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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Performance => Topic started by: DirtyLittleSecret on November 04, 2007, 03:06:48 PM

Title: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: DirtyLittleSecret on November 04, 2007, 03:06:48 PM
Anybody have much experience with the newer EPS manifold?  A buddy of mine just sold me one new in the box for $50.
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: 85MudMonster on November 04, 2007, 03:33:10 PM
good deal. What do you wanna know about it? if you got a chevy small block it should fit it.
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: VileZambonie on November 04, 2007, 05:25:43 PM
Edelbrock has such a big name but I'm not quite sure why. Quality isn't there at all. They tried making their product more marketable by stamping a made in USA sticker on them which to me looked like crap. I love the USA but I'm not about to buy a manifold because it has an American flag on it. I'd rather it looked good and just performed. Their manifolds are about all that's consistantly good these days. So $50 bucks is a good deal. Where'd he steal it from?  ;)
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: 85MudMonster on November 04, 2007, 06:41:06 PM
I like the Weiand Manifolds myself. they're probably stamped in Tiawan or something.
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: DirtyLittleSecret on November 05, 2007, 01:21:15 AM
VZ-I hear ya there.  It still amazes me of all the "Made in America" tags out there...Even seem some that say "Made in America", but have "Assembled in China".  Its been a loong time since I've seen real American quality.
Anyhow, the K20's got a new GM 350 long block with a new Edelbrock Performer 600cfm carb on it.  Figured the EPS would be a good match even in base form.
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: 78ScottsdaleK20 on November 14, 2007, 06:19:35 AM
I have a performer EPS. Its ok...Pretty sure they mass produce these things these days. I have had some issues making sure the Intake mates correctly to the heads. A suggestion before installing the manifold to your heads, is to mock it up for correct fitment and seal. You can do this by using some washers the same size thikness as the gasket. PUt a light dab of RTV to the washers and place the four in the corner. THen take some molding clay and make about 16 pea size balls and place them all around the mating surface. Be sure to put a light coat of oil where the clay will go so they dont stick. The clay balls should be thicker than the washers (shims). Carefully place the Intake down and install the four corner bolts and ONLY SNUG THEM TO THE WASHERS! DO NOT TORQUE THESE BOLTS! Then carefully remove the manifold and check the clay balls for depth with a depth gauge or micrometer. Take your measurements and write them down on the Intake surface where the clay balls were. If your measurements are out then you can take the manifold to your local machine shop and have them resurface it back to square. SOme engine builders do this to ensure proper fitment prior to installation. NOt only that to ensure you dont have a vacuum leak that otherwise will never be found once installed.

Mike.
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: 85MudMonster on November 14, 2007, 03:35:24 PM
Mike, that's a good idea, I've never heard of it before and it sounds a bit complex, but I understand what you are trying to accomplish by doing that...I might have to give it a whirl when I build my next engine for this truck.
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: 78ScottsdaleK20 on November 14, 2007, 05:13:17 PM
Shouldnt be too difficult. I think the most difficult part of the process is getting the little clay balls to stay in position. Position the clay balls on the heads first. Then they should stick to the Intake.

However on my previous post, I neglected to mention a very important step...STUFF YOUR PORTS WITH PAPER TOWELS... :ofor obvious reasons.

With my suspected vacuum leak, I might have to rip off my Intake I just put on a week ago, to ensure I am getting a good mate betwen the heads and manifold.

Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: 85MudMonster on November 14, 2007, 06:00:17 PM
does Chevy use a V/P in the 305 cause the only other Chevy 305 i've worked on just had gaskets on the intake and no V/P..I was just wondering, I could probably go check the chiltons, but it's all the way outside....
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: 78ScottsdaleK20 on November 14, 2007, 07:00:10 PM
When you say V/P, do you mean Vacuum Pump? Not sure if they did or not...
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: 85MudMonster on November 14, 2007, 07:17:11 PM
Sorry, Valley Pan.
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: 78ScottsdaleK20 on November 14, 2007, 08:02:36 PM
Not familiar with a valley pan...is it under the Intake?
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: 85MudMonster on November 14, 2007, 08:17:50 PM
yes, it's what oldsmobile uses to seal the intake to the heads, and help to contol oil flow back down from the heads to the oil pan, it's a thin peice of metal in a v shape...
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: DirtyLittleSecret on November 17, 2007, 03:04:16 AM
Yeah, its a thin piece of junk that needs to be removed.  Sits under the intake inside the valley.  I know some 350's had em, but unsure about the teeny tiny miniscule can hardly see it let alone hear it 305. :D
BTW: good idea on the pottery/engine class!  I might just give that one a "go".  Its just too bad one cant weld ferrous to non ferrous!
I've always just used a healthy dose of SuperBlack RTV, and have never had any problems.  All 8 of my 350 builds are still running strong with no issues so its gotta be doing something good!  Now that I've said that...tomorrow I'll get a phone call!
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: 85MudMonster on November 19, 2007, 08:59:17 PM
and then in seven days you die..?!?!
Title: Re: Edelbrock Performer EPS Intake Manifold
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on December 31, 2007, 06:59:33 PM
I've never had a problem with anything edelbrock makes.  I've had 4 intakes and carbs on 4 vehicles. But this time I'm going to get an offenhauser dual port and try that out, but keep the edelbrock carb, if nothing else just to be able to say I had a DP Intake :D