Intake Manifold comparison.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Sunny Central Oregon
Intake Manifold comparison.
Hey all, I have a lot of the threads and it seems everyone recommends Edelbrock manifolds and Carbs. I just purchased a 68 250 with a 390, an older Holley 4160, and older Holley Street Dominator Intake. I have no Idea what the internals are like. I would like to know what you all think of this setup, compared to the Edel setup. And when I rebuild, would it betted to switch to Edelbrock.
I hope to get a camera soon so that I can document my progress and to help everyone understand my questions. Thanks for all the great help you have provided.
\Ray
I hope to get a camera soon so that I can document my progress and to help everyone understand my questions. Thanks for all the great help you have provided.
\Ray
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
Tell us more about what you want the motor/truck to do. how much do you want to spend on the motor? I think that combination is good eneough unless you start modifying other parts of the engine substantially.
For most stock build ups, I like the Edel RPM intake. It gives enough breathing room to make substantial upgrades without compromising to much low end torque. As for the carbs, it's a toss up. I just switched from an Edelbrock 750 to a Demon, but I have a modified 428 stroker.
For most stock build ups, I like the Edel RPM intake. It gives enough breathing room to make substantial upgrades without compromising to much low end torque. As for the carbs, it's a toss up. I just switched from an Edelbrock 750 to a Demon, but I have a modified 428 stroker.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Sunny Central Oregon
Thanks Gtex, I quess I was mainly interested in the negatives if any of this manifold. I will be towing a 22 ft boat up and down the cascades. I am just looking for some good sustained pulling power.
\
\Ray
\
\Ray
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
I'm no expert. But I think that intake is an older single plane design. It won't be helping much in the low end torqe. The 390s make decent torque anyway, so you might still be OK with the right gearing.
I'm sure some of the Gurus who know that intake better will check in shortly.
If you know you just wanted a torquey towing motor, the Edelbrock Performer is good pick. And it cost a little less than the RPM. Just make sure you dno't want to go bigger on the heads, cam and carb later. If you thnk that might happen, splurge for the RPM.
I'm sure some of the Gurus who know that intake better will check in shortly.
If you know you just wanted a torquey towing motor, the Edelbrock Performer is good pick. And it cost a little less than the RPM. Just make sure you dno't want to go bigger on the heads, cam and carb later. If you thnk that might happen, splurge for the RPM.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Sunny Central Oregon
I was going to put in the Crane 901 with new lifters and springs, and Petronix, the rest would stay stock. Do you think that would work or should I look at doing something else. I know that there a couple of other posts that are covering some of the same things and I have read many past threads on the subject. I mainly wanted opinions on my Intake and Carb combo compared to an Edelbrock combo.
\
\Thanks again for all the help.
\Ray
\
\Thanks again for all the help.
\Ray
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
If you're gonna be towing heavy things up and down mountain passes, then an Edelbrock Performer ( not the RPM ) or an older lowriser 427 intake would be a better choice for bottom end grunt. What Holley do you have on there? What's the list # on the choke horn? Also, recommend a set of headers if you don't have them already
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Sunny Central Oregon
Yea headers are also on my list. I am hoping to get STANS.
\The list number on my carb is "1850-3". Any thoughts on my current intake?
\Thanks for the input.
\Ray
\The list number on my carb is "1850-3". Any thoughts on my current intake?
\Thanks for the input.
