SweetRide45

iTrader: (2)

I'm looking at getting the TPI 350 Engine from SDPC, and I wanted to know what to use for an intake system. My main concern is it all has to be Emissions legal, so, that rules out RamJet, etc...I was thinking TPI, but then w/ all the flow restrictions, heard it wasn't a good choice. How about if I use an LT1 intake? Would there be any great advantage? I know it requires a few mods, but doesn't seem too difficult. Will it work w/ all the TPI Electrical wiring? Would I get more flywheel horse from it? 359 horse rated w/ a TPI intake. I really want to make at least 350 or more (350 at LEAST) w/ this swap, with everything being emissions legal.

Thanks for your input guys!!

SweetRide45

iTrader: (2)

Also, that engine comes w/ Vortec heads...so, what would change on modifying it as shown on "this" site:
http://www.lt1intake.com/swapping.htm
It comes w/ the TPI Baseplate, would I still need that?
I'm not sure what I would need to do differently w/ the LT1 if it's better in terms of what I need extra w/ that engine as opposed to a stock L98.

RocZ57

I don't believe the LT1 intake will work with Vortec Heads.

D Stroy H8

If you don;t want to stick with TPI, then don't get the SDPC crate engine. You'd be wasting some major bucks if you went with a different intake. If you want to use a stealthram or lt1 intake (tho those arent legal either) then get a completely different crate engine! The 350 HO for instance makes similar power to the SDPC engine and its also significantly cheaper. Even the GMPP 383 stroker is about the same amount as the SDPC engine but it makes heaps more power! Think about it dude, you picked the wrong crate engine thats all.

SweetRide45

iTrader: (2)

I really want to stick w/ TPI, but from what I heard, there is like NO way to get 350rwhp (which is my ideal goal)...I know I could put it on the bottle, or give it boost, but I just want it all "normal"...So, would I be able to pull it off w/ TPI and the stock intake? (new runners, ported/polished, etc.)? That's the reason I asked about the LT1 Intake, b/c I heard it would flow better. I would go w/ a different block if I could keep it emissions legal, but it seems that the TPI from SDPC is the only one that would allow that.

What would be your suggestions? If I could pull it off w/ TPI, then that's the route I will go with (less hassel, less wiring, etc. etc.)

Thank you so much!!

RocZ57

It might be possible to reach that goal with a siamesed intake base/runners porting job. There are a few detailed threads about it in the forum in the search engine at the site.

SweetRide45

iTrader: (2)

I know what is meant by siamesed intake base/runners, but I also heard that it wasn't a good idea to do this. What is the main limiting factor of the TPI fuel injection? If everything is ported/polished/etc...shouldn't it flow effortlessly? I mean, SDPC says they got that crate to 359 hp w/ a STOCK intake...but that's flywheel horse. I know you need about 420 flywheel to get 350 at the wheels. Anything else that I would have to do? Also, wouldn't it be true to say that if you beef up the suspension, that there would be no drivetrain hp loss? So, flywheel horse would in fact be rwhp as well?

Thanks again!

D Stroy H8

ok... You can get 350 rwhp from TPI (long tube runner design)

The SDPC engine comes with the TPI baseplate to work on Vortech heads. Along with that you will need to buy some aftermarket runners. The SLP runners are cheap, and they can be siamesed very deep, making for a more "mid-length" runner. The SDPC base should also be hogged out and siamesed and portmatched to the runners. The upper plenum can only be worked on a little really, you siamese the runner entries, and grind down the EGR wall in the front. Portmatch EVERYTHING.

With that TPI setup on top of the SDPC crate engine, you will see close to 350rwhp. Of course now there other things to take into account. You will absolutely need headers back full aftermarket exhaust. Underdrive pulleys will help too.

I must stress tho, that there are easier (*less expensive) ways to make 350RWHP with TPI. What I would do is buy a brand spankin new shortblock. With a great cam & head combo and a worked TPI setup, you could probably save a few hundred bucks toward your goal. Crates are very convenient tho... can't argue with that.