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I am looking for confirmation that a RPM performer air gap on a small block will fit under a stock small block hood on a 69.
The Edelbrock catalog says no, but I keep hearing it will with a drop base air cleaner.
Has anyone done this?
If so, what specific air cleaner?
I have this manifold from a previous project and don't know if I can use it on my 69 or if I need to sell it and get something else
Thanks
Glenn in San Diego
I can not confirm that the RPM will fit, I don't think it will..
I can confirm that the LT1/L88 drop base air cleaner is what you want though. Its a 2" drop base, run a 3" filter and it will clear the carb parts and throttle linkage fine. Its the lowest profile air cleaner that still has decent flow you can get.
You can get them from any of the vette vendors for $130
I had a performer rpm manifold with gm drop base air cleaner under stock small block hood, very close but worked. Keep the air cleaner stud short so it doesnt hit hood.
It will, but you need a 2" drop base air cleaner and a shorter element. I did it and later changed to an L88 hood because of the restriction of the short element.
The reason Edelbrock says "no" is because it will not fit with the stock air cleaner with 3" element.
Last edited by C3 Stroker; 04-25-2018 at 03:34 PM.
Something else to keep in mind with a drop-base is, the air cleaner lid to fuel bowl ventclearance. On Holleys, they want 3/4".
There are modified vent tubes just for this application.
I had a performer rpm manifold with gm drop base air cleaner under stock small block hood, very close but worked. Keep the air cleaner stud short so it doesnt hit hood.
I am looking for confirmation that a RPM performer air gap on a small block will fit under a stock small block hood on a 69.
It will fit with a 2" drop-base and a short filter element. However, the inlet restriction caused by the short element, the drop base, and the air cleaner lid being that close to the carb's airhorn will negate any benefit you might get from the flow potential of the RPM Air Gap manifold, so it's a waste to use it.
It will, but you need a 2" drop base air cleaner and a shorter element. I did it and later changed to an L88 hood because of the restriction of the short element.
The reason Edelbrock says "no" is because it will not fit with the stock air cleaner with 3" element.
If there is any advantage to using the rpm air gap, it's probably lost by choking the air into the carb. That's why I went with a Team G and a 4" tall open element air cleaner.
If the EDEL Air Gap keeps the fuel charge cooler and prevents boil-over, then its worth any assumed reduction in airflow. Thats what its all about, cooling.
The Ed 2101 is just barely one performance notch above the stock intake. The Air Gap is several notches. IMHO
The Team G is an air gap type manifold. So, no air restriction (more air/fuel=more hp), cooler fuel charge, out performs the Eddy rpm air gap and fits under my stock hood with a 4" element. I don't get why guys are so hung up on using the Eddy intake. Team G intake is a far better solution for low hood clearances imo.
If you can truely run a 4" filter cartridge with that intake, then that means the Team G is one inch shorter than the Edelbrock. So that also means yours is no longer classified as a medium rise intake.
Yeah, I guess it's considered a low rise that helps put down 357 rwhp out of my 355 with a 227*@0.050" HR cam. I think that's pretty good and doubt the rpm air gap could do as well.
Yeah, I guess it's considered a low rise that helps put down 357 rwhp out of my 355 with a 227*@0.050" HR cam. I think that's pretty good and doubt the rpm air gap could do as well.
This is my goal, to hit 350 hp at the rear wheels
Do you have a model number for that manifold?
Dual plane is for carbs or tbi style injection. So 2 cyls back-to-back are drinking from alternating venturis at low rpms for low end torque. With port injection single plane is preferrable.
Yes it will fit fine... with a drop base you can fit a 3" tall element..
I have run the Edelbrock performer, performer rpm air gap, and the AFR titan single plane..
All fit fine... the real problem is if it is an open air filter, you will get all the HOT air under the hood sucked into your engine,,, and thus will loose HP.
Edel Performer 2101. Carb Pad Ht 4.05"
Edel Air Gap 7501. Carb Pad Ht 4.72"
So, you have less than 3/4 of an inch, but more than 5/8 difference between the two. A drop base is needed, but I think the Air Gap will clear.
Always remove the air cleaner stud / wingnut before closing the hood. Then place a gob of Playdough on the air cleaner lid, close hood and check the clay thickness.
If all else fails they make a 14 X 2", a 14 X 2.6" and a 14 X 2.5" Ht round air filter cartridge.
An older Hot Rod dyno test showed for a modified test mule SBC:
Ed Perf 2101 had 456 H.P.
Ed 7501 Air Gap had 474 H.P.
04-25-2018, 12:40 PM
Will RPM Performer Air Gap fit under a stock 69 hood?
