Aftermarket Performance Intake Manifolds

Learn More about Performance Intake Manifolds

Choosing an intake manifold can be a tough decision.  Intake manifold optimization is a very complex science, involving a plethora of mathematical formulae and something called the Helmholtz Resonance Property of Air.  It’s certainly a subject you’ll want to study before the morning of the final. 

The first thing to realize about picking an intake manifold is that it’s part of a system.  It needs to play well with your cam and carburetor or EFI.  The other important parameter you need to consider is how you’re going to use your car.  The manifold that produces the most power won’t necessarily be the one for you.

If you have a carbureted system…

You’ll need to choose between a single or dual plane manifold.  Single plane manifolds have a shorter distance from the carburetor to the valves, using the aforementioned Helmholtz Resonance Whatsit to get fuel vapor to your valves faster.  Though they tend to produce the most horsepower, they only do so at higher RPMs.  This makes them perfect for drag or oval track racing.  Single plane manifolds also have a low profile, freeing up space under your hood.

Dual plane manifolds are a bit like Law & Order on NBC.  They’re not memorably powerful, but they’re very consistent.  They have a longer carb-to-valve distance, so the peak horsepower drops slightly, but once again, that’s only when you’re nearing the redline.  If you’re outfitting your street machine, you’ll probably want a dual plane manifold. 

If you have an EFI…

The same rules apply.  EFI-ready manifolds come in long, medium, and short run intakes.  Short run intakes are the EFI equivalent to single plane manifolds.  A shorter distance between the fuel injector nozzle and the valves means a higher output at higher engine speeds.  A long run intake is similar to a dual plane manifold in that its injector-to-valve distance is greater.  Once again, this is optimal for non-drag street beasts.  In between is the medium run intake, which attempts to find the best of both worlds.

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