I have spent the last few months researching my options to upgrade.
I love the look of the TPI intake and am planning to upgrade and port an aftermarket base and runners to keep the look I like for now.
My budget is fairly open but not unlimited. I don’t really have any set HP numbers that I want to hit but it would be nice to end up around 350whp give or take.
This will be used as a weekend driver light to light wake up the neighbours kind of car and for highway runs to the lake about 45 min away. All smog stuff will be removed as not needed and will declutter the engine bay but will be keeping the AC as it gets quite hot here mid-summer .
I will be keeping the stock bottom end and trans (only 45,000 miles on the car) for now but will have the trans rebuilt in the near future I am sure.
I have come up with a build that seems to be fairly standard starting point for most recommendations I have seen here.

-AFR 195 heads #1040
-Scorpion rockers 1.6
- 280XFI as I will probably end up with a HSR as next winters upgrade or would a 268XFI be better for this build. ( I am starting tothink the 268xfi may be the way to go)
-will probably go with CC roller lifters but open for better budget ideas
-new timing chain and gears (pleas recommend if you like)
- Hedman StreetHeaders 68470 ( I would prefer the Dyno Dons but can’t justify the shipping,exchange and duty to get them up to me in Canada)
- I will be looking at the EBL Flash system for the Computerand tuning
- New stall converter (pleas recommend) was thinking around 2000 but I don’t have enough in site to be sure.

There will also be things like 2 peace timing cover, gaskets, bolts and studs and all that kind of good stuff.

This is my starting point so any recommendations or options would be great from either a performance or budget perspective would be very welcome

Thanks
Blinky

 

well I have finalised some of the items and will be placing my order tomorrow at a local shop (Mopac)

Everything as above with the following changes
I will be going with the 268XFI cam and Performance world 1.6 3/8 roller rockers and ls lifters
as far as the stall is concerned I will wait till after Christmas and talk to some manufactures to size correctly but from what I can find in searches something between 2000-2300 should work well.

I will be looking for a high flow base and runners as I want to keep the stock TPI look is there any perferd brand of aftermarket base and runners I should be looking for or with no one manufacturing them any more I should take what ever I can find here or e-bay when they come up ?

I installed Bosch 3s from SFI this summer will I be able to continue to use these or should I upgrade these also and if so to what? I have seen mention of 30lb injectors.

also with the heads would I be better to go with studs or bolts for attaching them?

thanks
Blinky

 

Sounds like your on your way with a decent plan. Mopac has some great prices for Canadians, exchange with the states doesn't always get the best prices.

There are still some that love the TPI look, andif your not racing but just driving and enjoying, it works just fine. I would keep an eye on the classifieds on here, some good deals on Edelbrock/TPIS bases and runners do pop up.

 

Try this 458HP, 383 TPI stroker setup, attached.

 

Look at Abubacas build. I love the TPI look.

 

Thanks Buddy that's the plan to keep an eye out for some used high flow TPI stuff and the pricing I was looking at and talking to friends they all said that Mopac is great for a local shop

TooTie Pang thank you for the great article

dmccain yes Abubacas's type of build is more or less what I am shooting and that is most defiantly a great looking car

any one have any insight on my injector question or the use of studs or bolts for heads


thanks


Blinky

 

I don't think I saw a displacement number, but if it's around 383 ci, I'd look into the FIRST tpi intake like I believe Abubaca has. As far as a converter, you could look into the s10 converter with stalls around 2200 rpm (not positive), the trailblazer (2600 rpm) converter, or talk to somebody like chris at Circle D or any other converter vendor of your choosing.

 

well I have ordered my parts and started tearing down the engine for removal. hopefully I will have everything to install on the block over the Christmas break.
I am planning to port the existing base and plenum as I have seen many posts having good success doing this.
But replacing the stock Runners would be the best way to go but what about siamesing the stock runners is this a viable option?
I have access to a shop and all the equipment needed to cut and weld as needed. I have seen posts about doing this but not much is talked about how well it performed after the fact so if I can not find High-Flo runners would this option work? in the short term till larger runners can be sourced


thanks
Blinky

 

Regarding the stall....I had a zz4 cammed (mild) L98 with headers, a 2200 stall, and 3.27 gears. For what it was it was awesome, and the stall and gear change made more difference than the cam and headers.

Now I'm running a 383. I chose the extra cubes as a broadsword approach at adding back some power I knew I'd lose through the TPI. -the TPI is an extremely ported GM base, that was ported by Darin Docterman of High Flow Fuel Injection. I actually had a stock untouched Edelbrock 3860, and Darin's ports dwarfed the 3860. I bought it all used, and then port matched it to my heads and runners. Runners are SLP pieces, cut open, ported, and then welded shut. Same for the plenum. It's no stock TPI, but it won't outflow the FIRST for sure.
Cam is a custom grind Lunati, and heads are RHS 180s. Both chosen for low end torque, which is delivers in spades!!!!!!!!!! -still, I shift at 5000, so it's no "race" car. Part of me wishes I could trade some torque for RPMs, but yet I still giggle when I romp on it, and when all said and done, that's why I built it.

With an HSR, I think you'd be happier with the XFI268. If you go TPI, make sure not to overcam, especially if you go 383. Torque is awesome, but the lack or RPM is very apparent.

I used ARP bolts. At the time I could've told you exactly what the specs were, but I researched my needs, and it was pretty cut and dry. Bolts were more than enough.

I read lots on those bosch IIIs, some good, some not. -I bought mine from Southbay and they've been perfect. Assuming you're gonna tune, which you'll obviously have to, you put in your size and proper offsets, they'll suit ya fine.

 

My question/concern with siamesing the stock runners would be even if you cut and weld them together, how much actual cross sectional area have you picked up? -and won't the ports, in and out of the runners still be the same factory size? Not looking at 'em right this second, so it may be feasible. I just don't know.

 

Abubcac thanks for the insight I have ordered the XFI 268 so yes I may at some point go with a HSR. the supplier recommended studs and I went with the APR's.
I will be sticking with the stock bottom end for now but the option of a 383 is quite intriguing. I will not be finishing every thing off till winter is over here in northern Canada so that gives me 6 months so you never know what may happen is I have the cash.

The challenge of siamesing and porting the intake system is something I would like to take on and if I am not happy with the results I see a HSR in the next year or so but if I like it all the better.
I would be doing something like the attached photos of what was done by a person on the corvette forums. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...unner-mod.html
the ports would be enlarged and the tubes would need to be welded on the outside and partially siemesed.


thanks
Blinky