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?

 

Lariat, the Ford 83-85 Mustang and the performer 289 are basically the design that was the norm for 180 degree manifolds in the 60s. If you look at those designs, you will notice that the air/fuel mixture has a sharp corner where the runner from the carburetor joins the runner to the ports. This can and will cause the fuel droplets to come out of "suspension" and adhere to the wall of the runners. The newer design manifolds have a much smoother flow pattern. The Edelbrock Performer 289 I think I used to sell as an F4B designation. As far as torque, smaller cross section runners help, longer runners help even more. Chrysler did a lot of research on ram tuning in the 50s and 60s resulting in some strange but strong running setups. I would hazard a guess that the Mustang or the Performer 289 would probably produce a liitle better low end torque.

 

I currently have a Performer 289, Eddy 1406 combo on an '89 Roller (Non HO) 302. It's a pretty strong setup with the 3.25 gears and C6. I do think that the 1406 is a bit large though and i'm currently looking for a 1403 to replace it with or rebuild my father in laws autolite 4v and try that.

 

I know this is a older Edelbrock intake as I can't find any info about it: SP2-P 289


I got it and a edelbrock carb #1407 4bb off a 302 in a 81 F150 in the junkyard last friday.

Need to know if its a low RPM or high RPM manifold, either way I wouldn't pass it up for the cost I go them for! They are going on a 302 engine swamp buggy in the works.

 

It's interesting to see these pictures of the different carb manifold designs. I don't have
a picture but the 1960s Shelby and Holman-Moody manifolds were much higher and had
completely different pattern for the runners. I still have a vintage Holman-Moody
4V manifold that is on a 1966 289 HiPo engine. It runs great. I think the lower profile
of the newer designs is probably for hood clearance on the newer car models.