[dell72]

I would like to make my new 540 look somewhat stock under the hood of my 71 chevelle. Stock cowl induction air cleaner, valve covers. I'm wondering how a stock 502 HO intake would perform vs an RPM or stealth intake. What are your thoughts or experiences

 

[427L88]

Heck, why not consider a worked over -163?

 

[Stokerboats]

Heck, why not consider a worked over -163?

I'd sure go that route.:yes:

 

[aukai]

You may want to consider checking cylinder to cylinder temps for any distribution concerns, if you go with a GM dual plane.

 

[482 ZL1]

Heck, why not consider a worked over -163?

What's wrong with a 163?

 

[427L88]

Not a thing. But he is feeding big cubes. I;ve never had to port one at all, but never ran one on a 540.

 

[71454Chevelle]

IMO, if you are wanting a dual plane to feed a 540 (especially at any kind of RPM's) I would look into the Brodix 2016. I've heard it has the largest runner of any BBC dual plane.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bro-hv2016

 

[540Hotrod]

A buddy of mine used a 163 on a 9.0 compession/HR 540. When he swapped to a Holley Strip Dominator it picked up 30 RWHP.

The 163 could do OK....but I'd want to do some serious grinding if I wanted to make it really work.

The GM 502 intake is pretty similar to a Performer...so it depends on RPM range you're trying to work in.

You do an old C-427 or a C-454 with a thin adapter to fit the 4150. They look awful stock with a little cleanup.

Just depends on how concerned you are with appearance vs performance.

JIM

 

[dell72]

I've been told there is a significant drop in HP but gain in torque when switching from a single plane (Vic Jr) to an RPM, but I'm wondering how a GM intake compares to an aftermarket dual plane.

 

[nashville beth]

I think the GM intake is made by Edelbrock and is the same as a performer rpm.

If you look at the plenum of this GM intake, the divider is notched out about 1/2" deep and it has a square flange for Holleys, the same as a perf rpm :

http://www.crateenginedepot.com/Int...olley-Carburetors-CNC-12363407-P9543C586.aspx

 

[wildman926]

I think the GM intake is made by Edelbrock and is the same as a performer rpm.

That is correct.

The Weiand Stealth has larger runners and plenum volume.

 

[gnicholson]

dual plane intakes need a lot of carb do to the divided plenum.on an engine your size the problem is compounded.torque below 2500 rpm will increase but above that the correct single plane will just kill it.if you have to run a dual plane remove the divider.this mod would help your engine a bunch especially a stock intake along with some port work.rpm airgaps will keep up with a good single plane up to 4500 or so and out torque em down low on a 454 but that changes on an engine your size

 

[wildman926]

if you have to run a dual plane remove the divider.this mod would help your engine a bunch

The Weiand Stealth comes that way from the factory.

 

[427L88]

That is a notched divider, but the half the engine still sees half the carb somewhat. These big motors are less prone to need a 180 degree manifold for low speed TQ. As said, single planes make the carb "look" bigger to the engine. My experience with dividers, open etc is with a 427 and likely not so relevant here. ( no divider was the worst in a small cube engine)

As I said above, I'd send a -163 to a known good porter and let them optimize it. Get some of that 30 HP back someone said they lose. Or a Weiand Stealth that's been sanitized and shot in orange might work as is better.

BTW, there is one oem GM mani that gives you both 180 and open in one casting - TRIPOWER! And it sure as heck will support 540 CI when flowing 1150 cfm.