burnout88

So I have been trying to find some nice high performance TPI parts and noticed there is barely anything left out there.

I had ordered a set of Edelbrock runners a couple of months ago and returned them because the casting on them was complete garbage. The SLP appear to be the same size as stock with what appears to be a chessy cut down the middle.

The TPIS runners and base are discontinued and so are the Accel products.
That leaves ASM runners left and I called them recently and they said over 4 weeks to get a set and they are not stocked, Also my conversation with them did not exactly inspire confindence in even the 4 week timeline. They really did not seem interested in making them.

So it looks like take the junk $440 Edelbrock runners and thats it? No other options left?

Guest

http://www.firstfuelinjection.com/products.htm

Your prayers have been answered...^^^^

burnout88

Not really interested in the First System. I do not like the throttle body setup they have.

I talked to TPIS today and they said demand is low on the lower intakes so right now they are just doing some port work on the Edelbrock unit and they may make some of their own lower bases in the summer but that is based on if their is demand.

However, they are still planning on making there runners. They had a production issue but they have fixed it and they are hoping to have the runners back in stock in a month or so. They are going to call me when they get them in.

Guest

You are wasting your time and money...the First is the only good and wisely priced option that wields the best out of the box results hands down, ported first vs everything else ported - it wins hands down. The system is NEARLY twice the size and at 1.75" runners that can be ported to 1.9x" youd be a mustang loven fool. Also the TB issue that has BEEN solved is a poor excuse...



-Also it CAN be converted...

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

That cheesy cut is why the runners work. Its unfortunate they are not larger diameter too but they can be ported to work even better. The cut is siamesing which shortens runner length and effectively tunes the rpm range to a higher rpm level, which makes power.

TPI is dying abit. To really make power with one you need to open up the bases and runners, which basically means complete custom pieces. FIRST is the best option available even tho the TB system makes you use the round LS style. It can be converted as pointed out so that is an option.

burnout88

I am not converting anything. If First wants to sell it with the correct TB I may consider it. I don't have time to do custom conversions. I am not screwing around with that stupid TB on that thing. It's looks ridiculous and I am not hacking up my car for that thing.

vetteoz

iTrader: (13)

HSR maybe?
Same or better performance at cheaper cost ($550 ) to new TPI base and runners ($700+ )
( similar overall cost once you factor in new fuel lines and fittings for HSR)

TPI-Formula350-

TPIS doesnt even make the runners or lower intakes. AS&M make all the runners for TPIS and Edelbrock make the lower intakes for TPIS. TPIS just put there name on them and jack up the price.
https://www.thirdgen.org/accel-edelbrock-tpis-tpi
https://www.thirdgen.org/runner-leng...ter-variations

Guest

You dont have to cut a thing....and I think you can get the part from them to. Just buy the dang thing like us smart LTR guys. ;-)

StevenB L98/LS1

There not high flow runners, but its ported and polished TPI setup http://arkansaspolishing.com/

88fastgta

iTrader: (9)

as a person who has a FIRST i would get it... dont even fool with slp or accel unless your can port it all out yourself and even then its not worth all the trouble... there is a reason why tpi is dying... its the **** poor products they make...slp, edelbrock and accel COULD have made thier bases and runners MUCH better.. but instead they want to rip people off and you get MINIMAL gains in power after spending TONS of money on their SUPPOSED 20hp gain per part.. . get a FIRST and make and adapter to use your stock throttlebody and be done with it... you will be more than happy trust me...


and the first is FAR from a hack job..imo it looks abit better than the gm tpi..... im still in the process of my throttlebody conversion plate....

KingsHustleLA

What exactly do you have to do to convert the FIRST plenum to fit a regular TPI throttlebody? I hate how that damn thing looks too & I wanted to be able to use my 58mm BBK throttlebody if i got a FIRST set up. How could it be done & will A 58mm BBK throttlebody decrease airflow from the FIRST throttlebody?

