MiniRam or LT1
01-27-2004, 04:54 PM
#1
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Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LB9 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
MiniRam or LT1
Alright guys, how about giving me some technical data on the comparison of the MiniRam to LT1. Is the LT1 swap reliable? I heard before about oil leaking out of the distributor and stuff with the LT1. Please explain. Right now I could give a rats *** about price so it’s between the LT1 and MiniRam.
I don’t care about any other setup so don’t even ask guys.
Please give me a reason to buy one over the other and price doesn’t mean shizzle right now.
Thanks,
Shane
I don’t care about any other setup so don’t even ask guys.
Please give me a reason to buy one over the other and price doesn’t mean shizzle right now.
Thanks,
Shane
01-27-2004, 05:13 PM
#2
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Car: 1985 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 355 with stuffs.
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 4.10 Posi
Mini ram is basically an LT1 but with a bit higher price tag, if I had the money I'd just buy the miniram....
01-27-2004, 05:16 PM
#3
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Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LB9 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
i've heard that the MiniRam has larger runners, not in length but in size, and it gets better power advantages.
01-27-2004, 08:26 PM
#4
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Car: 1986 pontiac TA
Engine: 360 HSR
Transmission: 700r4 3300 yank converter
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt
have you looked at www.lt1intake.com yet? also, here's some comparison dynos on various intakes, including the lt1 and miniram. http://stealthram.com/intakecompare.html
01-27-2004, 08:33 PM
#5
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Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LB9 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
yeah i've seen all opf those but i dont get what i need to knwo, is there an oil leak from the distributor, is there more power in the MiniRam. The reasons you cant tell from those results is that they are not from the same enigne, i can look at the LT1 results then look at the MiniRam results and see the results pointing so much at the LT1 its not even funny. Obviously different engine setups. Wew're tlaking 60 HP gain witht he LT1. Thats not right.
Hope all of you have thouhg about it, you nee dto see actuall dyno results from engines with exact setups.
Hope all of you have thouhg about it, you nee dto see actuall dyno results from engines with exact setups.
01-27-2004, 08:36 PM
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Car: 1986 pontiac TA
Engine: 360 HSR
Transmission: 700r4 3300 yank converter
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt
try talking with john millican of lt1intake. he's in the middle of getting someone to put a LT1 intake on a completely stock L98 motor as we speak. to me the miniram is a cleaner looking set up. but i cannot justify the difference in cost for pretty much the same performance. even TPIS says the lt1 and miniram are basically the same.
Last edited by mrr23; 01-27-2004 at 08:43 PM.
01-27-2004, 08:56 PM
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Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LB9 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
Well I’ve talked to him before and he doesn't really seem like he wants to help me much. I mean I try and get info but he always says something I don’t want to hear. I mean there are very few of those tests with the modified LT1s. And all of them have different engines.
I found a place that sells engines so cheap you'll keel over and die.
http://www.larrysperformance.com/
Rebuild kit for a 350 engine including connecting rods and crank is only $310.
An engine kit when they give you the block and you put the parts together is only $745 for a 350ci.
For 383 engines kit its only $995 with everything. They are a place to be reckoned with my friend. I'm going to get a junk yard L98 for $120 and then use one of their rebuild kits and bore the cylinders at a machining shop ($8 a hole).
Now I can get one of their 383 stroker kits bore out the 350 to a 383 its only $525 for everything needed.
Thanks,
Shane
I found a place that sells engines so cheap you'll keel over and die.
http://www.larrysperformance.com/
Rebuild kit for a 350 engine including connecting rods and crank is only $310.
An engine kit when they give you the block and you put the parts together is only $745 for a 350ci.
For 383 engines kit its only $995 with everything. They are a place to be reckoned with my friend. I'm going to get a junk yard L98 for $120 and then use one of their rebuild kits and bore the cylinders at a machining shop ($8 a hole).
Now I can get one of their 383 stroker kits bore out the 350 to a 383 its only $525 for everything needed.
Thanks,
Shane
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01-27-2004, 11:23 PM
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Car: 87' IROC
Engine: L98
Transmission: T56
If cost isn't an issue why would you buy the cheapest rebuild kit possible? If you are going to use the LT1/MR to its potential that means 6500+rpm, i personally wouldn't trust a cheap-o rebuild and bearing spinning that high.
01-28-2004, 03:26 AM
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From www.bbb.org
This Report was developed from various sources, including the business, governmental agencies, and the experience of the company's customers.
For further information contact the Better Business Bureau of the Southland
315 N. La Cadena, Colton, CA, 92324
(909) 825-7280
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Larry's Performance Shop, Inc.
530 Montebello Way
Montebello CA 90640
Business Started: 08/01/94
File Open Date: 07/09/98
Last Report Date: 12/15/03
Principal Contact: James Escamilla
Phone: (323) 722-8865
Fax: (323) 722-2327
Email: Not Available
Web Address: http://www.larrysperformance.com
Bureau ID: 13080764
Nature of Business
This company's business is providing auto engine services.
