I'm going to build a 383 from an '89 350 block. I currently have a 305 TPI motor. I'm trying to figure out if the mini ram is worth all the extra money (well over $2k when all is said and done) or if I should just get some parts to upgrade my TPI. If I upgrade my TPI then runners and a manifold are definite, and I'll either port the hell out of my plenum, or get the superram plenum. I know the mini ram flows better up top, but is it really going to be worth it? I could put the extra money into better heads. I'd really like input from people with the mini ram, or upgraded TPI setups, especially if on stroker motors. I plan to run between 9.8:1 and 10.2:1 compression, with most likely Trick Flow or AFR heads, a decent sized cam, as well as a 6spd, and 3.42 rear. Please advise. Thanks

------------------
'89 Camaro RS 6cyl. auto, don't know how much longer I'll have it.
'90 Iroc TPI 305, 5 spd B&M Ripper shifter, hopefully I can rob a bank or something and get more

 

Go with the mini-ram the cost with the fuel rails should be about 1200.00

 

I'm in no way an expert nor do i personally have a mini ram setup so you will probably want to ignore what i have to say, but there are a few people around me that have these setups and aren't as pleased as they thought....it did add some power, but not as much as promissed!

either way, it sounds like you know what you want and i would love to hear how it turns out!

 

I’ve run as high as 11.3:1 compression on 92 octane (edit - with aluminum heads). Increasing the compression ratio is a cheap way of increasing your power throughout the RPM band.

As far as the MR vs SR vs after-market LTR setups,,, it appears either can perform well with the right combination of engine parts and drive train. They can all develop similar ETs with completely different characteristics. Depends on you personal preference.


[This message has been edited by BadSS (edited April 11, 2001).]

 

Here is my opinion on intakes since I have had all but the SLP T-Ram on my motors at one time or the other.
1. Large tube runners are best suited to 350ci motors with lower numerical gear ratios and mild camshafts.
2. SuperRam will work with a 350ci but it may be a little too much plenum volume. It was really designed for the 383. It works best with camshafts under 224 deg duration and gears of 3.73 and lower.
3. Mini-Ram is a great higher rpm intake that requires good cylinder heads and camshafts above 224 deg duration. It does give up low end torque and some mid range but makes up for it on the top. This intake is good for larger ci motors and gear ratios above 3.50.
On my 383, I changed from a SR with the LPE 219 cam to a Mini-Ram with a Comp 230/236 cam. My best ET with the SR was 12.00@113.5,
Switching to the MR combo I ran a best of 11.71@117. The SR did generate a 1.65 60ft time while the MR's best 60ft was 1.70. But the MR really made up after that.
There are going to be people out there who want to dispute what I've stated but I do have experience with all of the above. By the way the worst combo I had was with the SLP runners. My car slowed down by 2 tenths.

------------------
D&Z Performance
"Putting Power to the Pavement"

 

Thanks for the input everyone. I think I'm just going to decide between SR parts, or other bolt on TPI parts. With living in NY, and no EGR on the Mini Ram, I don't want any problems. Thanks again.

------------------
'89 Camaro RS 6cyl. auto, don't know how much longer I'll have it.
'90 Iroc TPI 305, 5 spd B&M Ripper shifter, hopefully I can rob a bank or something and get more
www.geocities.com/irocnroll90