my motor has a decent amount of power, but the intake and headers really need replaced. i'm running a zz409 cam, and just under 10:1 compression, with 4.10 gears, but im getting ready to swap them out to 3.42. i can't decide whether to go with a superram, build the tpi as far as it can go, or go with an lt1 intake. i'm pretty sure the superram is out of my price range, i think i've seen full kits for over 2k, i wouldnt really want to spend more than 1k or 1200 on parts. i dont want a completely flat top end but im mostly concerned with low and mid range torque and a good power curve. what type of upgrades could i look at to max out my tpi? how difficult is it for a rookie mechanic to swap on an lt1. i learn pretty fast, i know my way around my car and i'm a decent mechanic, maintain a binder machine at a printing factory for a living so working on my car isn't too much different from that. i'm thinking it would be better for me to build the tpi even though the top end will lack a bit, it should still be able to pull to 6k with my cam right? also, it would be a less intimidating undertaking for me.

also, i would have to have machine work done somewhere, im probably going to put aside 3 or 4 hundred for that, sound about right?
Shaun

 

Check out our freind John Millican at www.lt1intake.com

 

After realizing how limited the TPI design is, even with $1000 worth of aftermarket intake parts on it, I am getting a Holley Stealth ram for my 327. The stealth rams are cheap! Including the adjustable regulator and shipping, the Stealth ram intake and fuel rails comes to $528. There are guys running 10s and 11s w/ Stealth rams. The mildest setups I've seen online are running 12s.

 

dont hsr's stick up like a bastard? i thought i read somewhere you basically need a cowl hood. can you cut away the underside of a stock hood and clear it? what would a ballpark figure for all parts and machining including a manifold? 1500?

 

I have a second gen so I have a ton of hood clearance. The HSR is a full 2" taller than a stock TPI. Reputedly, it will fit under a 3rd gen camaro hood no problem, but on the firebirds some hood bracing needs to be shaved down. Check out www.stealthram.com for pictures and user's applications.

 

yes they are taller than the tpi. you can either go the route of an aftermarket hood or cut the crossbrace on your stock hood to make enough clearence. you can also machine the fins off for further clearance.

 

right on, i like the power curve of the hsr, looks like i would get better traction in 1st and 2nd. and it sounds like its right in my price range. do you think 3.73's might match up to that better than 3.42's would? my car is probably a little heavy, and i'm saving up for an adire brahma 15 to put in the very back, which will probably add 75 lbs to the well area.

 

The HSR with a big cam will peak around 6400, so you want a lot of gear if you can get it. The HSR hp curve is flat as a table from 6000-7000 on the dyno sheets I saw. I think that my 373s and a high winding engine will be a great match (why the heck I put TPI on this thing in the first place is a mystery, but I sold most of the parts for the same or more than what I paid in the first place)

 

Another vote for the HSR. Sounds like it would do you good.

Btw I am from up there. I used to live in Charles Town. I still try to go up every few weeks to visit my Dad. My car is still parked at his house.