[tom s]

Intake with top machined and holes drilled and threaded.

[TRADERMIKE 2012]

Originally Posted by tom s

Intake with top machined and holes drilled and threaded.

Tradermike 2012 here:
This Post puts into perspective all I have learned by taking an Auto-Cad course at Atlantic Vo-Tech in South Fla. The Course took two years to complete and earned an "A" for my effort. I was retrained because I could not Install Carpet any more. Now, I have had the chance to witness your Tunnel Ram Procedure, an actual job, in real time. This Post allows me to understand where Technology has come in this Industry and how it is used.

I am Impressed with all you Engineers, Designers, Auto-Cad Draftsman, Machinist's and the CNC Personel that have to Input" Lines of Computer code" in order to run "tool paths", so that the Process of Manufacturing can be completed. I almost went back to school for CNC operator but found myself renting rooms in two Mobile Homes, that I cut up into 11 rooms in total, and that was easier than going to work every day.

I would like to know if my 1979 Pontiac TA with the 428 ci Motor and "D"-Port Heads will work with the later Tunnel Ram Intake. I have a scoop on my Hood, so that won't be a problem. Please give me an assessment of what this would entail in my case using say a 500 to 650 cfm new Carbs. , determine what the costs, Itemized too approx. figures please. I want to see if I am even in the same league as you people, that have already committed. I see a once in a lifetime chance to upgrade my Vehicle if it is cost effective. Now, my GTO 1966
Rochester Tri-Power Intake and 1966 GTO Tri-Power carbs. could be sold or traded to pay for my costs. What is my system worth in 100% percent "Good" Factory condition?

I Believe that I could sell the Intake and 3 Rochester Carbs. as a package for a lot more than the $2500 Price tag for the custom manufactured Tunnel Ram. So, it depends if my "D"-Port Heads, Exhaust and Intake Manifold will even work with the New Tunnel Ram system. "I am thinking out loud here" about an even trade, where someone exchanges a complete working system for my complete system. Since my system is the Original Number Matching, Date Coded Equipment from a 1966 GTO making it very valuable for resale at the auction. Especially, when it is returned to another 1966 GTO or 1966 Vehicle.

I even have 2 out of 3 of those Metal Tags that Rochester used on the Top of the Air Horn to identify the Carbs. authenticity. I have made sure that all the parts are within these Carbs. and that they meet OEM Factory standards. They are remanufactured using genuine GM parts and Gaskets. Mike out.

[Tom Vaught]

In Photo #6 is it an optical illusion that 3 of the runner pairs have a nice radius betweei the pairs of ports and in the last picture posted the runner pair on the bottom left of the picture 6 appears to have a sharp thin divider vs a radius.

Tom V.

[darbikrash]

Originally Posted by Tom Vaught

In Photo #6 is it an optical illusion that 3 of the runner pairs have a nice radius betweei the pairs of ports and in the last picture posted the runner pair on the bottom left of the picture 6 appears to have a sharp thin divider vs a radius.

Tom V.

Here is a better view, the fillet between port pairs are all the same.

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[spartazoo]

Awesome job everyone! Makes me wish I still had my 63 Tempest!

[Mike Davis]

A 66 Tri Power fully restored can be had for around $2500-$3K. Big key is if it has the correct carbs, linkage and fuel lines and not some cobbled together crap. Most used units I see are $1500 or so. I am not sure where the final cost of this intake will be but figure around $3500 outfitted with carbs, water neck, fuel line and linkage. I seriously doubt you would find someone to trade a 66 Tripower even up for a working Bathtub Intake with AFB's etc.

John and Tom, this thing looks great. Getting a 428 ready just for this intake.

[TRADERMIKE 2012]

Originally Posted by Mike Davis

A 66 Tri Power fully restored can be had for around $2500-$3K. The big key is if it has the correct carbs, linkage and fuel lines and not some cobbled together crap. Most used units I see are $1500 or so. I am not sure where the final cost of this intake will be but figure around $3500 outfitted with carbs, water neck, fuel line and linkage. I seriously doubt you would find someone to trade a 66 Tri-power even up for a working Bathtub Intake with AFB's etc.

John and Tom, this thing looks great. Getting a 428 ready just for this intake.

Mike here: I see Rochester Clones for Rat Rods selling for the sum of $3000 all day long. Mine are Remanufactured Originals with "no" Indian war coloring on them. These Rare 1966 Rochester Carbs. are OEM Factory units with numbers matching GTO's 389 and 421 ci Engines are well preserved and rare. I would Take know less than $5,000 for the Intake Manifold and Carbs. if I were to sell them out right, but I had no intention of ever selling them ... until now. I will contemplate an even exchange for the complete Tunnel ram set up, installed on my Vehicle. Here is my proposal, I would drive out to anywhere in the U.S. to make this barter arrangement only because I have the Van and trailer to deliver the equipment safely.

I would bring my roommate and tools pulling the Car Hauler. We would stay there and Port my D-Port Heads to the Bath Tub Intake Manifold with the guidance of a Pro telling us what to do. I would expect two remanufactured Carbs., Gaskets and Linkage. All Fuel Lines, linkage and the Gas paid to and from where the job is to be done. We will stay in my conversion Van to sleep. We will work day and night to get the job done. A client can use his in-stock Carbs too. The client is required to do his part to help in getting the job done fast.

