Reply to "Manifold Question - Performer vs A331 Torker"

I believe you are confused about the Torker part number. The A331 version of the Torker is a special manifold manufactured by Edelbrock for Ford SVO, it has modified runners to work in conjunction with the SVO A3 cylinder heads and only SVO A3 cylinder heads. A331 is actually the last part of the Ford part number, which is M-9424-A331. If you are utilizing iron 4V heads you'll just want the run of the mill Edelbrock Torker, Edelbrock part number 2760.

The RPM Air Gap intake manifold, part number 7564, is a 2V intake manifold that can be bolted to 4V heads. Its a good street manifold, and I believe that's what you want if you are driving your car on city streets and open highways, obeying the posted speed signs, etc. Don't worry about leaving horses on the table unless you are racing in a series for trophies, money or a championship. As a generalization, two plane intake manifolds will make more torque (and therefore horsepower) below 5000 rpm compared to a single plane intake manifold. The Torker will make more torque and horsepower above 5000 rpm.

A carburetor can be tuned to provide smooth operation at low rpm with a single plane intake manifold, but that's not the point. The RPM Air Gap manifold is rated by Edelbrock for powerbands that fall within 1500 to 6500 rpm, the Torker is rated for powerbands that fall within 3500 to 7500 rpm. Which manifold sounds like it fits within the engine speeds where you operate your motor? Which intake manifold is designed to compliment the powerband of your camshaft? For spirited acceleration onto an on-ramp, or a possible stop-light race, the Air Gap manifold will do the job better. I would guess you operate your motor below 5000 rpm at least 95% of the time. So optimize the motor for operating in the engine speeds where it is used the predominant amount of the time. You will not miss the high rpm torque and horsepower you are leaving on the table.

Make sure you are using a 750 Holley or a 650 BG Demon with your intake.

-G