[leejoy]

guys help

looks like I need a new higher rpm manifold for my BBC street car. Currently have a 1500-5500 rpm dual plane manifold and want to buy the Edelbrock Performer RPM manifold. They have 2 types. The standard one and the "Air Gap" model (cost a little more).

can anyone tell me if it's worth the extra $40 to get the Air Gap model or is it just a waste of money and a marketing gimmick?

thanks

lee

[onebadmerc]

I would buy just the standard RPM, I think the Air Gap is more of a marketing gimmick, but this is just me.

[pepi]

air gap is happening cooler gas charge , you have other choices too like Weland....marketing? only to the uninformed

[tomthecomic]

I am sure their is a difference but I would not think it is much. I think I would do Wieland just because everyone has an edelbrock.

[runn141]

edelbrock claims it produces 8 horsepower over the other. i heard from 3 different people who have used them and say its more.

[S10RUNNER]

i think it would be a good idea to get the air gap.Because it looks good and it result in a cooler,denser intake charge and more power.

[1970Chevy]

I have an air gap. I like it. I have heard nothing but good things from every review Ive read on it. Chevey performance has good things to say about. Some say its the best bang for your buck when It comes to a manifold. just my 2 cents.

[LupinusPectus]

for the price difference I'd go with the air gap, helps make a cooler air fuel charge

[RCastle]

I currently run the standard Perfomer RPM on my BBC,however,it has not hit the streets yet.I was planning on getting the Air Gap though
The wife somehow saw my list,and the end total of over $2500.00 and told me that I needed to cut costs.

[LupinusPectus]

The wife somehow saw my list,and the end total of over $2500.00 and told me that I needed to cut costs

I know the feelign with my current build

Oh well, going with less expensive stuff now means I can keep the project in action and spend more money later

"Must be nice to have money!"
"Yep some of us have a job"

[Frisco]

Originally Posted by leejoy

guys help

looks like I need a new higher rpm manifold for my BBC street car. Currently have a 1500-5500 rpm dual plane manifold and want to buy the Edelbrock Performer RPM manifold. They have 2 types. The standard one and the "Air Gap" model (cost a little more).

can anyone tell me if it's worth the extra $40 to get the Air Gap model or is it just a waste of money and a marketing gimmick?

thanks

lee

Because of where you live; I would suggest you go with the Performer RPM intake (Not the Air Gap version and not the standard Performer). The runner lengths for the Performer RPM and the Performer RPM Air Gap are the same. Both are of the "high rise" style. The Air Gap version has the addition of a open section that enables air to flow under the runners and the carb mounting area. This results in a cooler air charge and increased performance. I have run the Performer RPM Air Gap intake and it does perform very well. Here is the glitch though. At cooler air temperatures (40 and below), the portion of the intake below the carb will frost. This icing will cause rough running until it finally melts due to under the hood temps getting high enough to prevent the icing. If you lived in a warmer climate for the winter months; then I'd go with the Air Gap.

[Kampr]

Originally Posted by Frisco

Here is the glitch though. At cooler air temperatures (40 and below), the portion of the intake below the carb will frost. This icing will cause rough running until it finally melts due to under the hood temps getting high enough to prevent the icing. If you lived in a warmer climate for the winter months; then I'd go with the Air Gap.

You make a very good point but it may also depend on when he's going to be driving the car. If it's a fair weather car the lower temps in winter might not affect him. I'm guessing that the air gap sits higher so hood clearance might have to be taken into consideration.

Danny

[66GMC]

I was going to make much the same comment as Frisco did.
Cold weather starting is supposed to be a factor as well.

I live in Alberta ... but went with the air gap anyway.

My reasoning is that I don't plan to drive my garage queen truck in the winter anyway.

Spring comes later, and fall comes earlier here than Chicago, I'm sure ... but the humidity (which would also affect the icing aspect) is a lot lower here.

BBC's seem to like to run hot, so I thought the air gap would be good in that aspect, too.

[chevy_power427]

I have a Small block chevy, with Vortec heads on, I wanted to use an Edelbrock RPM air gap, but found it kind of pricey. Later on I discovered a company that does an imitation of that intake and is quite cheaper, here's a link to their website:
http://www.professional-products.com/

I think most speed shops could get this brand, also there is a lot of these on ebay. I found it was bargain, unless you absolutely want to have the edelbrock name on it.

[glen242]

Originally Posted by chevy_power427

I have a Small block chevy, with Vortec heads on, I wanted to use an Edelbrock RPM air gap, but found it kind of pricey. Later on I discovered a company that does an imitation of that intake and is quite cheaper, here's a link to their website:
http://www.professional-products.com/

I think most speed shops could get this brand, also there is a lot of these on ebay. I found it was bargain, unless you absolutely want to have the edelbrock name on it.

Or if you absolutely want your intake to be made in the USA rather than China.