TPI Tuned Port Injection discussion and questions. LB9 and L98 tech, porting, tuning, and bolt-on aftermarket products.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-25-2018, 10:50 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
86knightta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Athens, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L L98
Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Just bought this 87 low option ttop 5spd gta. It has a sticker from slp showing various things done at time it was new though i think only headers and runners survived. Question is besides the slp runners and i believe slp headers and the world products dart heads... What the heck is the plenum and air intake???



Old 04-26-2018, 08:09 AM
  #2  
Moderator

 
Vader's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,349
Received 216 Likes on 177 Posts
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Were the acorns free?

The air inlet is not familiar. Other than the lack of an air box around the filter, there is good chance it is better flowing than the stock assembly.

As for the plenum, that's pretty unique to the package. That doesn't look like just a trim piece mounted on the plenum, but a raised roof.
Old 04-26-2018, 08:21 AM
  #3  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (9)
 
BOTTLEDZ28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Mass
Posts: 3,871
Received 24 Likes on 14 Posts
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: A4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

The plenum looks like a combination of two stock plenums. Looks like someone cut the top of one and than welded it to the top of another one, making it "taller" with the idea that more air inside the plenum would make more power.

The headers dont appear to be SLP considering the rust on them but its hard to tell from the picture on my phone.

The air intact looks pieced together. The aluminum 90 degree elbow coming of the TB resembles one from a supercharger kit. The rest of it is most likely a combination of pats from another vehicle of parts from supercharger kit.


And, SLP did not install those parts or that sticker on that car considering its a 1987 model year. It was done by a previous owner.
Old 04-26-2018, 04:01 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
86knightta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Athens, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L L98
Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Ya i was searching the slp stuff, they existed in 1987 and some say that dealerships installed there parts but the only definitive answer i found was that slp didn't install the packages themselves till 91.

I figured the air intake might be a few brands together but the plenum definitely has me stumped. Possible they mighta made it but couldn't see any signs of it. As for the headers im really not sure either way they are not so much rusty as they are surface rust. Im in Ontario Canada and if it is dealer installed slp headers they'd be 30 plus years old.

Really appreciate the input and you guys are most likely right. I'll get more close up pics when it gets home and i start digging into it. In the meantime any insight is welcome.
Old 04-26-2018, 07:12 PM
  #5  
Junior Member

iTrader: (1)
 
toronto formula's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Toronto
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 2 Posts
Car: 89 Firebird Formula
Engine: 383 tpi vortec heads Xr 269 cam
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.73
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Air inlet elbow looks like Paxton 180 for supercharger install. The plugged hole is for meth injection
Old 04-27-2018, 06:08 AM
  #6  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (3)
 
PurelyPMD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Newtown, CT
Posts: 3,038
Received 46 Likes on 37 Posts
Car: 1987 IROC Original Owner
Engine: LB9
Transmission: M39 MM5
Axle/Gears: G80 G92 J65
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Originally Posted by toronto formula
Air inlet elbow looks like Paxton 180 for supercharger install. The plugged hole is for meth injection
That's exactly what it is - if you flip it over it likely says Paxton on it. The Paxton supercharger would have been installed on the driver side of the car so the elbow would have been flipped over.
Old 04-27-2018, 07:25 AM
  #7  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
Big&BadGTA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: *member since 1999, I think - just can't remember my old name, and the big site crash...*
Posts: 1,199
Received 151 Likes on 105 Posts
Car: 89 GTA ASC Conv., Prev: 89 GTA 6.3L
Engine: 5.7L L98 TPI
Transmission: 700r4 Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.27:1 w/ JG1 Options:B2L, N10, U1A
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Two factory intakes welded to make one. And blower elbow.

Crude and ugly. But does it help/work?
Old 04-27-2018, 08:54 AM
  #8  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (8)
 
TTOP350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,698
Received 748 Likes on 507 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

As said above, just a moded plenum for more air volume to draw from? It almost looks like it was put on with epoxy/putty.

Def SLP headers and runners. If we had better pix I could tell if they were newer or older.

Last edited by TTOP350; 04-27-2018 at 09:11 AM.
Old 04-27-2018, 02:05 PM
  #9  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (58)
 
Drew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Salina, KS
Posts: 20,309
Received 1,052 Likes on 748 Posts
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Originally Posted by TTOP350
Def SLP headers and runners. If we had better pix I could tell if they were newer or older.
Wouldn't the straight vertical AIR pipes make them the 4-into-1 headers? Seems all the Tri-Y's have the air fittings pointed to match the later cars.
Old 04-27-2018, 02:13 PM
  #10  
Sponsor

iTrader: (92)
 
Tuned Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Mile High Country !!!
Posts: 15,408
Received 649 Likes on 573 Posts
Car: 1967 Camaro, 91 z28
Engine: Lb9
Transmission: M20
Axle/Gears: J65 pbr on stock posi 10bolt
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Looks like someone changed a tpi maf to speed density too.
Weird looking plenum .
Old 04-27-2018, 02:28 PM
  #11  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (9)
 
BOTTLEDZ28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Mass
Posts: 3,871
Received 24 Likes on 14 Posts
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: A4
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Originally Posted by Tuned Performance
Looks like someone changed a tpi maf to speed density too.
Weird looking plenum .
The MAF is between the first two clamps.
Old 04-27-2018, 02:32 PM
  #12  
Sponsor

iTrader: (92)
 
Tuned Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Mile High Country !!!
Posts: 15,408
Received 649 Likes on 573 Posts
Car: 1967 Camaro, 91 z28
Engine: Lb9
Transmission: M20
Axle/Gears: J65 pbr on stock posi 10bolt
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Originally Posted by BOTTLEDZ28
The MAF is between the first two clamps.
Then I wonder why there is a map laying on the passenger side valve cover.
Must be a special kind of unicorn lol
And why is the fuel line pinched off, bad pump maybe.

