In a side by side comparison, I noticed that the Edelbrock Performer 289 uses a completely different runner design than the Edelbrock Performer 302.

Edelbrock Performer 289:



I also noticed that the Weiand Action Plus and the new Weiand Street Warrior uses a runner design similar to the Edelbrock Performer 302.

Weiand Action Plus/Street Warrior:



The Ford Racing M-9424-F302 looks just like the Weiand Action Plus/Street Warrior intake manifolds. I noticed that all the advertisements for the Ford Racing intake state that its operating range if from 1500 - 6500 RPM, yet the instructions that come with this intake manifold state that it is good up to 5500 RPM, just like the Edelbrock Performer 289/302 and the Weiand Action Plus/Street Warrior.

Ford Racing M-9424-F302:


http://www.fordracingparts.com/downl...-9424-F302.pdf


And to further complicate matters, the stock 1983 - 1985 4V intake used on Ford Mustangs has an intake runner design like the Edelbrock Performer 289!


Any thoughts on this? Which runner design is better for low range torque?

 

Boy oh boy that Genuine Ford aluminum intake looks a lot like the Weiand. Even the little extra material on one side of the carb mounting surface, and the rectangular surfaces at the ends of the outer four ports.

Good comparison including pictures.

To decide on which runner design is best for low (or high) speed, the simplest is to measure their openings at the heads (of course there is runner design, etc. which affect flow also). Bigger means higher rpm. suitability.

Probably the stock 5.0 4V is the best for low to mid range power. It will designed for off idle and up power.

 

I guess my real question is which intake will be better for my combination? My 302 is bored 0.060 over, port and polished E7 "Thumper" heads, Thorley Tri-Y headers, 0.460 int./0.474 exh. cam lift, and an Autolite 4100 4V carburetor.

This engine will be going in my 1985 Ford F150 truck. The 302 is a relatively small engine in a big, heavy vehicle, and I am looking for low-end power. Do I use a stock style low-rise, dual plane intake, or do my engine modifications warrant a different style intake, like a high-rise dual plane intake manifold?

 

What's the operating range of the cam? I would think you want the intake to match that range.

edit: NM found the specs


Brand COMP Cams
Manufacturer's Part Number 31-230-3
Part Type Camshafts
Product Line COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Camshafts
Summit Racing Part Number CCA-31-230-3
UPC 036584030881

Cam Style Hydraulic flat tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range 600-4,800
Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift 206
Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift 212
Duration at 050 inch Lift 206 int./212 exh.
Advertised Intake Duration 250
Advertised Exhaust Duration 260
Advertised Duration 250 int./260 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.460 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.474 in.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.460 int./0.474 exh.
Lobe Separation (degrees) 110
Computer-Controlled Compatible No
Grind Number XE250H
Valve Springs Required Yes
Quantity Sold individually.



All of those listed have an operating range from idle - 5500 RPM so i'd say any would work.

 

Does the high rise dual plane manifold imply longer runner lengths? If so, I would use that, given all else being equal. The longer runner lengths tend to be better for low end torque.