Why does every TPI you see have dents?
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Manitowoc, WI
Car: 90 Camaro
Engine: 350 tpi
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4.10
Why does every TPI you see have dents?
Just about every TPI setup I've seen for sale (including the one I ended up buying) has dents in some of the runners. Is there any specific reason for this, like changing some sensor or hose nearby that is hard to get to or something? I'm putting the runners and plenum on my engine tonight and just want to avoid any unnecessary denting!
Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 330
Likes: 1
From: Duluth, Ga
Car: 91 RS
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Auburn Pro / 3.42
Re: Why does every TPI you see have dents?
Most of the setups prob sit in a box on a self somewere for a couple of years before people deside to sell them.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 615
Likes: 0
From: Beautiful Tunnel Hill Georgia
Car: 67 Firebird Convertible
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: Why does every TPI you see have dents?
They're really, really easy to dent while taking off if you are not careful also. Most recyclers don't take pains removing them, and beat um up with ratchets and wrenches, and sometimes beat on them with hammers to break loose runners not knowing that there is a couple more bolts on inside under plenum.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 1
From: Santa Rosa, Cali
Car: 1988 IROC 5.7 Money Pit
Engine: (being built; modified TPI ZZ4
Transmission: 2200 stall/ stage 3 700R4
Axle/Gears: freshened 3.27 in 9.bolt/
Re: Why does every TPI you see have dents?
Yep, they're 20+ years old, super easy to dent, and it's getting more difficult to find pristine ones. Nitro
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Upstate Ny
Car: 1999 Formula Hardtop
Engine: 6.2 forged ls3 Procharged
Transmission: t56 Magnum
Axle/Gears: midwest chassis fab 9/3.50
Re: Why does every TPI you see have dents?
ive seen ***** on ebay, either 4 or 5 steel ***** that you push through the tubes to straighten them out .
Senior Member
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 718
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton, Alberta.
Car: 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA.
Engine: 385 stroker sbc
Transmission: TKO600
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" 3.70 Wavetrac
Re: Why does every TPI you see have dents?
Plus they're ALUMINUM. Which is very soft. And yes back in the day when these cars were new i'm sure the GM techs didn't treat them too nicely, especially if they had to change intake gaskets they most likely got frustrated and started banging the runners to get them under the fuel rails and stuff.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sanjay
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
1
Aug 12, 2015 03:41 PM