Bureau File Experience
Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau. An unsatisfactory record is given when a pattern in the company's customer complaints causes us concern, when the company does not respond to complaints, or when it will not substantiate its advertising claims.
In this case, although the company has responded to some customer complaints brought to its attention by the Bureau, others remain unanswered and one remains unresolved because the customer was not satisfied with the company's response.
A Better Business Bureau report is based on our file information and experience with an individual company over the past three years.
The Better Business Bureau does not endorse, recommend, or disapprove of any company, product, or service.
For further information contact the Better Business Bureau of the Southland
315 N. La Cadena, Colton, CA, 92324
(909) 825-7280
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Larry's Performance Shop, Inc.
530 Montebello Way
Montebello CA 90640
Business Started: 08/01/94
File Open Date: 07/09/98
Last Report Date: 12/15/03
Principal Contact: James Escamilla
Phone: (323) 722-8865
Fax: (323) 722-2327
Email: Not Available
Web Address: http://www.larrysperformance.com
Bureau ID: 13080764
Nature of Business
This company's business is providing auto engine services.
Bureau File Experience
Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau. An unsatisfactory record is given when a pattern in the company's customer complaints causes us concern, when the company does not respond to complaints, or when it will not substantiate its advertising claims.
In this case, although the company has responded to some customer complaints brought to its attention by the Bureau, others remain unanswered and one remains unresolved because the customer was not satisfied with the company's response.
A Better Business Bureau report is based on our file information and experience with an individual company over the past three years.
The Better Business Bureau does not endorse, recommend, or disapprove of any company, product, or service.
01-28-2004, 01:05 PM
#13
I love the MiniRam. No lack of power anywhere in the rpm range- and I had a modded TPI unit before (Edel base, SLP runners, ported plenum, yadda yadda). I found out about the LT1 swap about a year after my swap. Unfortunately, I can't add to much to the LT1 issue since I have no experience with it. But suffice it to say, I'd be shocked if there was a ±10 hp difference between the two.
01-28-2004, 02:54 PM
#14
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Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LB9 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
Originally posted by 87350IROC
If cost isn't an issue why would you buy the cheapest rebuild kit possible? If you are going to use the LT1/MR to its potential that means 6500+rpm, i personally wouldn't trust a cheap-o rebuild and bearing spinning that high.
If cost isn't an issue why would you buy the cheapest rebuild kit possible? If you are going to use the LT1/MR to its potential that means 6500+rpm, i personally wouldn't trust a cheap-o rebuild and bearing spinning that high.
Well I want a clean install also. Form what I’ve read the LT1 swap can’t be cleaned up, so many different wires o that are visible.
Also, why spend more money when you can get it cheaper? I mean products are products, if you buy a TV form Wal-Mart, then come to a website that has the same TV you bough fro $400 they have for $200, just with no warrantee; would you buy it? I think yeah, because it’s the same TV just without the cert that it’s going to work.
Thanks,
Shane
01-28-2004, 03:00 PM
#15
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Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LB9 TPI
Transmission: 700-R4
and also hewre is what i got from http://www.BBB.org
This Report was developed from various sources, including the business, governmental agencies, and the experience of the company's customers.
For further information contact the Better Business Bureau of the Southland
315 N. La Cadena, Colton, CA, 92324
(909) 825-7280
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Larry's Performance Shop
2008 West Whittier Blvd.
Montebello CA 90640
Business Started: 09/01/94
File Open Date: 12/06/95
Last Report Date: 10/16/03
Principal Contact: Mercy Escamilla
Phone: (323) 721-6284
Fax: (213) 721-6285
Email: Not Available
Web Address: Not Available
Bureau ID: 13025352
Nature of Business
This company's business is providing engine rebuilding and automotive repair services.
Bureau File Experience
Based on BBB files, this company has a satisfactory record with the Bureau.
To be rated satisfactory, we must first have company background information. The company must also have been established long enough for us to gain a clear understanding of the nature of its business to determine that it is not a marketplace problem. Finally, the company must have given proper consideration to any matters we may have referred to it.
Our complaint history for this company shows that this business has a clear record. To date, no customer complaints have come to our attention.
A Better Business Bureau report is based on our file information and experience with an individual company over the past three years.
The Better Business Bureau does not endorse, recommend, or disapprove of any company, product, or service.
For further information contact the Better Business Bureau of the Southland
315 N. La Cadena, Colton, CA, 92324
(909) 825-7280
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Larry's Performance Shop
2008 West Whittier Blvd.
Montebello CA 90640
Business Started: 09/01/94
File Open Date: 12/06/95
Last Report Date: 10/16/03
Principal Contact: Mercy Escamilla
Phone: (323) 721-6284
Fax: (213) 721-6285
Email: Not Available
Web Address: Not Available
Bureau ID: 13025352
Nature of Business
This company's business is providing engine rebuilding and automotive repair services.
