Choosing a new manifold

[islandcreation]

Currently I have a Edelbrock performance manifold. I'm planning on choosing between these three a

Edelbrock Performer RPM Air-Gap Intake Manifolds

or


Weiand Stealth Intake Manifolds

or

Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake Manifolds

Or you can give me your two cents on another manifold that got good reviews.


And can anyone give me some advice on a camshaft lifter kit thats good on the check book and worth every penny. Thanks

And any other good advice.....

 

[Mr67Stang]

Okay what you are talking about all has to work together. Like a woman makes her outfit all go together we have to make all of our engine components go together. And it can be just as difficult to figure out, but a lot more interesting.

You did not mention what size engine you are working with. You did not mention what your goals are when you get it all together. What transmission do you have? What rear gears are you running or more importantly what will you be running when you get to where you want to be. All this goes together and if it's not all matched up you will be telling everyone you spent $3000 on this engine in you 14 second car. Trust me... I did it when I used to build cars from what I read in magazines.

A very basic and common example is that people buy cams that build power and torque in the mid range 3000-4500 RPM then put a Edelbrock Torquer II (power band in the 5000-7000 RPM range) and a Holly 750 on their 289/302 and wonder why it's slower than it was before they started and belching black clouds of smoke out the back.

 

[dennis112]

Mr67 makes some good points--we should have more info on your motor and your goals to make a good recommendation.

Looking at the 3 manifold choices that you mentioned, they all are very good dual plane manifolds that will perform well on a strip/street car. There will be very little difference in performance between the 3 in that environment.

If I was forced to rate them performance wise using very general information, it would be something like this:

1. Air Gap
2. Stealth
3. RPM

Again, everyone will have their own opinion and order.

The truth is that you would not be disappointed with any of these manifold on most sub-6500rpm strip/street motors. One might work a little better than the other in certain combinations, but generally your SOTP meter will not know the difference.

By the way, the Air Gap is the tallest of the 3 mentioned and might have trouble fitting under a stock hood.

Post your equipment and goals and we can help keep you on the right track. . . . .

 

[CarFreakGT]

If you haven't already, take the often-passed-along advice and try a search. When I started checking out intakes, I found a ton of info/opinions this way--almost enough information to make your head spin

I was basically looking at the same 3 options for my intake swap, and gradually narrowed it to the Air Gap or Stealth. I ended up choosing the Stealth for the lower profile, slightly wider (advertised) power band, and because it's not quite as commonly used as the RPM and Air Gap RPM--a little different but still common enough to get some good, experienced advice from others who have used it.

Sorry, I have no feedback on it yet, as I probably won't have the opportunity to get into the engine until Spring.

I don't know what your plans are for your car. My plan is is to have a good cruiser and (not daily) driver, "overbuilt" for handling on the street. I would like to eventually try some novice road racing for time. I'm shooting for 300-350 hp and good torque from my 302. I think that is well within the capabilities of this intake, once I save enough to put the right combo of parts w/ it over time.

TIP: If you're not in a hurry, check around for good used parts--ebay, classifieds, and here on stangnet. I got my Stealth from a fellow stangnetter for a very fair price. It's in good shape and just needs to be cleaned up a bit.

Good luck in your decision and happy hunting!

 

[Sacramento6]

I bought my Performer RPM before the air-gap was available. I will say that it absolutely brought my relatively mild 289 to life. Very pleased with my purchase.

This is on a 289 that was rebuilt at 9.5-1, aftermarket cam, extensive port work on the stock heads and JBA shorty headers. Automatic and 3.50 gears complete the drive train. It's very streetable and really pulls from 1000rpm until I shut it down at 6000.

 

[jspagna1]

These are my picks:

#1 Victor Jr
#2 Air Gap
#3 RPM
#4 Stealth

 

[CarFreakGT]

These are my picks:

#1 Victor Jr
#2 Air Gap
#3 RPM
#4 Stealth

IslandCreation--This is where your input on your plans for the engine come in to play. Driver? Cruiser? 1/8 or 1/4 mile? Road race/Auto-X? Keep in mind that the Vic Jr. is very different than the other three w/ regards to where it makes its power. I hear MANY good things about it, but you will lose some low-end power, as it makes its power in higher RPM ranges. You will leave some on the table if you're not willing (or able) to wind your engine well beyond 6500-7000 RPM.