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

Fab an adapter plate or cut off their front tb mount and weld in a plate that uses stock style tpi tb's

Or fab a new plenum. Either way it wont be easy

KingsHustleLA

[QUOTE=Orr89RocZ;5437710]Fab an adapter plate or cut off their front tb mount and weld in a plate that uses stock style tpi tb's

Or fab a new plenum. Either way it wont be easy[/QUOT


It would be cool to have but damn that's at a price haha, people have told me they'e seen AS&M runners with a match ported base & plenum intake set up support over 400 in both torque & horse power at the wheels naturally aspirated. I've never seen it & that sounds a little too good to be true but i mean if I can find proof of that for sure i'll go that route for the TPI intake set up.

paul_huryk

Problem is that the TPI intake runners are an old, compromised design... Of course when the cars were new, every company was making runners and other parts - today the market has shrunk down and will shrink even further. TPI while being made by the millions over 8 years is an archaic remnant of the 80's engine scene. Options like the miniram, superram, and others are the way to go for performance.

That being said, there are other spots to spend money on for additional power for TPI engines - headers, exhaust, pulleys, CAI...

David 91RS/Z28

As you can see with the limited options, your either gonna have to suck it up and convert something as an option or go with the other "cheesy" components. Check ebay for used SuperRam's and MiniRam's. Check out the Holley Stealth Ram. Either way you don't seem to thrilled. Maybe you should consider going up a generation on a car maybe to find the performance that would better suit you. Good luck!

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

Yup the new tech is composite plastic and surprised no one has picked up on this. AFR has with a carb intake thats plastic. Much cooler temps of material so much cooler air intake

cuisinartvette

I looked into making a large TPI system and also an LT1 type intake out of that material and unless you could get them CARB approved didnt see the profit in it.
Its one expensive proposition!


Another vote for the first. A heavily ported aftermarket TPI wont come close to the first and will be less in the long run.

Say you score a base and runners for $500....you got at least $500-MIN to spend porting to pick them up and they will still lag over the first. Most shops wont touch the TPIs and a lot of what you see out there is no more than scuffing them up with a carbide, a roll or whatever they found...gains are disappointing. They require a TON of time its just not profitable unless you do them yourself.

On that note have a FIRST showing up at my doorstep this week to be ported even further for a 383 build. See how that goes.

AutoRoc

iTrader: (1)

High Performance TPI is like saying Fast Turtle.

Or broke millionaire.

SLP runners helped my 350 setup for what it was. Went from 14.80's to 14.40's.. hahaha

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

"On that note have a FIRST showing up at my doorstep this week to be ported even further for a 383 build. See how that goes"

Keep us posted on that. Maybe do a thread. By the way on my First I had to do a little welding as I broke through in a couple of spots. Mainly on ports 1 & 8.

paul_huryk

I saw them at PRI last week - they are $600 for that intake - lighter and perfect runner shapes. Probably going to do that for my 427 build.

Eightyninef

TPI, leave it stock.
If you want HP, you know you'll never match the LS or even the LT1

Having said that, the TPI motor is still the best looking motor.

TPI-Formula350-

So you can't make power with aftermarket TPI setups??? Really??

cuisinartvette

Will do, complete with pics.
Sounds like you got pretty aggressive how were your results?

This will be a basic 383 driver with AFR 195 Comp heads, sub 230ish roller etc.

AutoRoc

iTrader: (1)

Your setup seems to make good power. SuperRam was always a great piece, I thought.

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

"Sounds like you got pretty aggressive how were your results?"

We are having a "dyno day" on the 15th for and I will be testing version 2 of my large tube TPI intake system. Still waiting on Westech for when they are going to dyno my TPI Crossram. Should be soon on that one as well.

Ken was going to make a 2" runner for his First intake system. If he does that could be a real game changer for high performance. IMHO the base needs to be opened up to. Especially around the injector ports. That is something that guys like Ron can do.

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

I think the Super Ram has a ton of potential. However to realize the potential it needs some work including welding. IMHO the basic concept is a good one but needs to be brought up to today's standards with all the good heads and camshafts that are available in today's market.

cuisinartvette

Thanks for the words, GTA

This guy was waiting for the 2 in runners also sounds like it could be awhile if they even come out. Hes wanting 1.9 see how that goes. Honestly Im dreading those long azz runners lol. You know why

SR is a nice piece with enough work can really hum as you know.
If I had a TPI car again it would probably have one on it buthcered to death (like my spelling)

1989GTATransAm

iTrader: (3)

"Honestly Im dreading those long azz runners lol. You know why"

An honest 1.9" will do him well. Once the ends are opened up it makes it a little easier to reach the middle but not much easier. Glad it is you and not me doing it. Hahaha