Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
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Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
Before anyone says anything, I am aware there are a ton of old threads on porting the TPI Plenum/Runners. Most however are from the late 2000s and early 2010s when the TPI aftermarket was larger and being able to gasket match was way easier. Now it's 2023 and most people are converting to carbs or LS Swapping.
For those of us that like the TPI system (despite it's flaws). What are our options for after market performance gaskets? I know Fel-Pro makes a stock replacement set but what about a set for porting?
For those of us that like the TPI system (despite it's flaws). What are our options for after market performance gaskets? I know Fel-Pro makes a stock replacement set but what about a set for porting?
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Re: Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
https://www.holley.com/products/disc...duct/parts/146 these? They've been around and the same forever
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Re: Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
https://www.holley.com/products/disc...duct/parts/146 these? They've been around and the same forever
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Re: Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
The Mr. Gaskets from Holley in that link are showing "not available."
TPiS shows "available," but they're probably also by Mr. Gasket, so if TPiS doesn't physically have them on hand, then they're probably not available either. TPiS can be a little slow sometimes, but it's still operating. I got a few things from them early in 2023, and all was well.
Large Tube Runner Gaskets – TPiS (TPI Specialties)
TPiS shows "available," but they're probably also by Mr. Gasket, so if TPiS doesn't physically have them on hand, then they're probably not available either. TPiS can be a little slow sometimes, but it's still operating. I got a few things from them early in 2023, and all was well.
Large Tube Runner Gaskets – TPiS (TPI Specialties)
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Re: Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
As our cars get older, the more our parts disappear.
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Re: Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
And there are these from Arizona Speed & Marine. AS&M makes the large tube runners, and these are the gaskets they sell for them.
Arizona Speed & Marine Large Tube Runner Gaskets – AZ Speed & Marine
And Scoggins Dickey lists gaskets for the standard size runners, but they're from Mr. Gasket and would be "special ordered," so no telling if they're really available or not. Even though they're stock, I'd think they could still be ported to match, if the stock size is all you can find.
Mr. Gasket 145 - Intake Gasket Set - Performance - 305, 350 Chevrolet Small Block Gen II (LT Based) 1985-91 - Upper Intake Only (sdparts.com)
Arizona Speed & Marine Large Tube Runner Gaskets – AZ Speed & Marine
And Scoggins Dickey lists gaskets for the standard size runners, but they're from Mr. Gasket and would be "special ordered," so no telling if they're really available or not. Even though they're stock, I'd think they could still be ported to match, if the stock size is all you can find.
Mr. Gasket 145 - Intake Gasket Set - Performance - 305, 350 Chevrolet Small Block Gen II (LT Based) 1985-91 - Upper Intake Only (sdparts.com)
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Re: Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
And there are these from Arizona Speed & Marine. AS&M makes the large tube runners, and these are the gaskets they sell for them.
Arizona Speed & Marine Large Tube Runner Gaskets – AZ Speed & Marine
And Scoggins Dickey lists gaskets for the standard size runners, but they're from Mr. Gasket and would be "special ordered," so no telling if they're really available or not. Even though they're stock, I'd think they could still be ported to match, if the stock size is all you can find.
Mr. Gasket 145 - Intake Gasket Set - Performance - 305, 350 Chevrolet Small Block Gen II (LT Based) 1985-91 - Upper Intake Only (sdparts.com)
Arizona Speed & Marine Large Tube Runner Gaskets – AZ Speed & Marine
And Scoggins Dickey lists gaskets for the standard size runners, but they're from Mr. Gasket and would be "special ordered," so no telling if they're really available or not. Even though they're stock, I'd think they could still be ported to match, if the stock size is all you can find.
Mr. Gasket 145 - Intake Gasket Set - Performance - 305, 350 Chevrolet Small Block Gen II (LT Based) 1985-91 - Upper Intake Only (sdparts.com)
#9
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Re: Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
I have the Mr. Gasket #146 large port gasket set traced out on a roll of gasket paper. I did this in 2013 when I bought the gaskets thinking if I ever needed more I would have a pattern.
If anyone has an idea of how I can duplicate the tracing digitally to scale, I would be happy to share.
If anyone has an idea of how I can duplicate the tracing digitally to scale, I would be happy to share.
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TTOP350 (11-29-2023)
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Re: Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
I did this about 3 yrs ago. I used the AS&M gasket set LAFireboyd posted. I also used their oversized runners as you can't port stock runners, the walls are to thin. I also got a used stock plenum and base to work with. I taped the oversized gaskets on the plenum and base and with a sharpie traced out the larger size openings. I used a variety of cutting and sanding tools to open everything up so all openings matched. Below is a link to my thread on how I did it and the tools I used. It's a little time consuming if you plan to fully port the base but I believe it is well worth the effort.
My TPI Breathe Build - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards
My TPI Breathe Build - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards
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Vinscully50 (11-19-2023)
#11
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Re: Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
I have the Mr. Gasket #146 large port gasket set traced out on a roll of gasket paper. I did this in 2013 when I bought the gaskets thinking if I ever needed more I would have a pattern.
If anyone has an idea of how I can duplicate the tracing digitally to scale, I would be happy to share.
If anyone has an idea of how I can duplicate the tracing digitally to scale, I would be happy to share.
Draw a horizontal and vertical line with inch or cm markings on your template near the bottom.
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Re: Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
You can simply buy gasket paper, (as shown above), then take a smaller ball-peen hammer and tap around the flange edges. The edges of the flange are "sharp" and will cut or at least perforate the paper, then you simply break away the excess and you're left with a perfect shaped and fitting gasket. Each gasket takes about 5 minutes? ...to make.
TAP it....don't HIT it. Tap it. Just taaap it in. Give it a little tappy. Tap tap tap-a-roo. -Happy Gilmore
TAP it....don't HIT it. Tap it. Just taaap it in. Give it a little tappy. Tap tap tap-a-roo. -Happy Gilmore
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Re: Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
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VIZ28 (11-25-2023)
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Re: Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
Let me know if these will work when printed out to scale.
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Re: Porting TPI Plenum and Runners in 2023. Finding Gaskets
Lingenfelter sells Mr. Gasket high flow runner gaskets that fit the Accel runners. I used these for my ported Accel runners and SDPC Vortec base. They were close in size but took a little trimming to open them up to match the porting. Stock replacement gaskets don't have enough meat to open them up for large tube runners/base.
https://www.lingenfelter.com/product/L200085000.html
https://www.lingenfelter.com/product/L200085000.html
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