The client would have delivery of the Complete Tri-Power system that is as close to new as I can get it. He would have to pay for the Tunnel Ram and have the knowledge and tools and skills to take on this endeavor and or have a Pro on his pay roll. Make "know" mistake, I am not a fool here, those Rochester Carbs. and Intake Manifold Installed on Various 1966 Vehicles are Period correct, I have 2 out of 3 of those triangular Tags included as well. This set-up will increase the Value of any period correct Vehicle they were used on in 1966 when you go to sell at the Auction.

I would rather barter and trade this way or I can just buy the Tunnel Ram and use the money from the proceeds to accomplish the rest. It could give some (older than me) ex - racer a way to pass on" How to Port and Polish the Tunnel Ram to my D-Port heads". Just a thought. I would stay until the job is complete, this way there is honesty and fairness on both ends. Keep in mind my roommate needs to get back to work, so we are not playing around here.

The client or recipient would save money Bartering and end up dropping my 1966 Tri-Power Rochester set-up on to his Vehicle in his own time. This is a turn key operation. As I see it, the Tunnel Ram has no real Value in Increasing the value of my Car. The
Pontiac Tri-Powers and Intake on my 428 ci HO in a 1979 Pontiac TA as a package with Th 400 Trans. complete does. I just don't want to miss out on this once in a life opportunity, I see, unfolding under my Internet Nose.

[tom s]

Mike,the late Bathtub would work with you D port heads.A pair of Chevy single quad 409 carbs would be the EZ way IMO to go,they allow for more hood clearance than the 4in top AFB.I started another thread on the Bathtubs as this one has got so long.It has pics of how tall the carb flange is from the center of the valley cover.You would want to keep your thermostat housing off you Tripower or buy a new one.I will tell you it will drive better than your tripower!Hood clearance can be a issue depending on what kind of air cleaners you want to use.I myself unless you drive in a lot of sandstorms A/Cs are over rated.Tom

[tom s]

The new thread has pics of the completed intake on my engine.

[Tim Corcoran]

How about making an optional to for a single Dominator carb?

[tom s]

Tim,that sounds like a good project for you!Tom

[timwhitehouse]

Tom, Mike, John, Bob. Is it to late to get on the list for a late model version of this bathtub tunnel ram project? Please put me on the list if at all possible. Thank you

[tom s]

Guys,John has another load of late style intakes coming next week.Anyone that wants one get a check to him.He ships in the order he gets checks.I think only 2 or 3 spoken for at this time.About 4 weeks for machining and shipping.Not sure what he plans for the future as he has to order 20 intakes and 30 tops at a time.Tom

[timwhitehouse]

John, I’m interested in one of your late model bath tub intakes. Please contact me so I can be put on the list

[Mike Davis]

A used 66 Tri Power is not worth $5K, look on ebay you will find complete set-ups for $2-3K, if you find a buyer let me know. I have 2 of them on the shelf and one on a 67 GTO with a 428.
The 66 Tri Power is only valuable to the guy that has a 66 Tri Power car and is missing his set up and wants to restore it. Other than that, it is eye candy or a gee whiz item for shows and cruise nights.

[TRADERMIKE 2012]

Originally Posted by Mike Davis

A used 66 Tri Power is not worth $5K, look on Ebay you will find complete set-ups for $2-3K, if you find a buyer let me know. I have 2 of them on the shelf and one on a 67 GTO with a 428.
The 66 Tri Power is only valuable to the guy that has a 66 Tri Power car and is missing his set up and wants to restore it. Other than that, it is eye candy or a gee whiz item for shows and cruise nights.

"The 66 Tri Power is only valuable to the guy that has a 66 Tri Power car and is missing his set up and wants to restore it".

Mikes Reply: "That's, who I am looking to barter with". You must understand there is a demand for this set and it is those that need it that will pay the money. I will not sell this Tri-Power set-up unless I can even get one of these Tunnel Rams and I am not holding my breath waiting for it to happen, the first one has not come off the production line yet. So, my offer stands and that is only if I can get the Tunnel Ram and not before. It will be a simultaneous exchange or nothing, I keep what I have and be happy I own one.

[tom s]

I will tell you if you dont get on the list you WONT get one.John told me he has already got a cost raise from the Foundry.He is committed to this run and there might not ever be another run.I think the run was to be 50 and we have 45 on the list now.It will be John that has the final decision.Im sure when rubber meets the road and money has to be put up there will be some fall outs.And the early intake pictured is a production unit.FAR better than we could have ever hoped for in a machining sample.I cant believe the late style will be any diff.Tom

[TRADERMIKE 2012]

Originally Posted by tom s

I will tell you if you dont get on the list you WONT get one.John told me he has already got a cost raise from the Foundry.He is committed to this run and there might not ever be another run.I think the run was to be 50 and we have 45 on the list now.It will be John that has the final decision.Im sure when rubber meets the road and money has to be put up there will be some fall outs.And the early intake pictured is a production unit.FAR better than we could have ever hoped for in a machining sample.I cant believe the late style will be any diff.Tom

I am Impressed with the Prototype version and I know your diligence in the matter will succeed, I am still shopping the Investment and talking out loud to see if anyone is interested in my unit. By the way will I gain any HP by upgrading to the Tunnel ram?

[timwhitehouse]

Thanks Tom , how much?

[ANDYA]

I haven’t done anything with my bathtub yet( late style) as I’m finishing up a 455 project for my 70 GTO convertible. The bathtub eventually will be going into a 65 GTO. Looking forward to Ohio in a few weeks hoping to see some running bathtubs. Would love to see what others have done. BTW, I showed Nunzi my manifold. He was impressed by the quality of the casting. He said the design on the manifold looked good for making power.