New intake????

[74Charger]

I am contemplating buying a new intake for for my 74 Charger.   I thought it would give me some more low end torque.  I am currently running mid 14's in the 1/4 mile at about 96 mph.  Here in Utah at an elevation of 4400ft.  And I want to find more power in my engine combo.  I know it is there.  I just have to find it.  Alot of people have told me to change the intake.  And I would see a big difference.  It was on the car when I got it.  It looks cool.  But not right for my combo.  Is what I am told.  I can get a new Edelbrock Dual quad, dual plane intake (rpm range 1500-6000rpm) with a progressive linkage and gaskets for around $350.  Or should I spend the $350 towards something else?

I did not build the engine.  So I do not know everything about it.  But here is what I have been able to figure out.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.   Thanks!!

440 engine bored .030 over
509 cam
heads?
rebuilt 727, 2600 stall
3:91's w/suregrip
28" Nitto drag radials
Weiand highrise Tunnel ram (WND 1987) rpm range 2500-8500
Dual Edelbrock 500cfm carbs
Mallory Unilite Distributor
Mallory Promaster coil
Crane Gold Roller rockers
Headman headers
3" exhaust

[Ghoste]

Personally, I'd lose the dual quad setups and maybe get something like an Edelbrock Performer RPM and an 850 Holley.

[Charger1973]

I like the look of the dual quads but I really dont know much about them.  They seem like they would be a pain though.   

I just bought a performer RPM intake and an Edelbrock thunder series avs 800 CFM carb.  This is an upgrade from the stock 2 bbl on my 400 so it should bring it to life a little bit.    

[74Charger]

Personally, I'd lose the dual quad setups and maybe get something like an Edelbrock Performer RPM and an 850 Holley.

I already have the carbs.  So I want to use them.  And do not want to to go to the expense of buying new carbs.  If I do not have to.  Most people that do not like dual quads have never had them.  Not saying you.  But most people I have talked to.  Besides alot of people I have round here have more problems with their 6 pak setup. Than I have with my dual quads.

[Ghoste]

I was thinking of ways to build low end torque and I guess I just tend to think of a dual four system as a high rpm thing.  But you're right, I've never owned one so I shouldn't slam them based on opinion.

[firefighter3931]

Tunnel Ram manifolds make descent torque.....it's surprising how well they can run on a well sorted out combo. 

The big problem i see with yours is the converter and lack of stall speed. What you need is a looser converter that is set up for street driving. PTC sells an excellent 9.5in unit that would be a HUGE improvement over what you currently have. 

A manifold change won't give you the improvement you're looking for....a converter swap will 



Ron

[74Charger]

Thanks for all your imputs so far.  They are much appreciated!

Ron,  I am not so set on street drivability.  As I rarely drive it on the road.  I would prefer more of a strip setup than a street setup.  But still somewhat driveable on the street.  And I do not have to worry about emissions.  Do you think the 509 cam (rpm range of 2600-6000) matches the intake?  I agree that the stall does not match the cam,  if the cam is just barely getting into the power when the trans starts to stall up.  I know you said 9.5" loose.  But what size stall would you recommend?  At least a 3000? 

  Tom-

[firefighter3931]

Tom, the 509 typically doesn't start to come on until 3500 rpm or so. The cam is well matched to your tunnel ram....the missing piece is your converter. 

The PTC 9.5in units are very efficient meaning that they act pretty much like a stock converter under light throttle conditions....such as pulling away from a traffic light. When street driving, this is what you want to keep trans temperatures in check....overheating trannys will burn up very fast and a sloppy converter is no fun on the street.

A tight 9.5in will act much like a stocker but flash up to it's rated stall when you hammer the throttle. This is what you need for a dual purpose vehicle. I have the same type of setup going into my own car.

The PTC 9.5in would probably stall in the 3500-3800 rpm range with a whack of the pedal on a combo like yours.....it's a whole lotta fun !  The best part is that you can still drive it on the street w/o worrying about overheating the trans because that converter is efficient under light throttle conditions (minimal slip).



Ron