[arcitech]

I bought my full setup a few years ago (before the merger) from PY. It has the aluminum intake and the 3 large carbs (ends have modified base plates, but they are the same height). Some things that I have noted:

1. 455 block with 11 bolt water pump and dimpled timing cover (I was lucky, motor was built in 2002, and I didn't think I would ever need a Tri Power). Everything fits correctly.

2. Stock (smooth) 66 Tempest/Lemans hood does not hit the front carb, even though it is not set low like a stock setup. I got lucky again, the paint was already done and I was worried about having to get a new hood! (Win for the non-stock setup)

3. With D-Port E-Heads (87cc) and 068 copy cam, it will power brake really well at about 1/3rd throttle!

4. Had rough idle that wasn't there with the Q-jet and stock intake and heads (7H??). Solved by lowering the fuel pressure to 4.5 PSI. Now smooth and snappy!

Has anyone else used this intake combo? Did you like it? How was gas mileage? Do you recommend it to anyone for a street only setup, or maybe occasional track time? I won't be able to test mine until I get the lights and interior done, but I will update with my answers as they evolve. Really looking forward to playing with this machine!!

[Dick Boneske]

Good Story! Too bad that program is dead due to lack of carburetors.

[arcitech]

Originally Posted by Dick Boneske

Good Story! Too bad that program is dead due to lack of carburetors.

So, that was unexpected... I guess I'll just have to keep good notes and see what I get for my investment.

[mike w]

There were always issues with these "aftermarket" tripowers. That is one reason the suppliers quit selling them.

I had two of these sets come into the shop (years ago,) to see if I could get them to run correctly. I ended up suggesting to both customers to send them back to the suppliers for a full refund.

Here are the issues...end carb throttlebodies were poor quality and not sealing well. Floatbowl sections on end carbs hadthe smaller venturi, typical of regular 2 bbls. The builder used floatbowls from Chevy, Olds, or whatever he could find. Often they did not match each other. Jets were marked with the original sizes (i.e.... .059,) then, drilled out. Jets are not expensive. Not a good way to cut corners.

End carb airhorns were a decent reproduction, but the accel pump arms often were tight and caused "sticking."

I could go on and on...... But, know that, despite what advertising suggested, there were no original tripower parts in these setups. In my experience, when you put many reproduction parts together, you have all sorts of issues. Tolerances on repro parts are not the same as original manufacture.

Mike@pontiactripower