MBremer

Sup all? I know this might be a newb question...but I am new to TPI...

I'm looking to upgrade the running in my '87 IROC-Z. I'm thinking about Edelbrock's High-Flo TPI Runners, but I'd like some opinions on them first.

Anyone recomment them, recomment another manufacturer?

Thanks!

86Z

iTrader: (4)

i havent used them, when i started with my TPI it wasnt even stock, i'm using accel runners and base, but i'll tell you the aftermarket runners are alot better then the stock ones

Red Devil

AS&M

3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

[quote=Red Devil;3037642]AS&M



that or the TPIS. i wouldnt go with anyother.

ive heard that most others need work on them when ported.

LT1FUN

Coincidently enough, myself and another member were just talking about possibly starting a group purchase on AS&M runners, 5 minutes ago.

Obviosly, opinions are going to differ as to which runner design is best or makes the most power, looks better etc. etc. but in terms of performance I've seen numerous 3rd gen's with AS&M runners putting out numbers the so called "experts" said couldn't be done with TPI

I'm not a fan of SLP's or Edelbrocks personally. I don't like how either of them look and the SLP's have to be ported like crazy to match the flow-capabilities of the high-end runners like AS&M/TPIS design. Quite frankly, as popular as the SLP's are around here (and I know I'll get flamed for saying this) but the SLP's are nothing to bragg about "out of the box" and the amount of time you have to spend porting/polishing them to match up to the AS&M's is, in my opinion, not even close to being worth it. But that's just me. To each his own..... The Edelbrocks are a step above the SLP's but still don't hold a candle to the AS&M's.

Accell is said to be in the same league as the AS&M/TPIS but I personally don't know anybody with them so I can't comment on them. They look really good though..


They're pricey ($415) but if we could get something started and get a discount, on AS&M's I'd probably be in. Atleast one other guy I know would be in too (if the price was right)

MBremer

Thanks a lot guys! Is there a good place I can go to do a little research on the AS&M and TPIS runners?

If the price is right, I think I'd be in too for the AS&Ms, but I want to learn a little more about them first.

Thanks!!

LT1FUN

This is a great article anyone interested in upgrading their TPI should read. Keep in mind though, that this test is with the AS&M "semi-siamesed" runners. From the people I've spoken to that have experience with them, the semi-siamesed raise the operating range about 500rpm and make "slightly" more hp than their standard "big tube" runner design but at the expensive of losing "slightly" more torque on the low end.

Still, notice how they scored the highest of any other TPI set-up. Also notice how they didn't even bother to test the SLP runners

I'll be going with the AS$M runner/TPIS intake base combo myself. The fasted third gen's I know all run that set-up.

Articles That Use Comp Cams® Products

MBremer

Reading now, thank you.

Where would be a good place for buying the AS$M runner/TPIS intake base combo? I'm guessing you already have somewhere picked out to buy from. lol

LT1FUN

Either from AS&M themselves or from FastToy's. Both are the same price (actually, FastToy's is $1 cheaper )but if you order from AS&M you get the option of "polishing" the runners for an adational $150 if that's something your interested in.

1985-1992 Large Tube Intake Runners
Fasttoys.net Online Shopping

The TPIS from what I understand, are the same as AS$M but because they're sold by TPIS, you have to pay extra for the name. Actually, AS&M sells them to TPIS and they mark up the price. They'll run you $475. If we could only get a discount on this and not the AS&M, I'd go with these since they're virtually the same.

TPiS

MBremer

That's where I was looking, on the TPIS site, but I was hoping you had another possible site.

Thanks again for the info, huge help!

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

FastToys has been known to run discount group purchases. I got my Mufflex 3.5" catback system from them on a group puchase. The transaction went very smoothly.

The only Accel runners I saw had problems. Had to be sent back and Accel could not come up with a good set so the purchaser got his money back.

He then ordered the AS&M runners. Took a little while but he got them. Very nice and I was surprised as to how light they were. They were the large tube model not the siamese version.

I agree that out of the box the SLP's are nothing to brag about and towards the bottom of the list. The good thing about them is that you can modify them to whatever your imagination can come up with.

Demon355

iTrader: (1)

AS&M all the way! I'm in for the group purchase...

LT1FUN

So that makes 3 of us interested in starting a group purchase. I'll email FastToy's on Monday depending on how many people show interest, and find out whether or not they (FastToy's) would agree to provide us some sort of discount on the runners.

While I'm at it, I'll contact AS&M themselves and get some info on the runners and ask them about a group purchase.

I'll try and get something started here and post any information I get from either company....


Anybody else interested in making this happen, post now. The more particapants we have, the higher the chance's are, we'll get a better deal. $415 is the list price, if we could bring that down to $350-$375, I'm 99% sold.

