Any benefit to a new manifold only?
#21
Race Director
A performer is a replacement manifold won't give you any problems with your air cleaner.
One of the rags a few yrs ago did a test on a mild 350 using the 2101 performer to see what difference there was between it and the standard chevy iron manifold. It made 9 HP increase as an average not just top rpm. But when you figure rwhp you might see 6 hp. you will lose around 20 pounds of dead weight.
One of the rags a few yrs ago did a test on a mild 350 using the 2101 performer to see what difference there was between it and the standard chevy iron manifold. It made 9 HP increase as an average not just top rpm. But when you figure rwhp you might see 6 hp. you will lose around 20 pounds of dead weight.
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Redhook98 (12-01-2015)
#22
Anytime you can take 20 lbs off the front of any car its a win. If you think about it that twenty pounds is up pretty high above the axle center line. Any extra weight not needed above the axle center line is like death to a sports car.
Last edited by Little Mouse; 12-01-2015 at 02:50 PM.
#23
Racer
Your engine looks awesome! Like others have said, the lighter weight will help and the intake maybe a little more efficient. Not to sure how much difference you would notice on the street though. Probably not much....
#25
To the OP if you will look at a 2101 performer you will see it has the place already on it to mount your factory choke thermostat coil.
Edlebrock made this manifold as a replacement manifold.
Edlebrock made this manifold as a replacement manifold.
Last edited by Little Mouse; 12-01-2015 at 03:26 PM.
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Redhook98 (12-01-2015)
#26
Racer
Thread Starter
I saw that, thanks. I am going with that or the ZZ4 manifold. Both are the stock height and have all the right provisions.
#27
EGR block-off plates are cheap and easy to install. I put one on my Edelbrock Performer #3701 intake. It used the same gaskets as the EGR valve.
I have since installed the #2101 Performer. If you want to paint a performer intake manifold to match the engine so it is not so obvious to the casual observer that you have replaced intake), you will save 20 lbs and pick up a cheap 6 rwhp for $100 (great deals on eBay). And, it is a great way to prime the pump for the other top end improvements (Recurve the distributor, tune the carb for performance, K&N filter). Great way to freshen and improve without touching the heads and exhaust (next if you ever want to see bigger gains). I would consider removal of the smog hoses but keep your PCV, EVAP and spark advance hoses.
I have since installed the #2101 Performer. If you want to paint a performer intake manifold to match the engine so it is not so obvious to the casual observer that you have replaced intake), you will save 20 lbs and pick up a cheap 6 rwhp for $100 (great deals on eBay). And, it is a great way to prime the pump for the other top end improvements (Recurve the distributor, tune the carb for performance, K&N filter). Great way to freshen and improve without touching the heads and exhaust (next if you ever want to see bigger gains). I would consider removal of the smog hoses but keep your PCV, EVAP and spark advance hoses.
Definitely though a good set of long tube headers, eliminate cats and true dual exhaust with free flowing mufflers will really get you your biggest bang for the buck HP improvement on a stockish SBC. 30+ compared to the restrictive stock cast iron exhaust manifolds and single cat stock exhaust system.
#28
Racer
Thread Starter
This +1... Performer is a good upgrade, easy, relatively cheap and 6rwhp doesn't sound like a lot but it is around a 5% improvement. The weight savings are actually a bigger deal. Rule of thumb is every 20lbs weight savings is worth around .02 seconds ET in the 1/4 mile.
Definitely though a good set of long tube headers, eliminate cats and true dual exhaust with free flowing mufflers will really get you your biggest bang for the buck HP improvement on a stockish SBC. 30+ compared to the restrictive stock cast iron exhaust manifolds and single cat stock exhaust system.
Definitely though a good set of long tube headers, eliminate cats and true dual exhaust with free flowing mufflers will really get you your biggest bang for the buck HP improvement on a stockish SBC. 30+ compared to the restrictive stock cast iron exhaust manifolds and single cat stock exhaust system.
