I have a 400 carb engine currently pushing around 425 horse. I've been looking at the TPIS stand alone Miniram system. For the $3750 I've been thinking I might be better off picking up a LS1 for the cost. Anyone have any input on if I'd be better off with the Miniram or the LS1. I only use the car for road racing and am trying to get better mileage and smoother throttle.

Any input would be appreciated

 

It depends what you put in the 400. If it is stock than a miniram won't help much. The LS1 would make more power, be lighter, and have better fuel economy.

 

The 400 is pushing about 9.5:1 compress and has the Torker 2 intaked and cam. The heads are aftermarket and I would have to take a look at what they are exactly. I know I'll have to change the cam with the Mini-ram. But for the cost of the miniram I think it would only cost a couple more grand to finish off a LS1 swap myself. It doesn't have to be pretty since it's strictly a race car

 

I think the price isnt even comprable though. I mean, your gonna be lucky to find an LS1 for 6k, and thats the engine alone. Theres a bunch of other things your gonna have to do and buy to make it work.
The miniram is gonna be a lot cheaper.
But if this is strictly a race car, why are you concerned with mileage?

 

Currently I'm lucky to get 4-6 miles to the gallon. Some of the endurance type events are running 40-60 minutes. Kinda hard to compete when you have to stop for gas all the time

Also just wondering if anyone has any experience with the stand-alone kit. I've heard of guys using the miniram intake on current FI vehicles but nothing from anyone converting to the stand-alone on the performance issue

 

I've seen LS1's with wiring and computer for around $3000. There's one on ebay right now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33615

If I decide to do it I'll just go to the salvage auction and buy the whole car and part out everything I don't need to help cover some of the costs

 

...6K is for a brand new crate engine, you can get LS1's for 3K by temselves 4k with a tranny.

 

I've got an extra LS1 and some parts I'll sell. Sent you a PM.

Personally, I think you'd be much better off with the LS1 over the mini-ram. (And I'm not saying that just because I've got one for sale, either). The miniram might get you up a little over 500 hp, but I'm willing to bet it won't help you out a whole lot on gas mileage though.

LS1s with a head and cam package are going well over 500 hp NA. Even WITH the mods, you'll get low 20s for mileage with a 4-speed automatic and high 20s (highway) for mileage with a 6-speed. Best combo of economy and power there is, in my opinion. Now obviously you aren't going to get THAT kind of mileage during a race, but I can't even imagine that you'd get any where near as low as you are with that 400. Plus, the LS1 weighs approx. 150 pounds less than a 350 small block, so you'd save a bunch of weight by getting away from what you've got now.

If this is just a race car, you'll save a ton of money as well by not having to deal with all the emissions crap. I bet you could easily get the swap done for about $2k more, after the engine/tranny.

 

Hmmm. I picked mine up for 3K, thats with the 4L60E, PCM, wiring and all acc. I've seen them go for less also.

Actually, I'm into the whole car for about 6K. 89 RS for 1K, LS1 for 3K, Motor mounts and tranny crossmember for $250, TR224 cam for $800, Rear for $350, Aluminum DS for $150 and the Rad., carpet, door panels, batt. puts me right over 6K. Plus a few hundred for here and there stuff.

It's been one hell of a journey, but I think the end result was well worth it. Well, when is a project ever over.