Last edited by Tuned Performance; 04-27-2018 at 02:42 PM.
Old 04-27-2018, 05:48 PM
  #13  
Moderator

 
Vader's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,349
Received 216 Likes on 177 Posts
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Originally Posted by Tuned Performance
...And why is the fuel line pinched off, bad pump maybe.
Poor man's AFPR? You never know...
Old 04-27-2018, 06:00 PM
  #14  
Sponsor

iTrader: (92)
 
Tuned Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Mile High Country !!!
Posts: 15,408
Received 649 Likes on 573 Posts
Car: 1967 Camaro, 91 z28
Engine: Lb9
Transmission: M20
Axle/Gears: J65 pbr on stock posi 10bolt
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Looks adjustable lol
Old 04-28-2018, 06:49 AM
  #15  
Supreme Member
 
vinny R's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,707
Received 239 Likes on 185 Posts
Car: 1991 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:42 Auburn
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

It may not be an original engine. I thought in 87 GM went to center bolt valve covers. These look like the old side bolt models.
Old 04-28-2018, 12:23 PM
  #16  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (8)
 
TTOP350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Il
Posts: 11,698
Received 748 Likes on 507 Posts
Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Originally Posted by Drew
Wouldn't the straight vertical AIR pipes make them the 4-into-1 headers? Seems all the Tri-Y's have the air fittings pointed to match the later cars.
Early vs late and accessory drive specific. Some details are crazy through the years..
Old 04-28-2018, 12:27 PM
  #17  
Sponsor

iTrader: (92)
 
Tuned Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Mile High Country !!!
Posts: 15,408
Received 649 Likes on 573 Posts
Car: 1967 Camaro, 91 z28
Engine: Lb9
Transmission: M20
Axle/Gears: J65 pbr on stock posi 10bolt
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Originally Posted by vinny R
It may not be an original engine. I thought in 87 GM went to center bolt valve covers. These look like the old side bolt models.
Dart heads
Old 04-28-2018, 06:42 PM
  #18  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
86knightta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Athens, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L L98
Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

I never imagined this to spark so much interest. I worked on it today after getting it home. Better pics tomorrow. But definitely thinking two plenums made into one. Bad body work all over plenum. I hope it is slp headers and i know the runners are slp. Haven't found any writing on polished part of intake to indicate Paxton pieces but it sounds likely. It does have a maf right before air filter and yes there is a map sensor over passenger valve cover. Told it has world product/dart heads and definitely outside bolt design dart 2 valve covers. Thinking high compression, it's hard to start and has a race starter. Also found hypertech chip in ecu today. He mentioned something about it having a gear drive but i didn't follow what that meant. Im excited to show you guys more, this is the first ive really ever posted except for a car i listed on here a few months ago and sold locally. Keep the knowledge coming. Much appreciated.
Old 04-28-2018, 06:50 PM
  #19  
Sponsor

iTrader: (92)
 
Tuned Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Mile High Country !!!
Posts: 15,408
Received 649 Likes on 573 Posts
Car: 1967 Camaro, 91 z28
Engine: Lb9
Transmission: M20
Axle/Gears: J65 pbr on stock posi 10bolt
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

In stead of a timing chain there are gears. This noise can cause timing retard false knock.
Old 04-28-2018, 07:24 PM
  #20  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
86knightta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Athens, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L L98
Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Also yes the vise grips were a temp fix to get car home. Restricted return line because fuel regulator is messed up. Here's the rest of the pics from the day I bought it. Prob start a build thread or continue on here if you guys are interested





Old 04-28-2018, 07:24 PM
  #21  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
86knightta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Athens, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7L L98
Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

So gear drive is not ideal?
Old 04-28-2018, 07:33 PM
  #22  
Sponsor

iTrader: (92)
 
Tuned Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Mile High Country !!!
Posts: 15,408
Received 649 Likes on 573 Posts
Car: 1967 Camaro, 91 z28
Engine: Lb9
Transmission: M20
Axle/Gears: J65 pbr on stock posi 10bolt
Re: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum

Geardrive is fine it just doesn’t play well with the knock sensor.
Once it’s running good or if it runs fine now you might want to try to unplug the knock sensor and drive it to see if it’s picked up any power.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kevman
History / Originality
2
07-21-2010 04:23 PM
TRANS-AMERICA
History / Originality
19
07-29-2007 08:33 PM
N8MAN1068
Electronics
3
03-29-2002 12:53 AM
Jason E
History / Originality
7
10-18-2001 11:36 PM



Quick Reply: Help identifying slp optioned car with weird plenum



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:00 AM.