has anyone used the edelbrock performer RPM intake on a 68 firebird? ive read where it sits too high and that they've had hood clearance issues. my plan was to use the RPM and a holley carb but maybe not now.
my other option is to use the original cast iron intake and have cliff ruggles rebuild my Qjet. right now that seems to be the better option at this point but I would still like to hear other imput on the RPM set-up.
also, I would like to know other peoples opinion on the original intake and Qjet vs the RPM (or other intake) and holley carb.what combos have worked for you and what suggestions would you make. thanks!!
68 firebird 400 .030 over #13 heads stock, cc'd at 77cc's speed pro flat tops, 4 relief valves--looking at 10:1 ish compression summit 2802 cam MSD ready to run with blaster coil hughes 2500 stall 3:55 posi headers
Another often over-looked [less $$] option is to use a carb spacer. They come in either open or closed configuration and different thicknesses & materials. Of course you'd still have to determine how thick the spacer can be based on hood clearance. Typically clay or play-dough is placed on the air cleaner, the hood is closed and then the re-modeled clay is measured.
I also have a 400 and had my factory manifold notched [center divider removed] to get more mid and high rpm power. It looks stock from the outside. This is a common design feature of performance manifolds.
Yes, the Edelbrock Performer RPM puts the carb up 1.5 inches over stock.
The regular Edelbrock Pontiac Performer intake manifold is an copy of the aluminum factory RA IV and leaves the carb at the stock height. But the non-RPM manifold is not going to give you much of a performance gain on a stock or mildly modified engine - it is only going to shave some weight off the front of the car.
I went with the regular Performer because 1) I needed a new intake anyway for the 455 block I was putting together, 2) I liked the weight savings and 3) I planned to install an aftermarket Ram Air kit and needed the carb at stock height.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
I guess im not to overly surprised that the RPM is too tall. I would consider the aluminum performer but since I have the stock cast iron, ill go with it and deal with the extra weight.
does anyone have more input on carbs? as previously mentioned, I can get Cliff to rebuild my Qjet or another option would be to go with something after market. Im leaning toward the Qjet as I think it would be more compatible with the cast iron intake. plus, as mentioned by Dr. Drivability, the Qjet would be best.
I really like the QJet on the stock intake. You won't notice any difference with an intake/carb replacement in anyway. It isn't enough of a gain in HP or loss in weight. Better to spend the money saved on the intake and putting it into the carb. The Qjet is a very good carburetor when it is setup correctly. Not that there isn't anything wrong with the Edelbrock. It is also a tried and true AFB style carburetor. I would have Cliff rebuild it. You will really like the way the car responds when the carb it setup for your car. After the rebuild, you should be good for years of enjoyment.
Chief is right. I'm running an RPM right now. That being said, a better choice would be the performer or the stock CI intake. I like the Qjets as well but the Holleys are good for out of the box use. If you have the time and money to go with Cliff then that's the way to go. Some people are just not that patient.
I have an Edelbrock performer RPM on my 68. I was a bit worried about clearance so I installed a drop base cleaner. I'm running an 800 cfm Edelbrock performer series carb.
I have my Qjet boxed and ready to ship as ive decided to go the cliff rebuild route. however, in the future, I will more than likely get the RPM and a holley so I can have my own comparisons. intakes and carbs are so easy to swap on Pontiacs. plus, I like to tinker