• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Upgrade to high-rise dual plane(Performer RPM), holley DP?

  • Thread starter Thread starter SadbutTrue
  • Start date Start date Dec 12, 2004

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
41
Granada Hills, California
Dec 12, 2004
#1
  • Dec 12, 2004
  • #1
I currently have a Performer and a Edelbrock 600 on my car (edit: its a 351w). I was wondering, if I were to replace them with a Performer RPM and Holley 650 DP, what would happen to my power band. My gut feeling is I'd lose some torque but gain some top end power, but nothing major either way because I have a stock cam and heads. The main advantage is the RPM and and DP could support more power later on (ie a more aggressive cam, some aluminum heads, etc, etc.)

A few questions about that... am I right in my assumptions about the powerband? I have heard I will need a drop base air cleaner for the RPM to work in a 65/66, is this true (I have a 66, I heard the motor sits slightly higher in 66s as opposed to 65s, is this a factor?)? Will the double pumper be too much, and what do I have to do to get it to properly work with an auto (being that I usually see Holley DPs on manuals)?

Thanks
 

88 Fox GT

Active Member
Nov 18, 2002
1,674
0
36
Iowa
Dec 12, 2004
#2
  • Dec 12, 2004
  • #2
With a 1500 - 6500 RPM power range, it shouldn't hurt you too bad. Have you looked into the Stealth? I had it on my old 302 and I liked it alot.

The carb may be a bit much for the engine, for the time being. I don't think transmission type will affect how it works on the engine.
 

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
41
Granada Hills, California
Dec 12, 2004
#3
  • Dec 12, 2004
  • #3
yeah i've looked into the stealth, but they aren't as plentiful and I plan on picking one up used.

RPMs can be had for 100 fairly regularly, if you look
 
G

GaPonyFarm

New Member
Jan 2, 2004
663
0
0
72
Columbus, GA
Dec 13, 2004
#4
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #4
You'll be fine with the RPM and a 3" air cleaner. I have the Air-Gap RPM with 3" A/C and it just barely cleared, but it did clear. I think the Air-Gap is about an inch taller than the RPM.
 
M

mustangdave

My rearend needs a stud and two nuts.
Founding Member
Feb 26, 2002
2,976
1
56
62
North Carolina
Dec 13, 2004
#5
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #5
I would highly reccomend the Air Gap if you can afford it. The DP may need some tuning to keep it from loading up when you floor it but it will work.
 

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
41
Granada Hills, California
Dec 13, 2004
#6
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #6
with the 351w? I was told that its pretty much not happening with an Air Gap and that its really close with the RPM
 
M

mustangdave

My rearend needs a stud and two nuts.
Founding Member
Feb 26, 2002
2,976
1
56
62
North Carolina
Dec 13, 2004
#7
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #7
I didn't see the edit that it was a 351W. Yeah, I doubt that would work.
 
D

Darkhorse845

Banned
Nov 17, 2004
101
0
0
Las Vegas,Nevada
Dec 13, 2004
#8
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #8
I don't see the edit either! I don't think it will work!
 

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
41
Granada Hills, California
Dec 13, 2004
#9
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #9
well, I know that an RPM (or Stealth) will fit under the hood of a 66 with a drop base cleaner, I'm just wondering if its necessary.
 

coolblue65

Founding Member
Jul 26, 1999
1,224
2
39
46
Algonquin, IL
www.cardomain.com
Dec 13, 2004
#10
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #10
You will need a drop base if you have a 3" air filter for the Edel RPM. I had a standard base, and the hood would close but when the engine would torque over the lid would hit the hood.
 

SandSprite

Member
Feb 8, 2003
332
0
16
L.A., CA
Dec 13, 2004
#11
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #11
For the time it takes to do and the cost of gaskets, I wouldn't bother until you do the cam/heads anyways. You will have to pull the intake to do the cam, so you might as well wait. If the motor doesn't see 4500+ rpms currently, then there isn't a huge advantage. Also, I have heard the stealth is much nicer than a performer rpm (for 351W only).
 

SandSprite

Member
Feb 8, 2003
332
0
16
L.A., CA
Dec 13, 2004
#12
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #12
double post....

Also, the Holley DP is supposed to be pretty hard on gas, if it matters.
 

ratio411

Founding Member
Apr 21, 2002
3,870
73
109
Pensacola FL
Dec 13, 2004
#13
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #13
Going Performer to Performer RPM will not change things much at all.
Going to a Holley carb will change things alot. That is if you take your time and set it up right.
Some tid-bits to ponder:
Dual plane intakes are harder to over carb than others.
With your 351, 650 cfm is on the small side.
Double pumpers are easiest to tune for a manual, but can work fine on an auto trans too.
If you want to stay conservative, I would go Stealth with a 650 DP or 750 vac.
You will not be dissappointed though, with a Torker and 650 DP.
The Torker is also the same height as the Performer... overrides your hood clearance concerns.
Good luck
Dave

Btw: How do you like your swap headers?
Were they a good fit? What is the primary dia? Are they LTs?
 

