I hate to do this, but I have to disagree (Sort of).
While I think that is true to a point, I believe that most problems associated with sluggish low end performance with tunnel rams are due to incorrect tuning. Either over carbed, under carbed, stall speed, rear end gears, ect. All of the things have to compliment each other and if they don't then yes, it will be slower. You have to make sure you get the correct ram for wat you want to do. Not all are created equal. If you try to bolt on a large runner, rect. port, large plenum intake on a stock engine you will probably have a some work on your hands. Just my 2 cents, but I am no expert. My tunnel ram set-up is very street friendly.
1. Not all 2x4 tunnel rams are created equal. Summit has a very street-friendly Weiand unit with Holley 450s for a SBC for $700 and I've seen custom sheet metal race units with 1250 Dominators for $10,000.
2. A tunnel ram will usually start harder, backfire when cold, idle rougher and use a LOT more fuel.
3. On a stock 383", the car will be very little faster, harder to drive, a lot more difficult to tune, use more fuel and will cost a lot of money to achieve all the above. And then, once the excitement wears off and you're stuck with all the problems, you've cut that big hole in your hood. Bottom line, most real deal engine guys would say a tunnel ram on a stock 383" is a poser/hoser's toy. No points from anyone who matters.
4. If someone asks this question, it is an indication he probably doesn't have the skill and experience to install a tunnel ram, set up the linkage and fuel lines, tune the carbs and distributor advance. Anyone who would take money to do it for the owner without trying at least once to talk him out of it is not a friend.
5. Some cops will write "driving with obstructed vision" tickets for tunnel rams with decent air cleaners.
it is possible to run it on the street on a stockish engine, but you need an "undersized" one. most of the time they're designed for high RPM race apps an dyou need one with runners and a plenum designed for your usage. It can be done but finding one taht is tuned properly may be hard to do.
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