LT1FUN

Alright guy's, I just sent out an email to FastToys explaining what we're trying to get started over here. I asked them the usual questions like how many members would be required to get a G.P. going. What the discount price would be, and whether or not they even had any AS&M's in stock.

When I hear back from them, I'll let you all know what they had to say. I'm really hoping we can make this happen.



Finally, this thread is useless without pic's so here are a few of AS&M runners to give you an idea of what we'd be getting. They're by far the best flowing TPI runners on the market (260cfm per runner ) and still look entirely stock to the untrained eye (The runners are a lot bigger, but are the exact same design as the origionals). You could suprise a lot of unsuspecting people with these runners.

They have a clear hard, anodized finish, come with all necessary gaskets and their own mounting bolts. Everything you need to install them.


AS&M says independant tests have shows gains of 25hp and 30lbs of torque on STOCK L98's. Having seen bolt-on L98's with these runners on the dyno, I'd say those claims are pretty dead on.

Come on people. Look at those runners. They're bad-@ss! You know you want them. You know you NEED them.

Post if your interested and lets get this thing started.

MBremer

Well duh I'm all for it, I started the thread! lol

Yes, the more people that jump on board, the better chance we have at a good discount and maybe even a little cut on the shipping cost too.

3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

it depends on the finial price, but hell yea ill do this for sure.

LT1FUN

4 interested and counting......

Just waiting for an email confirmation from FastToy's they're willing to work something out with us.

The more people willing to do this, the better the chances FastToy's can do something for us...

BulliTooth

depending on the price im in, but in only want the as&m's

3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

i dont know if anyone else noticed but they have the corvette LTRs for $395
on the AS&M web site.
the only thing is that is fits 89 and up models i have a 85(witch has the 9th injector)

LT1FUN

So does this mean you might be interested in joining in on the GP (if there ends up being one, that is ) ??

MBremer

I have an '87, so the corvette LTRs for $395 wouldnt work for me either

350IROC1989

I noticed in the pictures there was a plenum, do these runners include the plenum? Will I have to port-match my plenum to these runners? Either way I'll be interested.

roachjuice

i might be interested...

LT1FUN

Unfortunately, a shiny new plenum is NOT included in the price. I just didn't have time to photoshop the image to remove the plenum

But I guess it's there to give you an idea of how well these runners look with the stock plenum so there!

$415 is just for the cost of the runners..



That makes 5 people.....

MBremer

Okay, just so I'm clear, will I need to get a new plenum or no?

3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

yea i said i was in already. but what i was saying, was that they sale the same part for less($395) on the AS&M site.

LT1FUN

No. You don't have to get a new plenum. It works with your existing plenum. When you install these runners, it would probably be best to take the oppertunity to port the plenum itself since it comes out anyways when you take off the old runners.

You don't absolutely have to, but it would be beneficial in the long run and maximize the gains you'd get with the larger runners.

If you do a search on this forum, you can see some write-up and pic's on how to go about porting a plenum. It's not that big a deal really. A dremel will work just fine. Heck, I know a guy who ported his plenum with a circular file and it turned out mint!

For starters, right at the opening of the plenum (where the throttlebody attaches to) the left side port at the bottom, is obsecured with a completely useless chunk of aluminum (see pic below) which serves no purpose but to obstruct airflow. Grinding that away will increase air flow and is good for a few extra horses.

note the excess aluminum on the left side port.




This is how it should look like:



As far as porting the openings where the runners attach to, you should be okay. Just line up the gaskets that come with the plenum and position them over the ports on the plenum. If you can see that the stock ports can be opened further, go ahead. If not, leave them alone. You'll still see a nice improvment with just the runners regarless of wherether or not you take the time to port the plenum.

Hope that answers your question.

MBremer

Thank you very much! That was great.

Demon355

iTrader: (1)

Porting a plenum is super easy. I did one side of my plenum in 20 minutes. If your a beginner, do what LT1FUN says, line up the new runner gaskets on the plenum, mark the material your removing and go at it with a dremel or whatever else you want to use. I have pics of my progress on my cardomain site. I'll probably hit it again once I get these runners. Porting the plenum and base (if using stock piece) makes all the differece, especially if your going to be using these LTR's. I can't wait!



6 people and counting...

BulliTooth

hmm im counting 6 yes and 1 mayb???

MBremer

So far, that's my count too

anesthes

iTrader: (12)

Hrmm. Nearly $400 just for runners. Then decide you need a bigger intake down the road, spend another $400 there..

Have you considered a HSR ?

-- Joe

tenpin842

I just bought and put on Edlebrocks High flow intake and Edelbrocks Hi flow runners to match.....I was very impressed. Plus they look the best out on all the runners that I've seen. Of coarse I had to port and polish the Plenum also. And a new cam, and a new Holley AFPR...and and and...LOL the list goes on.
But I did like the Edelbrock. And thats what I went with.

anesthes

iTrader: (12)

Cool! I used SLP runners on an edelbrock base years ago. It looks like a mean setup. Wish it performed like one. I can't complain because, i got most of my money back selling the TPI stuff on ebay. A lot of guys with older cars like the TPI setups.

