Intake Manifold Questions

[thachevythang]

I was about to purchase edelbrocks rpm air gap intake a friend of mine reccomends, does well on his 68 w/350. I came across a simular intake made by Professional Products thats a save on cost by FAR!!! Problem is I NEVER heard of 'em. Anybody give me some advice on them or a better intake for my 350? The cost of the victor jr. compared to Professional Products same intake is about 30 bucks and Professional Products is polished!!! But with the RPM and the CYCLONE (pro products) intakes the cost is about a $100 in difference. Is it all in the name or do they perform well??? AS always any help is appreciated!!!

[eventhorizon66]

According to well-respected engine builder and author, David Vizard, the Professional Products Crosswind will work just as good as the Edelbrock RPM Air-Gap (the low-rise Cyclone is the equivalent to the Edelbrock Performer and I don't have any comparison info on those two).  I believe the difference in cost comes from Made in USA vs Made in China.

http://www.amazon.com/Build-Chevy-Small-Blocks-Budget-Performance/dp/1932494847/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1283119251&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/David-Vizards-Build-Horsepower-Design/dp/1934709174/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1283119251&sr=8-3

[thachevythang]

I can see how the USA vs China made can make the difference. I was really wondering on the performance and durability aspect. I'll definately pick up those books, Never have i ever built an engine and still feel way over my head, with a little help from my buddy we've been doin a little here and there and wouldnt even try to do it by myself. Heres what I did do though by reccomendation again!!! Ordered comp cam thumpr series cam, lifters, 23-2700 stall. Then started looking for intakes and heads. so far NO GO on the heads dont know what to look for. I need to learn me somethin' by those books for sure!!!!

[team39763]

Pay attention to what kind of heads you get.  If you get vortec style heads, you need a vortec style intake.  They say the GM vortec heads are the best GM heads out there.  GM also has a big runner version of the vortec heads out now and they look AWESOME on paper(check them out at summitracing.com).  They got good flow numbers, normal sized valves, 225cc runners, and they come assembled for around $1000. I'm no performance expert, but those heads look pretty good to me.

[355shortbed]

the profesional products intake comes pre- drilled for gen1 style or vortec style bolt patterns i have dual plane air gap on my 383 it works excellent.