This is a GREAT place! Finally a place to go for answers!

I am in the process of building up my 71 390 2-V motor, but
i need some help with some choices here. I have an edelbrock performer rpm manifold I am planning to install, but first I need to know if I would be losing any low end power versus the standard performer manifold or the original 2-bl manifold. Is there really a difference that would be noticable? I am considering putting in an edelbrock 600 with elect choke, and also want to put in headers. I had hooker headers before long ago, but i am hearing that they aren't so great anymore in terms of quality workmanship and materials. If that's the case, which header brand is considered the best for performance tuned and quality workmanship? Thanks in advance for any help guys!

 

The RPM is considered the best overall choice for trucks based on price and quality. I think you'd lose a tad on the very low end but I don't think you'll notice it.

that intake is designed for 1500+ operation and that's not much above idle, so I think it's great for a truck.

As for the quality of Hookers, I have a set and they fit ok, I had to do some grinding on the holes to get a solid port match. I ground about 1/8" off the holes for a proper fit, but that's not bad.

Mine are old and I don't know if quality is down or not, sorry.

 

Welcome to FTE! KarlJay is right on about the RPM intake. I don't think hooker headers have lost too much quality over the years. I run the flowtech's which is far from fancy but I like them. There are a couple coated $300+ headers people on here seem to have nothing but good things to say about if you are wanting to spend that much.

 

Hi Ford Boy and welcome FTE. If you were wondering the differences from a performer to a RPM, I would add that the RPM does not have a heat crossover. If you are not going to do any cold weather driving this will not matter. You would also check and see if your exhaust system uses a heat crossover valve that pushes the exhaust over to the other head to warm the intake up. If you have one then you will need to change or weld it so that it will not block exhaust.

 

Is the heat crossover that important in cold weather? And what classifies as "cold" weather...32...0....-32??

Chad Burns
1968 F-250 390 2v auto
another 390....in pieces.
Aurora, CO.

 

Hey guys,

Thanks for the replies to my questions. I think I'll stick with the RPM manifold since most of the RPM is between 1000-3500. I like to get a quick response on the upper-end so I can blow the rusty doors off the Chevy's when they try to pass me. Emphasis on "TRY" LOL! I live in a mild climate in San Francisco and sometimes drive through the high desert, so cold weather isn't a problem here. The main problem i am experiencing right now is the 2 bl carb floods after it was shut off for a minimum of say 5 minutes, but other than that. As for the headers, I am leaning towards the Hooker super Comps since that is what I've had before on another truck I used to have and was pleased with the overall performance of it. But some speed shops around here have mentioned the quality has gone downhill and have had more complaints that they won't recommend them or even carry them anymore. I was hoping there would be another alternative that you experienced guys might recommend besides Flowtech. Both the flowtech and Hooker are made by Holley and I am kind of gearing away from them altogether. Any suggestions?

 

One thing before you go for headers, they don't fit the camper special becuase of a cross member up front... Unless you remove
it. Ive looked for headers for my 250 ranger xlt HD special and I can't get'em, and the last owner tried putting some on. There's a brand that doesn't mention it won't work on camper specials...he must have been pissed!!!