Hey Guys,
I did a quick intake test last week. Build specs were;
455 .040 over Racetec piston
10.0:1
Gen III Edelbrocks, no mods
Quick Fuel Black Diamond 750 Carb
Comp cams hyd roller, 236/242@.050, 110lsa, .575 lift
All pulls were done @600rpm/second with a 1/2” open spacer and 34* of timing.
YES, I know we could tweak each one, BUT the only changes were the intakes themselves. In addition, all air/fuel ratios were within a couple of tenths of each other.
The Performer and RPM had the dividers cut approx 1.5”, the Victor was untouched. And I’m not sure the dividers being cut on the dual planes really mattered, as I used an open spacer anyway. I had a Torker, but it had pretty significant port matching so I didn’t use it.
Before I post the results, anyone want to guess which one(s) made the most power and tq, and by how much? I think some of you may be surprised.😉




Thanks!
Mark

 

I would think the Victor intake made the most power. 550hp/600tq

 

I wouldn't think the differences would be that big.Following for the results.

 

I’ll post results once I get a few more guesses.
Thanks.

 

Performer, 510HP

 

For that cam, I'll guess the RPM wins torque and horsepower peaks.
Performer 510 hp @ 5200 rpm, 550 trq at 4700
RPM 530 hp @ 5500 rpm, 580 trq at 5000
Victor 525 hp @ 5700 rpm , 560 trq at 5200

 

Performer 505 @ 5000
RPM 520 @ 5200
Victor 532 @ 5400

 

I can't even read them. My eyes aren't that good to see microscopic photos.

 

^^^x2

 

Is that lift correct or is it .515 ?

 

That's their shelf cam. All mine are custom grinds.

 

Got it. It would be nice if you scanned a larger image or maybe just post the numbers ? I cant read what is there now.

 

Yeah I know, sorry.
I’ll repost them when I have time to scan them. I’ll try to do that in the next day or so.

 

I think what will be interesting is to see how they performed across the rpm sweep with this given combination.

 

What are the results of this test ?
What are we waiting for ?

 

Mark has to have the time to re scan and re post. The current posted sheets are to small to read.

 

He should just take a better photo that can be seen. Most can magnify it with their devices with today's technology..
Or just post the HP - TQ #'s.

 

He needs to scan the dyno sheets, period. People that take these cell phone pics are looking at the real thing. What the cell phone camera sees is not the same.

 

Here you go.
Yes ALL could've been tweaked, but this is a one parameter change.
Next I'll post the EGT's from each pull, but I have to crop the video. However, they're interesting to say the least.
Note; "Topline" is a change I made early on. I replaced the NOS 10 year old Comp cams lifters with SE series Toplines. Picked up 8hp and 10tq, no other change.

 

Interesting data, thanks for sharing, but not I was expecting, thought the Victor would run away with the show.

 

Nope. Not enough engine for that intake. It has large runners and a pretty large plenum. Better suited for more ci, rpm, and Cyl head etc.

 

The only thing that looked kind of out of wack to me is the RPM. Otherwise this looks about what it should be for this combination. If used in a drag race configuration I'd pick the Victor. I was going switch over to the RPM from the Holley this season for heat reasons. If your test are indicative of that type of curve I think I would gain some MPH but ET would be the same or slightly less in my car. Would love to have seen the Holley in this test.

 

BUT, the Victor LOOKS more impressive.

 

The RPM really needs a larger carb. The plenum is noticeably smaller than the regular Performer.
Wait till you see the EGT’s for each of these. Interesting to say the least.
And I’d like to do a single plane test on its own, HSD, Torker, Port o sonic, Speedmaster, and a Victor. I’ll try to get that done before too long🤞.

But don’t fall the Air gap gimmick, maybe for drag racing as you mentioned, but not for the street. Ask yourself one question, you don’t think it’ll get heat soaked anyway sitting in traffic for even just 5-10 minutes? Yeah it will.

 

I'm not so sure a larger carburetor would fix the issue I'm seeing, it would probably give you a slightly higher peek thoe. The RPM drops out after peek fairly quick, yes plenum size could be an issue. As for heat , in a race application it is easier to keep the plenum at a more consistent temperature. It also cools of much better just from the air moving through it at any RPM. For a street car I agree, it would really not do much. I still might make the change later this year, right now I'm still healing from back surgery so I'm not so into that. Right now my issue is getting the car to 165 as soon as possible without driving it and letting run for long heating everything up. Island Dragway is definitely not E-Town.

 

Thank you for taking the time to share your results with us.

 

HOLY COW!!!! That RPM was HAND DOWN the best

 

Hmmm not really. Some guys are hell bent on using that intake. I wouldn’t lose any sleep over not using it if I couldn’t.

 

Thanks Mark good info.

 

Thanks Mark.

 

Thank you Mark, much easier to read.

 

I agree Mark. The performer held it's own with this combination and it would be interesting to see what the actual ET/MPH gain would be running the RPM intake.
Have you ever tested a stock intake against the performer?

 

That is really strange that the AFRs were not significantly different. I tested 3 different single-plane intakes on a 427 Windsor once, and there was over a 10-size difference in jetting to keep the AFR the same. I would expect an even bigger swing when going from a Performer to a Victor, even on a milder motor.


The three intakes I tested, for refernce. Left intake took the lest jetting, right intake required a few sizes more, the middle (Super Vic) require much larger jets, and made the most power.

Pardon the non-Olds photo, but wanted to give a visual reference to the intakes I mentioned. Similar design, but significantly different jetting requirements.

 

I have an O4B, which is essentially an aluminum version of a stock intake, but I’ve never done a side by side.

 

So what one would you choose?
The RPM looks well suited to the engine.
Thanks for sharing.

 

You're very welcome. You do know I do this for the Olds community as much as I do it for my own knowledge. I don’t see anyone else doing this. They make claims about this intake or that intake, but seldom post anything to substantiate it one way or another. Just sayin. I’ve never been very fond of conjecture.

I’ve said on here many times, I believe the regular Performer is an underrated intake.
So, if hood clearance is remotely an issue, the std Performer will work just fine in most cases.

 

The RPM intake looked to nose over at 5400 rpm, what do you think caused that ?

 

What I found surprising was the actual HP/TQ V.S. the guesses.
The actual HP average of all three pulls was; 482 HP and actual torque average was 513 lb/ft.

The guesses averaged 523 HP and 573 TQ.

 

Yep. Ever go to a car show and everybody’s car is making 600hp?😉
This is why I post this stuff. I can’t tell you how many people I talk to that think they’re making, or are going to make a lot more than the really are. Sometimes it’s actually comical.
Lee A- you mentioned major jet changes. What were the power differences on the intakes you tested? If you have a significant difference in plenum and or runner size, that’ll effect the vacuum signal at the booster. That can effect jet requirements as well.

 

Yes, it’s very hard not to roll your eyes at most car shows when people start talking numbers.
Thats why I rarely attend them and park my **** box way off in the parking lot.

So would you say that without head work the Victor is usually a bad choice?
Do you think more duration would have any affect? Or do you think the stock heads are about maxed out at this point?