First off would a TPI intake system fit under the cowl of an LT1 car?

Second are the intake to head patterns the same.

What other modifications would be needed to fit a SBC type intake (aftermarket L98) to an LT1.

Obviously I would have to build an aluminum plate to cover the distributer hole.


(I have a few specific reasons for trying this. Just looking for if it'll work, not if it's a good idea or not)

 

The Lingenfelter superram was basically what you are looking to do.

 

And they did make an LT1 version at one time

 

Yes but will a standard TPI intake bolt to an LT1. As in ports and bolt holes.

I can mill away/weld up the other stuff like dist. hole and T-stat housing.

Looking more for an aftermarket base and runers with ported stock plenum.

Not looking for a Super Ram.

Although the base for the LT1 version would be usefull.

 

The intake to head bolt pattern for the LT1 (Gen 2 SBC) heads is different than the earlier SBC Gen 1 intake/heads. You would have to weld up the holes on the intake and drill new ones, and weld up the external coolant connection.

 

Couldn't I just leave the coolant passages where they are. And then drill the intake base for the LT1 pattern, and bolt it on?

I'm trying to bolt a TPI intake onto my LT1......

Or a really expensive option would be to buy a LT1 Super Ram base, add SLP runners and a ported plenum.....


Will a TPI intake fit under the hood?

I know they are taller, but the TB is also further back....

 

You should be able to just drill the base for the lt1 head pattern and be able to bolt it in, leaving the coolant holes alone.


As for fitting under the hood, here's a picture of an lt1 intake with a stock style distributor. Now in comparison, the tpi intake sits basically flush if not a bit higher than the dist. So the tpi intake is going to be about 2-3 inches higher than an lt1 intake at least. I doubt that's going to clear the lt1 cowl, but you're welcome to prove me wrong. Goodluck.

 

I've heard that the L98 intakes place the throttle body further back. Is this true? If so does anyone know how much it moves it back?

In the mean time I'm going to measure how much room I have.



This may be a relatively cheap way to accomplish what I want to do.....

 

I just measured and as best I can tell I have 2.5" extra clearance at the throttle body, and 3" at just behind the throttle body.

I'm guessing that it WOULD fit under the hood.

 

first of all, why would u want to put a tpi intake on an lt1?? tpi intake is very restricting in any 5000rpm + action whyich would practically take away the benefits on the stock lt1 heads. the lt1 intake is definately not the bottle neck of the power in an lt1, and i don't see why you'd want to change it. but, the holes do not line up, and coolant passages are different. If you insist on doing this swap, I'd advise you to contact John and LT1intake.com. his email is john@lt1intake.com i believe. he converts lt1 intakes to fit regular sbc, so i'm sure he could aid you in doing the vise versa.

 

Easy my car is an autocross car. Torque matters. Nothing else.

The 3rd gen F-body is arguably the best car for the class. (all F-bodies, and Mustangs, but basically only 3rd and 4th gen F-bodies and SN-95 Mustangs are competitive)
The 3rd gen BY FAR has less HP than all the other competitive cars. Perfect example of how torque matters.

I figure that an Edelbrock base, SLP runners and a stock plenum will not give up much in the HP department to the LT1 intake, yet net TONS of torque.

I could care less about 5,000 rpms and up.

I'm looking for torque from 1,500-4,000.

 

I can take some measurements today seeing as I have a 96 Trans Am out back, an 88 Formula 305TPI in the driveway, as well as an 86 Trans Am in the garage with an LT1.

 

Zepher that would be MUCH appreciated. I guess a direct comparison in height would be to measure the 3rd gen intake to hood distance, both with the LT1 and L98.....


Also if you don't mind what is the better TPI type setup? Or I can search around. Any recommended sources?

I was thinking (thinking budget here) ported stock base, SLP runners, and stock plenum.

Or Edelbrock base, SLP runners, and stock plenum.


Thanks again....

 

you might gain torque but you will lose soooo much power vs. the lt1 intake. lt2 intake provides a great powerband to satisfy most any type of drivers. the lt1 intake actually creates more hp than a superram intake according to a few tests i've seen in mags. at least do more researching before attempting this costly and possibly useless swap. the tpi intake will not clear a 2" cowl hood on a 4th gen. not sure on a 4". it's substancially higher than the lt1 intake. like i suggested, go to lt1intake.com and talk to john and he will help you tremendously. great guy.

 

Might try a b-body cam. Makes peak power at a lower rpm and makes the same peak torque or maybe a tad more than the f-body cam but does so with a more choked up intake tract and exhaust. If interested in trying this I have a b-body cam collecting dust in my garage. Should be a whole lot cheaper and is less experimental than your intake idea, meaning this is a sure thing to boost torque, the intake thing might not work well depending on port alignment.