It's a 73. No cats and true duals. No mufflers. Chambered pipes all the way back. I may consider headers later on. Never gonna be fast even with headers though. Lol! Thanks!
#29
Race Director
Headers will drop weight as well, and add significantly more power across the RPM range. Since you already have duals, even better.
If you haven't ordered the manifold yet, I'd highly recommend doing headers instead. I've done both - felt pretty much nothing from the manifold and the headers really transformed the car.
I'm much further down the road with my modifications now, but still remember these changes very well.
#31
Le Mans Master
Don't change anything ever it isn't worth it the factory knew best. ( sarcasm)
I agree it's a good starting point and will enhance future mods. Ask Warren Johnson what he paid for 5 horsepower.
I agree it's a good starting point and will enhance future mods. Ask Warren Johnson what he paid for 5 horsepower.
#32
Racer
Thread Starter
I got the headers in while on vacation over the Christmas holidays. Bought a new set of Summits off of a member and primed/painted/clear coated them with VHT. Made a big improvement. I can tell my exhaust manifolds had never been off as there were no gaskets between the manifolds and block. Plus they are a b!tch to get off with the AIR tubes still in place. Removed the smog pump and ported the distributor to manifold vacuum. Took care of my idle creep and cutting out at mid-rpms under load. Air conditioning was a blast to get back in (sarcasm).
One thing I did notice was the size of the exhaust donut sleeves in the original exhaust. They are only open 1.5 inches with the factory collar in place. Wow! Talk about a choke point! The AIR injectors really stuck in there further then I would have though also. That is the most restrictive setup I can imagine.
One thing I did notice was the size of the exhaust donut sleeves in the original exhaust. They are only open 1.5 inches with the factory collar in place. Wow! Talk about a choke point! The AIR injectors really stuck in there further then I would have though also. That is the most restrictive setup I can imagine.
#33
Le Mans Master
Not one of chevrolet best designs for sure,but that is what happens when lawyers in Washington mandate how cars are built.
Congratulations on your improvements, they will be noticeable Happy new year.
I used to Race at Colonial beach Drag strip. Is the pier still there,you could walk on the pier and buy maryland lottery tickets because the state border was the low tide border.used to love the place.
Congratulations on your improvements, they will be noticeable Happy new year.
I used to Race at Colonial beach Drag strip. Is the pier still there,you could walk on the pier and buy maryland lottery tickets because the state border was the low tide border.used to love the place.
Last edited by 7t9l82; 12-30-2015 at 01:28 PM.
#34
Dr. Detroit
Member Since: Mar 2012
Location: New Braunfels Texas
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I say do it......the ZZ4 manifold is a great choice......although not sure how high it sits.
Do yourself a favor and use 1204 Fel-Pro gasket to block the heat riser.
You car looks like a pampered piece and I am sure you can live without the choke.
This will keep the manifold cooler and pick up a little extra.....
As mentioned...a nice curve in the distributor will round this out nicely!
Beautiful car BTW.....
Jebby
Do yourself a favor and use 1204 Fel-Pro gasket to block the heat riser.
You car looks like a pampered piece and I am sure you can live without the choke.
This will keep the manifold cooler and pick up a little extra.....
As mentioned...a nice curve in the distributor will round this out nicely!
Beautiful car BTW.....
Jebby
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Redhook98 (12-31-2015)
#36
Race Director
Redhook, did you do an intake yet or not? Glad you did the headers - that's where the power is until you start uncorking the rest of the engine internals.
If you haven't done an intake and do so, I'd be curious to hear about your before and after impressions.
If you haven't done an intake and do so, I'd be curious to hear about your before and after impressions.
#37
Racer
Thread Starter
This will probably be the extent on the mods I will do to this car. It is to nice and original to go inside the motor. Well, maybe a cam, and heads, and and and.... ;-)