[Aus SS396]

Hi all
I have a 70 SS 396 currently running a Edelbrock Torker single plane intake. I have established that I could replace this with a higher dual plane such as a rpm from searching the archives. I would remove the spacer.

Any thoughts on whether this is worth it from a performance point of view? What were the Torker intakes designed for? Would anyone choose a Torker single plane over a dual plane intake?? I use the car for shows/cruising.

Any thoughts on this?

 

[novaderrik]

i'll take an RPM over a Torker in pretty much any application.

 

[Steve R]

If you are trying to achieve a retro vibe stick with the Torker, otherwise the RPM is a better choice.

Steve R

 

[Aus SS396]

Thanks for the reply.

I suspected that would be the answer but why? Any tech explanation? Is it simply better flow for rpm or other reason?

 

[novaderrik]

technology marches on... the Torker is a relic of the early 70's when the only real objective was to bolt the carb to the engine and maybe try to get the air to the cylinders in a somewhat even fashion and look kinda racey... the RPM is a product of the 90's when they had some pretty smart guys running some pretty powerful computers that were able to better optimize everything for a broader rpm band.

 

[nashville beth]

The torker is lazier at low rpm ; the plenum is open so it's a much larger area and it causes the intake charge to move slower.

The performer rpm has a divided plenum so the air moves quicker at low rpm.

I'm sure there are simpler ways to describe it. I hope that made some sense.

If you think of a vacuum cleaner; the air moves faster in a smaller hose than a bigger one.

 

[Aus SS396]

Thanks

I mentioned the Edelbrock RPM but there are others that are low rise that would fit my 70. For example the RPM gap.

Any suggestions for the best all round "multipurpose" intake. Power, economy.

Has anyone maybe tried a few different types and come to any conclusions on this? Again car for cruising highway running 750 Holley mech.
thanks

 

[CDN SS]

For mainly street use I would stay with the Performer or Performer Air Gap only consider the Performer rpm if you have some mods and gears rev the motor over 6k the Performer will give you the best driveability / economy ie multipurpose ....... not the RPM air gap it is cold blooded ......

I have the performer on my stock 396 with mild cam ( years ago I had that torker intake on a 396 it ran pretty good but car was a 4 spd with 3.73 gears ).........and an RPM Air Gap on my 427 with big cam etcetc

 

[TXCR13]

Either the standard or air gap versions of the Performer or Performer RPM will handlily beat the Torquer for all around drivability. Like others said, the Torquer is lazy on the low end, as it was designed long ago, to make power from 2,500 to about 6,000 or so.


A lot of us car people all too often over carb, over intake and over cam. It's just our nature to want a little more CAPABILITY. For shows and cruising as you indicate you use the car for, I think you will be happy every day with the Performer. The Performer RPM may offer a little more power in the upper rpm range, but how often would you use that in your application?
.

 

[Aus SS396]

Thanks for the advice and comments. The polished aluminium versions look great as well.

I had a look at the spacer set up on the Holley and realise that I cannot lower the cowl induction style air cleaner because it will not clear the distributor and leads get in the way for a nice fit. The spacer that looks like it has been trimmed a bit, raises the air cleaner up enough to just clear the leads.
So..can i keep the spacer on top of the Holley and still have the Edelbrock performer intake fit with a cowl induction set up?
Thanks

 

[mr 4 speed]

Terry,you will not need the carb to air cleaner spacer for the CI set up with a Performer 2-0 or an RPM

 

[Aus SS396]

Great thanks and thanks to everyone that posted to this thread. This is a great resource for me...not a lot of Chevelles in these parts!
One day I hope to be answering questions instead of just asking them.
Cheers Terry

 

[CDN SS]

Do search in perf been discussed before