Agonizing over my intake options

[Monticore]

I'm sure some day I will have tried a couple different intakes, but for now I need to pick my first one since my project did not come with one.

I've read that if I was keeping my Cleveland stock that the stock intake would be a great option. Going aftermarket would drop weight, but add little in performance. When you start to upgrade parts, upgrading the intake makes more sense.

Maybe that's oversimplified, so now I will get specific.

I have been using the Comp Cams program to pick my cam and other parts.
I already have a 670 carb, roller rockers, and Sanderson shorty headers.
I will be getting this cam and lifter kit:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-CL32-421-8/
COMP Cams CL32-421-8 - COMP Cams Magnum Retrofit Cam and Lifter Kits
Cam and Lifters,Hydraulic Roller Tappet,Advertised Duration 270/270,Lift .566/.566, Ford, 351C, 351M, 400, Kit

I was going to go with the Edelbrock RPM Air-Gap. Then I got convinced that the F351-4v was the way to go. Then I found a stock D0AE-9425-L for $50 locally.

I was told that Torkers are not something I should look at. The reason escapes me but sounded reasonable at the time.

Everybody/anybody... please lay your opinions on me.
I have read, and will read more on this, but the more the merrier.

Thanks all!
Zac

[JTS71 Mach1]

First let me say there is nothing wrong with the Torker. It is specifically designed to deliver top end power well above 6500 rpm. and unless you have the compression and cam to make it work and breathe effectively, the dual plane Air Gap will probably work better in your situation. I'm assuming your have near stock compression? Which makes a huge difference in the way a Cleveland reacts to various upgrades. Simply put, the more you squeeze it the bigger the Bang! The more power you can make. Call Edelbrock's tech line and give them you specs. They will tell you exactly which manifold will work best. Hope this helps JTS 71 Mach1

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PS. I wouldn't use the stocker unless your going for the quality "restoration" As it won't breathe much above 5500 and thats where a cleveland is in the sweet spot and just keeps getting better. JTS 71 Mach1

[Monticore]

PS. I wouldn't use the stocker unless your going for the quality "restoration" As it won't breathe much above 5500 and thats where a cleveland is in the sweet spot and just keeps getting better. JTS 71 Mach1

Well, I may be shooting myself in the foot from the get-go with my cam/lifter kit:
Basic Operating RPM Range 1,800-5,000

I inherited all new parts, but am upgrading the cam kit to a more aggresive one. I assume I will have stock compression as all other parts were stock, or only slightly better, replacements.

I won't be racing so I was ok with the thought that I won't getting the max top end I can. Using the Comp Cams software I chose a cam type that is- "Excellent In Daily Driver, Slight-Mild To Choppy Idle"

Even if I took it to a drag strip I don't think that I would be disappointed not having more top end. I might entertain a choppier idle to gain top end without sacrificing torque.

It may be worth mentioning that I have a 9" rear with 3.55 gearing.
And a T5 transmission. Crossing my fingers it lasts long enough to save for a Tremec.

So, where I may be limiting myself with cam choice, I don't want to double-whammy myself with a poor intake choice.

I hope this made sense as I jumped around adding stuff I missed the first time.
Zac

[Steven Harris]

Zac,

Am I right in thinking that you are running 4V heads?

[Monticore]

Zac,

Am I right in thinking that you are running 4V heads?

That is correct.

[Steven Harris]

Jack can weigh in on this and shed a bit more professional light.

If you have the original 4V intake and are not building your Cleveland to a pretty extreme point then you will not gain much from an after market intake other than weight savings. The factory 4V intake was a pretty well designed unit.

[Masterblaster7212]

From my point of view and after having owned them both as far as 4v verses 2v heads.

My current 4v heads are a dog at 5280 feet in elevation.
I put on the torker manifold thinking that it would help but since its the open plenum instead of the dual plane manifold it did nothing measurable that I could sense. At the first chance I get I am going back to the stock iron manifold.

If I had one I would choose that
F351-4v from blue thunder since it is the exact design but without the shelby logos on it as the original 351C shelby manifold from what I understand. They are high dollar as well.

In reality I would rather just have a new set of aluminum heads designed like the old Australian head design with the quench chambers with the 2v intake size for better velocity.

Since you are not racing it would suit all your needs.
OR.... Just get a set of 2v heads rebuilt and sell those monsters because they really dont do well at low RPM anyhow.....and unless you have the manual tranny you wont be able to wind it up anyhow.

right??

[keith1562]

I personally would stay away from a "torker" intake. Or for that matter any single plane intake. The Cleveland is an engine that starts making good power above 3000 r.p.m. all the way to red line (7500 r.p.m.). An single plane intake will help build power at higher r.p.m. than a dual plane intake. I personally have an Edlebrock performer intake and I really like it. I'm running one now on my Mach1 with 4 barrel heads. Years ago I ran a Weiand intake of similar design on a Cleveland that was stock with 2 barrel heads. The intake and holley 600 c.f.m. carb. ran great. What ever you choose it will probably run strong.
good luck,
Keith








































































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[Monticore]

I personally have an Edlebrock performer intake and I really like it. I'm running one now on my Mach1 with 4 barrel heads. Years ago I ran a Weiand intake of similar design on a Cleveland that was stock with 2 barrel heads. The intake and holley 600 c.f.m. carb. ran great. What ever you choose it will probably run strong.
good luck,
Keith

Hi Keith,

I'm starting to think I should just get the stock intake, for now.
I will be leaving some power untapped but that will buy me time to get a better intake. And I will also have my own A/B comparison to learn from.

Which Performer do you have, by the way?
Thanks,
Zac

[keith1562]

I'm running the standard version performer, not the performer RPM.
If you can find a stock intake at a good price, I'd probably go with it. You can always upgrade later. Clevelands are well designed from carb. to oil pan. The Ford engineers got this one right, it will run great with a stock set-up. By the way I ran a Holley 600 vac. secondaries, and now I'm running a Carter Competion 625 cfm. But again a stock ford 4v is a great carb.
Keith