An FYI, in case it helps w/ decision-making:

RPM and RPM Air Gap--max power from 1500-6500 RPM (6500+ for Air Gap)
Stealth--max power from idle-6800
Vic Jr--3500-8500 RPM

Also keep in mind that your carb size will also vary depending on your ultimate planned use of the car. I have a 600 for now, but I may very well have to get something larger w/ future plans. But, that's quite a way down the road for me. But I got a good deal on it, and you can always use a spare, right?

Good luck!

 

[Pbum5]

Can’t comment on the intakes listed but I like my old school twisted Carb Torker single plane intake.

 

[1320stang]

Can’t comment on the intakes listed but I like my old school twisted Carb Torker single plane intake.

Ditto... Old School BABY!!!

 

[Sacramento6]

Is that "old school" or "living in the past"?

 

['66 coupe]

Is that "old school" or "living in the past"?

View attachment 403161

 

[islandcreation]

Thanks for all of the feedback guys. I was aiming for a cruiser with atleast 300-350 hp. The engine is a rebuilt 289 with an automatic transmission. Car is a 1967 mustang coupe. I just got the car two weeks ago and all I have been doing is hurting my eyes late in the night reading this forum. Now, you guys just made me more confused due to the information given back as to everything working together (makes sense)! I just want basic knowledge if items that won't break the bank but at the same time make an old engine get a little roar! But as my POPS told me, no use of having a nice car if it doesn't run so relability has to always be there too. He had a camaro when I was growing up and threw alot of money into. So he hopes I don't do the same thing and invest into buying a condo/house first..... He's probably right but you live once right?

So if anyone can give me their opinion on a great setup that cost effective I'm all ears! Thanks again

 

[Pbum5]

You’re replying on a Vintage Mustang forum.
What do you think?

Is that "old school" or "living in the past"?

 

[D.Hearne]

Here's another excellant choice : Ford's own A321 this will work as well as the RPM's, and the Stealth. I will fit under the hood, and it's been proven for 40 years. In it's previous incarnations, it's been cast as the older Edelbrock F4B, Shelby "Cobra" high rise, and Ford sold it thru their OHO parts program back in the late 60's and early 70's as the C9OX. Stay away from the Vic Jr. you don't need that one.

 

[islandcreation]

Here's another excellant choice : Ford's own A321 this will work as well as the RPM's, and the Stealth. I will fit under the hood, and it's been proven for 40 years. In it's previous incarnations, it's been cast as the older Edelbrock F4B, Shelby "Cobra" high rise, and Ford sold it thru their OHO parts program back in the late 60's and early 70's as the C9OX. Stay away from the Vic Jr. you don't need that one.

D.Hearne,

Is there a particular site for a good price that you recommend? I found one but the seller wants $250 not including shipping and still used? Thanks

 

[brianj5600]

Is the Air Strike available yet? Much has been learned in the last 10 years and a ton has been learned in the last 40. 40 years ago they were trying to put the pushrods through the intake port.

 

[D.Hearne]

D.Hearne,

Is there a particular site for a good price that you recommend? I found one but the seller wants $250 not including shipping and still used? Thanks

Summit Racing sells the A321 for $190. The other intakes ( the ones I listed in my previous post) can be found frequently on ebay and other places as well.

 

[D.Hearne]

Is the Air Strike available yet? Much has been learned in the last 10 years and a ton has been learned in the last 40. 40 years ago they were trying to put the pushrods through the intake port.

Sometimes you can't improve on Perfection He's got a stock 289, and looking for something extra, not trying to squeeze every last once of power from a racing engine. The A321 is still around for a reason. (it's a good intake)

 

[Mr67Stang]

Is that "old school" or "living in the past"?

The past was better. I was younger and these little baggy pants boys with ugly cars weren't chasing my daughter.

 

[islandcreation]

The past was better. I was younger and these little baggy pants boys with ugly cars weren't chasing my daughter.

Ha,ha,ha,ha