Hey guys!

I'm still in the planning stages of another TPI engine I would like to build sooner rather than later for my truck. Being a 1 ton 4x4 longbox pickup that is built for towing, and daily driving, I am building this engine to make as much torque as possible.

However, being a student, my budget is a bit limited, and as such, I can only really afford factory heads at the moment.

I've got access to a set of aluminum L98 heads, and already own a set of good TBI swirlport heads.

I know the swirlports don't do well above 4000 RPM, but I will probally never rev my engine that high anyways, and the huge low end torque they are known for is very attractive.

What do you guys figure?

Keep in mind that this is not a racing vehicle, and that it will never be raced more than to show up the occasional Honda, lol

 

So why ask on a 3rd gen site? Full-Size Chevy - Main Index has a lot of info there, and can probably help you out.
You in calgary as well?

 

Use the swirl ports. Give them a mild porting and gasket metch. get some Tri Y headers if you want bottom end grunt.
(Doug Thorley)

 

What he said, along with a X-pipe and appropriately sized duals.

 

These guys know more about TPI engines than anyone, and are best qualified for helping me out Besides, I've always liked 3rd gens as well, lol

I'm actually from Ardrossan, a small town of like 50 houses just East of Edmonton

Based on the suggestions here, it sounds like most guys are thinking the same way as I have been.

Basic engine plans at the moment include:

- TBI swirlport heads with gasket matching & casting cleanup
- Pistons to bring my compression ratio to approx 9.3:1, so I can still run 87 Octane, with an otherwise stock bottom end
- XE256H Comp Cams Xtreme Energy EFI camshaft (212 in / 218 exh @ .050" duration, .449 in / .456 valve lift and 112 degrees LSA)
- Stock Speed Density TPI intake with gasket matching & casting cleanup

Exhaust will be 3/4 length Chevelle headers with dual 2.25" pipes with an X-pipe, and probally Hooker Aerochamber mufflers.

Transmission is an NV4500 (5 speed standard, 1st is a granny gear, 5th is overdrive), transfercase is an NP241, diffs have 4.10 gears, and the tires will be 33"

As it stands right now, my engine has an XE262H cam, which has an LSA of 110 degrees, smogger heads, and about 8.5:1 compression. I have a lot of trouble with a rich idle, and as you can imagine, I'm lucky to get 200 horse, and 200 ft lbs of torque. My goal is to make at least 300 - 350 ft lbs of torque with the new engine so I don't struggle up hills with the bobcat or camper trailer out back.

Sound good to everyone here as far as making good strong torque for towing?

 

use smaller cam for low end grunt.

 

I realize that this is an older post,and you may have already done all your engine planning and work; however, I would like to suggest that you check in on John Liggenfelter (sp?) book on building performance small block engines. It's chock full on info that directly applies to building torque monster engines. He loves the Corvette L98 factory alluminum head for building mega torque by pocket porting those pups, and is a big fan of headers that have larger collectors, such as the Doug Thorley units.

I live right near Flowmaster's California headquarters. Today I was able to sit down with one of their tech's to discuss this very subject. Apparently the Thorley units are extremely well built and highly recommended by the Flowmaster small block chevy enthusiasts.

Hope this quick summary can still be of help. Nitro