Chrome

Hey guys,

I'm in the process of converting my TBI over to TPI and have an issue.

I got a good deal on a complete (Intake UP) Stock TPI setup lightly ported. Well, to make a long story short. UPS dropped the box and dented the drives side runners BAD...

Soooooo, I have to either one get another pair of STOCK runners, or get a set of AFTERMARKET runners.

I've been looking on EBAY and it seems that these freaking STOCK runners are going for $100.00!!! Hell I only paid $300 for the complete system, blah. Anyhow, it looks like I can get some SLP runners on ebay anywhere from $150-$200.00.

Here is my setup:

1991 L98 Longblock (stock)
TPI (of coarse) - Everything stock (22lb inj, stock fpr)
Walbro 255 fuel pump
Hooker 2055 (air tubes cut, ball flange ground out)
3" Flowmaster catback

I am going to be going Stealthram probably in the next year or two (just didn't want to cash up for it until i get comfortable with PROM tuning).

Anyhow, in my situation would the SLP runners really net anything? Or am I just moving the cork downstream. I have researched siamesing the plenum/gasket to match the SLP runners and that looks like some possible gains. Also I could gasket match the base (already slightly ported). Any suggestions?

I've got to spend money on runners anyway I look at it, just trying to figure out if the SLP runners are worth an extra 50-100 bucks on a Stock (minor bolt on) "willing to port" engine. If no gains forseable, I'll just buy and port the stock runners and leave it at that. Thanks!

Jekyll & Hyde

First, if the dent is not a hole, it will work for learning tuning and TPI systems. If you are going to switch to HSR before too long, just bolt it on and change it in a couple of years.

If you don't want to keep that one, I would go to a junkyard and pull a set yourself. 1985-1988 TPI runners are exactlly the same. 89+ and up are exactlly the same.

Since I don't know what year you are running, you need to just find the one that matches your car, either with or without the cold start injector and find the one that matches your car. You will probably get out of there for $20 and a good runner, however, I don't see it not having a couple small dents.

Chrome

Well going speed density 91 TPI (TBI-TPI makes this easy).

Let me rephrase, UPS CRUSHED my drivers side runner, blah... Its like 3/4 closed.

Seems like the only place I can find these is ebay. A dent or two won't bother me but when it looks like someone took a sledge to it, that can't be good!!! (damn UPS).

Sounds like the SLP runners are not worth it on a Lightly ported STOCK L98 w/ exhaust eh? Anybody else concur?

novass

iTrader: (1)

A way to open up and take dents out of the runners is to force a 1.5" steel bearing thru the tube. This is how even small dents are take out of runners.

You can get them from www.mcmaster.com

Part # 9528K64 about $5.

Chrome

Cool, Thanks.

$5 is much better then 50-100.

I've got 3 tubes blasted and 1 is ok. Do you think that with this ball and alittle brushing w/ a green scour pad that I can make these look decent?

Chrome

... Double

novass

iTrader: (1)

I think that it is very doable. If you are like me, I and would rather spend the time than the money.

How I would do it is to get a nice piece of wood say 3/4 x 3/4 x 12" long and hit it with a deadblow to drive the bearing as far as it will reach and then try it from the other end. I would also lube up the bearing.

Guest

Silly question, but if UPS did it... they paying up? Was it insured? I think the basic insurance that comes on packages is $100.

Chrome

Shipped UPS, uninsured.

I think your right $100.00. I have fought UPS before through work on items damaged and let me tell you this is not easy. For the hassle I didn't feel it worth what I would probably get back which would be about jack.

I think I'll try the ball bearing technique and see if that helps before doing anything else. I think it would be nice to get SLP runners, but only if I was going to really try to take TPI to the /next/ level. I'm just looking for something until I have the funds/knowledge to swap to HSR.

Thanks Guys!