what you're willing to do ( $$$$$$$$$ and time ) to get there.





YMMV

91 Camaro Z28

i want an 11 sec car that has tons of torque and "feels" fast- whats the best way to do that? i was thinking of getting a ZZ4 long block and throwing my existing TPI setup on it- no go? waste of time? i like the idea of john millicans LT1 intakes, except for the remote thermostat deal. i definitely am staying w/ fuel injection- whats the best route?

icecold

if your running boost my .02 says just port your plenum and install bigger injecters and get into prom tuning. with better heads(trick flows) and a better cam all you will need is some traction to see 11's.you really need to decide as it will effect how you build your new moter.
pete

89Warbird

If you want to go fast the first rule is, there's no substitute for cubic inches.

Second, decide how you are going to drive your car and when then determine the TQ/HP characteristics you want to achieve that.

Third, if you want to go fast match all of your components. don't go ***** nilly like those goofs at GM High Tech trying to make a fast TPI car by throwing cubic dollars at it with no real plan. Many a person has spent many dollars to gain little while their neighbor spent little to get a lot.

formula350sd

iTrader: (2)

I really dont see why people fuss so much over long tubes tpis made over 400 hp at decently high revs with just a ported bass air foil and zz-x cam and the stealth ram is a good piece but i really wouldent wanna cut up my hood to make it fit

John Millican

iTrader: (1)

Did anyone understand that?

carguy1

Just my 2 cents but I have a friend with an 88 GTA that has the Stealth ram and did not have to modify his hood to make it fit. He loves his intake, and I think it looks good.

ontogenesis

John...i think what he said boiled down to "what's the big deal about long tube tpi systems making 400+hp?" and "the HSR looks good, but i don't want to hack into my hood to make it fit"

i *THINK*

formula350sd

iTrader: (2)

Ok what i meant was most people complain about the performance of a long tuber runner set up but mega amounts of power can be made with them for example the engine TPIS tested with a stock set of runners, a ported base, an airfoil and their zz-x cam that made just over 400 horse power.

Now as I said before the HSR looks like a good part and its cheap theres no doubt in my mind that it would perform well but with it hood clearence is an issue on some models Which also makes strut tower bracing an issue

I hope that cleared everything up

Grim Reaper

Can you port a stock TPI base to match the Trickflows (195cc intakes)? May not be much metal left to make a good seal.