Bureau File Experience
Based on BBB files, this company has a satisfactory record with the Bureau.
To be rated satisfactory, we must first have company background information. The company must also have been established long enough for us to gain a clear understanding of the nature of its business to determine that it is not a marketplace problem. Finally, the company must have given proper consideration to any matters we may have referred to it.
Our complaint history for this company shows that this business has a clear record. To date, no customer complaints have come to our attention.
A Better Business Bureau report is based on our file information and experience with an individual company over the past three years.
The Better Business Bureau does not endorse, recommend, or disapprove of any company, product, or service.
Last edited by therckid; 01-28-2004 at 03:02 PM.
01-28-2004, 03:44 PM
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Originally posted by kidrcth
and also hewre is what i got from http://www.BBB.org
and also hewre is what i got from http://www.BBB.org
01-28-2004, 03:51 PM
#18
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I would go with the miniram. It is desinged right away to accept a distributor and not moddfied like the LT1 is. Also the miniram can support tons more power. For the same reason why heads and cam LT1 guys switch to the LT4 intake. The LT1 intake becomes a little restrictive when high power levels are reached. For a fairly stock to mildly worked combo they will perform about the same. The miniram really shines with huge power numbers when combined with nitrous and or blower applications yet still performs great on low power outputs as well. I ahve also heard about quality issues with modified LT1 intakes. Sometimes the distributor shims are not done correctly and things don't go together right.
01-28-2004, 06:16 PM
#19
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Car: 1986 Trans Am
Engine: 305 LB9 TPI
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ok, new question, with the MiniRam Intake, do i have to get the Fuel Rail Kit? Will my current one work with it? It just kinda confuses me why they would sell the intake with out the Fuel Rail kit like that. I just dont get that very much.
thanks,
shane
thanks,
shane
01-28-2004, 08:34 PM
#20
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yes, you have to use their fuel rails, because they sell them seperate for corvette and f-bodies.
John used to have a lot of oil leak issues, but resolved them with a angled distributor shim.
I am in the process of converting my TPI to the LT1 intake, so no for sure stuff yet. I went with it because of cost issues. The miniram is a cleaner install, but i am taking extra measures to "clean up" my install. I busted out the old micrometer and checked the distributor measurements on the LT1 intake John did and my TPI one, they are so close it's rediculous. I have no reason to think that the dist. will leak.
Also, the miniram is available to match a Fel-pro 1206 gasket, which you can't really do with an LT1 intake, but the lt1 intake port matched really easy to a 1205.(see my avatar, that's the be4 port matching)
LT1 guys go to the LT4 intake because of different port locations, not due to increased performance. The intakes almost identical (i converted my 94 formula from LT1 to LT4). An LT1 intake won't match to a LT4 port location.
I have seen John's car in person, at it looks fine. His has been together for a while, and is running pretty good IMO, really strong, even low end. His customer service with me has been more than outstanding. He seemed to be in more of a hurry to fix my issues than I was.
John used to have a lot of oil leak issues, but resolved them with a angled distributor shim.
I am in the process of converting my TPI to the LT1 intake, so no for sure stuff yet. I went with it because of cost issues. The miniram is a cleaner install, but i am taking extra measures to "clean up" my install. I busted out the old micrometer and checked the distributor measurements on the LT1 intake John did and my TPI one, they are so close it's rediculous. I have no reason to think that the dist. will leak.
Also, the miniram is available to match a Fel-pro 1206 gasket, which you can't really do with an LT1 intake, but the lt1 intake port matched really easy to a 1205.(see my avatar, that's the be4 port matching)
LT1 guys go to the LT4 intake because of different port locations, not due to increased performance. The intakes almost identical (i converted my 94 formula from LT1 to LT4). An LT1 intake won't match to a LT4 port location.
I have seen John's car in person, at it looks fine. His has been together for a while, and is running pretty good IMO, really strong, even low end. His customer service with me has been more than outstanding. He seemed to be in more of a hurry to fix my issues than I was.
01-28-2004, 10:45 PM
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Car: 92 camaro
Engine: 383 stroker
Transmission: probuilt 700r4
Ive got johns lt1 intake on my car ive had it for 2 yrs now its my daily driver Ive had NO leaks of any kind I havent had a single prob out of it i ran a best of 12.4 on stock tb and the maf system ive since coverted to map and cc305 cam I refuse to buy from tpis i think thier prices are crazy i thought a few yrs ago "oh ill wait the price on the miniram will come down" they havent budged on the price if i had to to it all over i do the lt1 again and for john he has always helped in any way GREAT guy
01-29-2004, 02:28 PM
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01-29-2004, 04:07 PM
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Re: MiniRam or LT1
Originally posted by kidrcth
I don’t care about any other setup so don’t even ask guys.
Thanks,
Shane
I don’t care about any other setup so don’t even ask guys.
Thanks,
Shane
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