Anyone running a Mini-Ram? What kind of heads are you using and what size injectors?

Im planning on doing an engine swap into my 87 GTA 350 TPI. Right now I have an Edelbrock base, SLP siamese runners, stock ported plenum, and 52mm throttle body.

Im either going to use SDPC Vortec base with my SLP runners, TPIS large mouth base and large tube runners, or TPIS Mini-Ram.

I know the Mini-Ram will be the best choice as long as I can afford it. Do you think its worth going with the Mini-Ram on a 350 or the TPI or only on a 383? Are there any installation issues or problems with the Mini-Ram? Does the Mini-Ram exclude the EGR?

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1987 GTA
Edelbrock base, SLP runners, ported stock plenum, 52mm throttle body, Edelbrock headers, MSD 6AL & Blaster coil , Ram Air, modified MAF, Performance Resource prom, Hotckins suspension and subframes

 

I can't give a good opinion on what to do...but if you do go Miniram would you be interested in selling the runners and maybe TB?

 

Looks like you're considering a few things, all different, I think.

You seem to be leaning towards Vortec heads?

Does the MR work with those? I wasn't aware it did.

Same goes for the TPIS base..do they make one for the Vortec heads?

So, seems to me you're comparing running Vortec heads-SDPC Base-w/different runners Vs. TPIS setup Vs MR setup.

The again, if the MR and TPIS bases's work with the Vortec heads, I'm wasting bandwidth.

 

The SDPC base is the only one that works with Vortecs. TPIS makes a MiniRam for Fast-burn heads, which if Im not mistaken have the same port style as the Vortecs.

 

I'm running the MiniRam and LOVE it. It is a really really nice piece. Though it's a little pricey compared to what some others are doing here- swapping an LT1 manifold on. The LT1 takes some modification (documented on this site) to make it work, but in the end, it's almost identical in performance to the LT1.

As far as the rest of my combo:

AFR 180 cc heads
Comp Cams 268 camshaft
MiniRam manifold
24# injectors
58mm throttle body
1 5/8 Borla headers

Before my misfire problems, it ran HARD (and that's not an overstatement). Some of the cars I've blown off include Porsche 911 Carreras, Acura NSX's, LT1 Vettes (no LS1's have messed with me yet), Nissan 350Z/Infinity G35's, Mustang GT's, BMW 745's. Some from stoplights, others during short bursts on the highway.

A 383 would be even better since it would really excercise the breathing capacity of that manifold.

 

There I go..wasting space again.

 

yeah the miniram III is for vortec headed motors.

what kinda of motor are you going to install one of these induction systems on?

 

That's good an all, but what did you dyno, or run at the track? I'm also interested in a MR and AFR set up but I'd like to see some hard numbers. Do you have any?

 

Maybe if I can solve the problem, I'll go to a dyno and see. I'm hoping it's in the 400+ flywheel hp range.

As a reference, a ZZ430 makes 430 hp. My cam is slightly smaller and the AFR's probably outflow the Fast Burns, so I'm guessing around 410-415 hp for me.

 

Yes you can use the Mini-ram with Vortec heads. They make a baseplate for that.

The Mini-ram has no EGR provisions. None at all. So it is not technically emissions legal.

The SDPC base does work with Vortecs also.

I am interested in how well all this performes as I am thinking about a 330HO and the Mini-ram for a new setup.

 

I know Im comparing two different set ups, but I wanted to see how guys that are using the Mini-Ram or the TPI set up think.

My choices now are the SDPC 360 Vortec Engine and using my SLP runners and 52mm throttle body. OR

Golen's Engine Service will build me a 350 or 383 with either cast iron or aluminum heads and they will set it up with a Mini-Ram. Obviously the Mini-Ram is more money, and that may ultimately be the final decision maker.

I did see someone on this site someone mention www.lt1intake.com, and Im investigating this option too. For $400 you can buy a modified LT1 manifold to run on 3rd gen small blocks. Sounds like a good idea, but Im a little worried about any problems with the modifications.

And depending on what option I go with, I will definetely have an Edelbrock base plate for sale and maybe a set of SLP runners. Both are fairly new. Thanks for the input guys.

 

well if the runners go up for sale...let me know I am in the market for some

 

Ill let you know if and when I sell the runners. Right now I researching all my options for the swap which I plan to do Jan/Feb. Might be a little while. Dont know how soon you wanted to get them.

 

Well winter is around the corner so I am in no particular rush....If I do find some along the way that are in nice shape and the price is right I'll probably by them

Are yours for cold start or not? I need an 89 setup

 

Actually mine does have the cold start injector. My car is an '87, so I think the runners I have will only fit '85 to '88. Sorry. Any interest in an Edelbrock intake base?

 

Not really interested in the base...I am running a SDPC Vortec TPI base with my Vortec heads.

 

What kind of runners do you have now? Did you just bolt on the SDPC base and the Vortec heads or do you have any other engine mods? Cam,etc.

How do you like the Vortecs and the SDPC base? Does the base have any the stock fittings, etc. What about the EGR? How is that set up with the SDPC base? I thought I saw somewhere, that you had to tap into the headers for the EGR with that base?

 

Stock runners and plenum, stock cam...no fitment problems...the only other mods I have are 24lb injectors and complete exhaust headers to tailpipes...

The base has provisions for everything except the external coil(only 1 bolt holds it now).

I am not running an EGR....removed A.I.R. as well. From what I have read you do indeed need to plumb into the headers for EGR operation.

I am very pleased with the heads. They are bone stock heads aside from screw-in studs and higher lift springs.

Bone stock car ran 15.01@89 mph now it's best is 13.78@99 mph with some more tuning needed to be done. I am confident with runners and plenum and 1.6 rrs I will be around the 104-105 mph range....that suits me just fine for a full load heavy a$$ GTA

 

Sounds good. Thanks for the input. Im sure you saw my other responses on my engine choices and intake set ups.

If I go the least expensive route, I will run the SLP runners with ported plenum, 52mm throttle body with the SDPC Vortec TPI.

I was wondering about that EGR. Im in Chicago and we have emission testing, but I found away to not be required to get tested. So with the Vortec base you can just block off the EGR? I have headers with the AIR provisions, so I dont want to mess with them. If I dont have to worry about passing emissions, do you know if I can bypass the EGR but keep the AIR?

 

Yeah just make or buy I EGR block off plate...not sure about your other questions...didn't spend much time worrying or researching the smog equipement knowing I was going to remove everything. But I am pretty sure you can run A.I.R. without EGR...just don't take my word on it....

I am sure with SLP runners and a ported plenum the engine can work really well.

The MiniRam is really expensive.....it would also require a hotter cam than what I got (stock L98) to maximise it's abilities.

I am not trying to build an all out racer, just a good driver that can give most cars a run for their money...

Our bracket car happens to be 1978 TA with a mild 455...we will be at Lebanon Valley next Friday with it for a all Pontiac race day organized by some folks at www.classicalpontiac.com....

We'll have it in the mid 11s next season...