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
41
Granada Hills, California
Dec 13, 2004
#14
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #14
There is a torker 2 on ebay at the moment for 50 bucks. I'm not sold on this intake though, and I'm pretty sure I'd have to wait on it until I was able to do more things (I'd need the TC, cam, carb etc).

the headers are 1 5/8" to 2.5". They installed very easily once we figured out that you had to jack up the motor to get them in. Even though my engine doesn't rev very high at the moment, there was a topend power increase, and a drop in low end torque (doesnt' matter because i still over power the rear tires whenever i want to and quite often when I do'nt want to). Like many, I have had the occasional exhaust leak that Heddman's seem to have frequently, so you have to tighten them kinda frquently (or you could try getting better bolts, i guess... it doesn't bother me enough to change it).
 

ratio411

Founding Member
Apr 21, 2002
3,870
73
109
Pensacola FL
Dec 13, 2004
#15
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #15
Spend the 50 bux...
If you don't love it, I'll buy it for 100.
Seriously!
I am in the market.
You said yourself that you can overpower the tires at will and then some.
I swear, one of these days you'll just do it and wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
 

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
41
Granada Hills, California
Dec 13, 2004
#16
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #16
well, while that is a tempting offer to be sure, i'm not sure. Im not home very long over christmas break, and it'd probably have to sit until summer when i could do more things to get the the car ready for it. I don't think I'd feel any of the improvement without a cam and head modifications. Though I suppose I could just buy it and have it ready for the build up in summer.... I guess I'll think about it for a few hours.

Feel free to bid on it.. here she is... she has a gasket match port job done to her, appears to be in nice shape and has a low shipping price, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...&item=7940018005&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT

edit: and yes, my headers are LTs.

edit 2: How much better is the Torker than the Stealth on the topend? Does the Stealth still need a drop base air cleaner?
 

ratio411

Founding Member
Apr 21, 2002
3,870
73
109
Pensacola FL
Dec 13, 2004
#17
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #17
Yeah, I have been eyeballing that one.
I wish I could, but money's tight during the 'season'.
That one is in my 'watched' folder.
Looks real nice.
 

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
41
Granada Hills, California
Dec 13, 2004
#18
  • Dec 13, 2004
  • #18
Your money is tight?! I'm the college student who lives on his AFROTC stipend!

If its still 50ish bucks tomorrow evening I might just pick it up.
 

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
41
Granada Hills, California
Dec 14, 2004
#19
  • Dec 14, 2004
  • #19
ALright, well can anyone recommend a chrome or aluminum 14 inch drop base air cleaner? I like my current one a lot (you can see it in the site on my sig), and I think its base is slightly dropped, but not enough to fit an RPM or Stealth.

On that note, can anyone once and for all tell me if the Stealth needs a drop base cleaner? I know the RPM does, but the specs on their respective sites say the stealth might be a teeny bit shorter than the rpm, so maybe... just maybe...

edit: How about trd part number TRD-2147 off summit? Looks decent, and its definitely dropped... could I fit a K&N in there at a later time (not a big issue, but might as well know)?
 

SadbutTrue

Founding Member
May 1, 2002
2,390
4
49
41
Granada Hills, California
Dec 14, 2004
#20
  • Dec 14, 2004
  • #20
anyone? i asked a bunch of questions in my last few posts in this thread i know, but if you could help i'd appreciate it?

btw ratio... that intake went for over 150!!! Kinda high for an ebay intake...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
Resolved Weird sound coming from a freshly rebuilt 5.0L
  • karhoot
  • Jun 24, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
213
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 27, 2026
Mac131
351w turbo build.... Turbo guys teach me things...
  • Kid wita 5oh
  • Oct 22, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
13
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 23, 2025
General karthief
6
Hey all,I’m putting together a 302 for my 1968 Mustang and wanted to post the combo + some questions to make sure I’m not missing crucial
  • 68_Disgustang
  • Feb 22, 2026
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
979
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2026
gray owl
G
R
351w stroked to 408 CARB
  • Ric4eyedFox
  • Mar 20, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
17
Views
736
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Mar 22, 2025
General karthief
Progress Thread Progress Thread- From6to8's 95 GT/Saleen Supercharged 331 install
  • from6to8
  • Mar 22, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
24
Views
967
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 6, 2026
from6to8
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?