\Ray
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Stans headers ( we're talking FPA aren't we? ) are first class, but a little pricey for a pickup application , where there's lower cost options. I've got a set on my 68 Merc, and they work great, just wish they weren't so expensive. Holley 1850-3 is a 600 cfm, also a good choice for your application. As far as the intake, I've never had one of those, I was always partial to dual planes, except for the Vic Jr I ran on my Canfield headed 5.0 roller motor.I can't recall if I've ever heard anybody that liked the street dominator. I can't recommend swapping it or keeping it in your case, that's up to you. I don't know for a fact that you will see a difference in swapping it.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,117
Likes: 0
From: Evanston, WY
If I remember correctly, which may not be the case since I often suffer from CRS, then the Holley Street Dominator is a single plane manifold with fairly small plenums. It ran direct competition with the Streetmaster 390 of years gone by. It will probably not have much detrimental effect on low end but makes a very nice mid range curve. If it were my money I would not spend the $300 for a Non-RPM Performer as I don't think there would be a significant difference. Here's a post from the other forum about the Streetmaster that references the Street Dominator:
"They get a bad rap.
They run good on a mild motor like a truck 390. I like them, I think I prefer a Holley Street Dominator a smidge more, but bottom line, they both will pull harder than a stocker or a regular Performer, they are cheap, and they are light. With a 1 inch spacer they do pretty well on top too, with any more spacer, you have to start playing with pump shots a little more.
Bottom line, I'd bolt it on a 390 pickup without hesitation."
Hope this helps.
-Scouder
"They get a bad rap.
They run good on a mild motor like a truck 390. I like them, I think I prefer a Holley Street Dominator a smidge more, but bottom line, they both will pull harder than a stocker or a regular Performer, they are cheap, and they are light. With a 1 inch spacer they do pretty well on top too, with any more spacer, you have to start playing with pump shots a little more.
Bottom line, I'd bolt it on a 390 pickup without hesitation."
Hope this helps.
-Scouder
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Sunny Central Oregon
Thanks to all. it is nice to know that I can keep my ihtake and carb. This will save me some cash and speedup my rebuild. This site is the best. I hope to be able to contribute in the future. I hace joined FTE and have my T-shirt in the mail!! I just wish the PARTS SHOP offered more.
\Ray
\Ray
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
i'd agree on keeping the holley manifold, maybe try a 1 or 2 inch 4 hole carb spacer.......
the performer 390 manifolds have small ports and runners, i think maybe even smaller than the cast iron 4 bbl manifolds, and i didn't like the one i had years back at all, although if it were ported it would probably work. i suppose for towing it would be ok but unless you have problems with it now i would'nt worry. i think unless you get a real bargain on a manifold, there's no sense in buying anything new unless it's a performer rpm..........
be happy, what ever you decide to do atleast you don't have to mess with the boat anchor iron manifold.....
the performer 390 manifolds have small ports and runners, i think maybe even smaller than the cast iron 4 bbl manifolds, and i didn't like the one i had years back at all, although if it were ported it would probably work. i suppose for towing it would be ok but unless you have problems with it now i would'nt worry. i think unless you get a real bargain on a manifold, there's no sense in buying anything new unless it's a performer rpm..........
be happy, what ever you decide to do atleast you don't have to mess with the boat anchor iron manifold.....
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
I know you probably have already made up your mind but just thought I chip in my 2 cents worth. I have an old 76 Ford F-250 2wd longbox ( Which in time I will be selling some of it for parts except for the engine, 4-speed trans, and some other pieces but the cab and fenders, hood, frame, and some other things I will probably part out) 390 engine and it came from the factory with a 4 barrel. My dad put an Edelbrock Streetmaster intake on it and a wood 4 hole spacer I believe and when that motor was still somewhat strong it pulled great. I asked about the streetmaster a while back to see if they were worth a darn and everyone seemed to say they weren't as good as a Perf. RPM but for a relatively stock engine it was a good intake and if anything they don't weigh 80 lbs. like the darn factory cast iron one's do.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bootlegger's Deluxe
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
6
Aug 2, 2017 05:09 PM
78 f150 400
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Mar 10, 2017 12:06 PM
carsofchaos
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
17
Jan 8, 2014 09:33 AM
78oldsmokey
335 Series- 5.8/351M, 6.6/400, 351 Cleveland
3
Nov 23, 2005 07:26 PM
BLaCkSiLo
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
28
Mar 5, 2004 12:48 PM
