super ram intake. think twice

[steve1ph]

first of all im versed in motor work, doing all the work myself. ( head gaskets, 383 build ect....) and saving thousands. untill i started this super ram install. this is the most poorly designed unit i have ever worked with. oh i got it installed after about 8 hours. three pieces in 8 hours? havent fired it up yet cause i still need to drop the distrubuter and finish my home grown smog pump eliminator bracket and pully. i can already forsee lots of problems with this thing ( leaks). every thing is real tight fit not to mention the bolts that are totally impossible to get to and the modification im going to have to do to the valve covers just to get them back on. who ever said this was a direct bolt on is crazy as hell. in my opinion think twice about this one if your thinking about it at all. i do have a question how much work and money is involved in a gear change for the rear end? my car is a `90 6speed.

 

[Edmond]

Steve,

I hope you got that SR at a very good price. I've read a few horror stories about the SR install and how difficult it would be.

Did you ever consider the Miniram from TPIS? From what I've read, the 6 speed cars would benefit more from the Miniram than from the SR. The Miniram is just like the LT1 intakes and the LT1's make good power on the upper end, which is where the L98's struggle.

 

[rrubel]

Steve, I'm getting ready to install a SR myself. Can't change my mind now because I have too much $$ involved... but can you provide some tips, or special tools you had to buy halfway through or wish you had? Which bolts were hard to get to, and what made them difficult?

Thanks much...
[RICHR]

 

[vader86]

You shouldve asked for tips, yes they are hard to install.

I have several threads saved from Corvetteforum which wouldve guided you thru the pitfalls.

 

[Ken]

The subject has come up before. I am afraid that from what I have seen, the LPE SR leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to fitting the thing together. I watched as an experienced mechanic had to take one of the assemblies and clean it up just in order to get the pieces to fit; I haven't a clue as to how much port-matching it needed. It's a shame that such a good name could turn out such seeming junk.

 

[Edmond]

You shouldve asked for tips, yes they are hard to install.

I have several threads saved from Corvetteforum which wouldve guided you thru the pitfalls.

vader,

Would you mind posting those threads? I would like to read more about SR installation troubles. Thank you.

 

[WhalePirot]

Hate to say......

told U so, but then.......

I used nearly a whole tube of RTV black, the second time I assembled it, then trimmed the excess after a well earned night's rest. If this P.O.S. ever comes off, it'll never go back on!

Runs good, tho.

 

[69MyWay]

I have heard this too.

It is still a tough call, as for a auto trans car, the SR seems like a good match, and they are priced out pretty decent for the runners and upper.

I already have a ported out base, so I would not need that portion.

You know, a stock L98 intake can be difficult.

Could you have put the distributor in before installing the upper plenum?

As far as the gear swap, it is simply a matter of getting the diff out, and taking it to a local pro to set it up for you. I put Richmond 3.75 gears in my last 90 Vette. WOW...it was amazing how hard that car would pull after that...not to mention the miniram intake.

 

[steve1ph]

sr cost

all who replyed are right. its a ***** and requires lots of modifing. its not a direct bolt on. i finally finished today. i got it on. but no matter what the hp gains and i have the dyno before and will get another next weekend if i had known the night mare before hand i would have never done it and wouldnt have even put a mechanic thru it if i couldnt have done it my self. nobody should have to go thru that. im serious. as for as how much i paid? i bought the whole sr, intake, runners and plenum plus the guy threw in a bbk 58mm tb, 36 pound accell injectors and fuel rails for $1,100. when i get ready to sell it im throwing in the ole lady too. im wore out, see yall..

 

[Bob86ZZ4]

Sorry to hear about how hard that SR was. Just a note here. I just removed and replaced my mini-ram a couple weeks ago. It took me an hour to remove it. Then I took my time and cleaned up the gasket surfaces and the mini-ram (had been on a couple years and was dirty) so that took me about an hour or two just relaxing in the garage and rubbing with rags and such. Then the install took about 2 hours for me. My buddy is a Vette mechanic and owns his own shop and he said he can do a r&r on a miniram in 1 hour.

 

[Moonunit 451]

OK guys, I'll be back here soon. I've read lot's of horror stories as well. That's one of the reasons I got 4 intakes on hand
BUT, with an auto and the 219, some heads, everyone says it 's. I found a guy that was so emphatic about what I'm working on here he offered to come and help me install it.

I've read once, you do it enough times, it's not so bad But I figure if the guys done it enough it'll be done RIGHT the first time, and I'll be right in there. I gotta get a D44, but he says 11's 'll be easy with what I got goin'. That wouldn't suck:cool