-- Joe

tenpin842

Thats for sure Joe, It looks mean, I wish it pushed out the HP like the LT1's or the LS1's. But I'm into more looks then speed. Its quick enough for me. But it looks awsome.

Jade Grey

iTrader: (1)

Steve mentioned when you bought the car that you had TPIS Runners, ported and polished by the last owner. Was that not the case?

BTW, when did Thunder Racing stop selling AS&M runners?

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

There is more than one person on the LT1 forums wishing that their runners were longer. Some are actively looking into intakes with longer runners including sheet metal intakes.

Bigseth

iTrader: (11)

I am interested depending on price. But I was looking on there web site and they list camaro runners 85-88 for $415 pn 20199. and they list the same part number for 85-88 vettes for $395. whats up with that? So if they're gonna give us a discount lets make sure its off of the lower price. lol

Demon355

iTrader: (1)

Well of course. With a group purchase we get the runners for a cheaper price as there is a greater demand. I just hope they go for this...

LT1FUN

Still waiting on FastToy's for a response to the email I sent them yesterday. Should see one by tomorrow.

We've got a lot of people showing interest which is a bit surprising actually. A lot of people are saying they're in "if the price is right", well, the runners cost $415. That's the standard price which obviously is too high for a lot of people otherwise they would have bought these runners by now.

So just out of curiosity, what is the most you guy's are willing to spend (not including tax's)

What would Fasttoys have to say, to get you to buy these runners?

$400? $390? $380 etc. etc. etc.

What price are you guys willing to spend?

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

Generally with a group purchase the discount is usally 10% from what I have seen. So if the runners cost $400 then with the 10% discount they would be $360. I guess it would depend on the type of deal FastToys can get from AS&M. Also they would not necessarily have to be the exact same part. They could be for different years as that is the way the Mufflex group purchase went.

LT1FUN

It's not like I absolutely need new runners or anything, but if I can get a set of AS&M's for a good price, say 10% off, why not? There's a good chance I might not get the opportunity again to get 'em at a discounted price and I don't want to be kicking myself in the @ss later for having missed out when I had the chance to get them cheap the first time around 'ya know?

I'm in for sure if it's $360. Maybe even a little more...

3rdgenZ

iTrader: (1)

remember though. some of us need to make sure that we get the right part. there are two def runner. one for the 85-88 and another for the 89-92.
we need to make sure that fasttoys is aware of this.

LT1FUN

I'm sure that won't be a problem. Both the runners for the 85-88 and the 89-92 cost the same and you select which year runner you want to buy before you hit the "add to cart" icon on their website.

I just sent out an email to AS&M aswell just in case FastToy's is unwilling/unanble to agree to a G.P.

I'm also looking around to see if I can find any other places that carry these runners. So far no luck. Damn, these things are hard to come by.....

Demon355

iTrader: (1)

You know me, I'm in for sure! Just hope this doesn't happen for at least a few more weeks. My engine should be ready by the end of the week so that should tap me out for at least 2 more weeks

10% off sounds good to me though...

BulliTooth

10% sounds good

LT1FUN

Unfortunately, I still haven't heard back from FastToys or AS&M themselves. I even took the time to write to TPIS and ask them if they were interested in getting a G.P. but haven't heard back from them either. I know we've been talking about AS&M's, but the AS&M's and the TPIS runners are one in the same. They're both made by AS&M, but TPIS (supposedly) does some additional port work to the runners and call them their own. I emailed them just in case we don't get a resoponse from Arizona Speed & Marine or FastToy's.

Think of them as an option B: (so long as they provide a good price, naturally). They're the exact same runners, so why not.

Hopefully one of these places will get back to me soon...

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

Might have to make a phone call or two.

LT1FUN

Well if somebody wants to phone up these guy's and talk to them in person, that'd be great.

I live in Canada so any calls I make are going to be long distance and cost me a small fortune. My phone bill for this month is already big enough...

LT1FUN

Okay I just got back home and I received an email from FastToys.

They haven't given me a price yet as they're waiting on a response from AS&M to see what kind of price they can offer. Thing is though, they need atleast 10 people to get this going. Right now, we have 7. All we need now is 3 more people to show interest and more importantly, or, to be more precise, 10 people that will put their money where their mouth is, and actually go through with the order (myself included)

Here's a copy of FastToys email...



" Phil,

...... We are waiting to hear back from AS&M to see what kind of pricing we can offer. The minimum GP order quantity would be 10 units. We'll email you back as soon as we have more info.

Thanks

Fast Toys Performance