Which is going to provide the best bang for the buck? Here's what I'm running now: 355, 10.1, Sportsman II heads, Mild Crane cam (don't know specs) & Edelbrock intake & runners w/ 58mm TB (yeah I know it's too big but it was on there when I got the car). I plan on doing another motor end of summer but not sure what route to go. Toying w/ the LT4 HotCam & some juice or just going w/ a real healthy cam. I'd like to go low 12's on the motor. Any input? Thanks guys!

 

Best bang for the buck is gonna be the lt1. I think the total cost is around $400, I might be wrong though. A guy on the board named John Millican can make ya one. Check with him for more info on the cost and conversion. You probably already know the cost of a superram $$$$$$$$. Very expensive.
Later Barrett

 

EXACTLY what he said... I would LOVE to go super ram, but its just waaay too high priced. Im gonna throw an lt1 intake on my 305 for the hell of it, and if I dont like it on there, Ill put it on my 406 when its done.

 

ive got the lt1 installed i love it pretty easy swap i was gonna go super ram but the price and all the pain in the a$$ that ive heard about the install made me change my mind its suppose to be a pita to put on i didnt want to spend the weekend to change a head gasket if i blew one like i did last year go lt1 youll like it

 

hey ED I have a super ram on my 388. Where in timonium do you live. I'm from the owings mills area. Your car is exactly the same as mine. I recommend the super ram because you aren't gonna be turning past 6500 rpm on the street. I think you have to change the wiring harness since the LT-1 is seqential port. I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure it is. I would stick with the TPI setup, I think its great.

 

When a LT1 intake is converted to fit a TPI, the car retains all the orginal wiring so the computer thinks is't still TPI. A prom burn is just about required.

 

Hey DerFrank, I'm right off Padonia Road & my parents live up in Westminster & I have friends over in Owings Mills. Do you have a pic of your car?
As far as the LT1/SuperRam dilema goes, I was thinking the SuperRam might give my a broader power range for a street car (plus it looks cool). Cost is a factor & even though I already have a good intake base, the runners & plenum still over $700. I've talked to John about the LT1 conversion a few months ago & he said he was able to recoop all his costs by selling his LTR parts which is Real appealing to me. I'm just looking for everyones opinion so keep 'em coming!

 

The only bad thing about the LT1 intake is the cost/time of converting it to fit a TPI engine, and the EGR valve wont fit in the back with the distributor, so that makes it not smog legal. Otherwise, its the best bang for the buck there is right now.

Me, I want to get the Holley Stealth Ram, but its not smog legal yet either.

 

My opinion on the MR/LT1 vs. SR "debate" is this:

If you are only planning on spinning to 6000 or so rpm, get the SR for the extra TQ down low. It will provide just as much HP as the MR up to this rpm and give you more TQ down low.

If you want to spin to 7000+ rpm, get the MR. The MR will give you more HP, but only at the price of more rpms. Higher rpm's=higher stall, deeper gears, a shortblock and valvetrain that can take the abuse, etc.

Niether is really "better", they are each just a little better suited for different objectives. Although the new LT1 intake conversion by John Millican is cheaper than the MR and SR (the SR and MR cost about the same), which throws a new twist in the "debate".

Back to your original question, I'd have to say bang for the buck goes to the LT1 conversion. Get a very healthy cam and you will hit low 12's N/A.