Performer vs Performer RPM

I've been doing some forum searching and trying to figure out info on the best intake for my application.

Mild (~375-400 hp) 466, D3 heads with port job, mild cam, ~9.2:1, etc. This will be going in a 1978 f100 swb 2wd truck with a c6. I have a 750 dp carb. When I was building this engine a few years ago, I had a weiand stealth on it and was told that the edelbrock would probably be slightly better for my setup. This will be a weekend driver and no track time/racing, but maybe a little back roads tearing it up. Eventually I'd like to get her up to about 425 hp with a larger cam and better valve train.

With all that background info, would I better off going with a performer or a performer RPM..... for both the current build and the future upgrades? The rpm's will stay below 5500, by the way. I've read that the RPM model will do a little better on the higher RPM's, but that is not really what I will be going after, so I am looking at the regular performer. I got a deal on a regular performer, but wanted to double check with you guys, before buying it. If the RPM model would be better, then I'll go that route.

I forgot to mention, that when reading the "proven engine build" sticky thread on the "other" site (where they list the combo for a given hp range), all the 300-450 hp combos all had a performer RPM listed. That is what got me second guessing the regular performer model.

dfree383 wrote:I'd do the RPM if your going to buy a manifold or it you already have it the regular performer would be fine.

I've read that on a few posts, but what is the reasoning? For my build, lower rpm power and torque is the key factor and looking at the specs, the non RPM manifold fits best, but I keep reading otherwise. See my concern/questions?

dfree383 wrote:

skosler wrote:

dfree383 wrote:I'd do the RPM if your going to buy a manifold or it you already have it the regular performer would be fine.

I've read that on a few posts, but what is the reasoning?  For my build, lower rpm power and torque is the key factor and looking at the specs, the non RPM manifold fits best, but I keep reading otherwise.  See my concern/questions?

When I've used RPMs in the past they have always went faster than the regular performers.

I am assuming you are referring to more of a race type engine, correct? That is not my setup or use. I guess it's kind of hard to ask these "lower performance" questions when most folks are not used to worrying about these budget, lower performing builds.

Found my old build thread.

THE BUILD:
1978 F100 2wd shortbed
Stock c6
466 cid
block zero decked
D3VE heads, stock valves, springs, pushrods with a home port job (milled .020)
weiand stealth - port matched to heads
summit hyd cam #3501 @.050 218 int./228 exh .503/.503 lift
KB hyper pistons (~9.2:1)
dizzy recurve
homemade ignition
homemade mufflers (SS, straight through design)
stock crank, rods, bolts
holley 850 dp Holley 750
headers (cheap heddman)

Real simple ... it is ALL about the RPM range you would like to have the best engine performance.

The Edelbrock power RANGE recommendations for a 429/460 engine size are;
Performer = off idle to 5,500 RPM
Performer RPM = 1,500 to 6,500 RPM

This tells you that the Performer will make its best power 1,000 RPM lower than the Performer RPM with that average engine size.
Performer = about 3,000 RPM best
Performer RPM = about 4,000 RPM best

rmcomprandy wrote:Real simple ... it is ALL about the RPM range you would like to have the best engine performance.

The Edelbrock power RANGE recommendations for a 429/460 engine size are;
Performer = off idle to 5,500 RPM
Performer RPM = 1,500 to 6,500 RPM

This tells you that the Performer will make its best power 1,000 RPM lower than the Performer RPM with that average engine size.
Performer = about 3,000 RPM best
Performer RPM = about 4,000 RPM best

That's what I keep reading, but if you notice (I searched here, the "other" site and google), most guys recommend the "RPM" model or say that it usually does better, etc. I just want to make sure I was not missing anything.

I guess I'll just go with the performer and maybe upgrade it later, if need be.

I have a regular Performer on my 78 4 x 4.  I got it used for 100 bucks, but if I was buying new, I'd buy the RPM because it looks better and you have room under the hood for it.  I put an RPM Airgap on my 408 Windsor, and with an AOD and 4.11:1 gears, it certainly isn't lacking in any bottom end power.  I may have to cut a hole in the hood, but who cares?  Still under construction in this pic:  

The Performer, is at the performance level of a stock intake. Your HP requirements are close to stock early 460 hp.

Small cam headers and sub 230* @ .050 cam and your there. Stock converter will most likely work.

The performer RPM, is above 1500 rpm range and most likely will need a converter and gears.

The performer works good off idle to (in my experience 4500 rpm) in a 460 + inch engine.

JMHO

Thanks guys. Performer RPM it is for me.

For your application as stated a performer intake will offer better driveability, tip in response, average torque under peak than the RPM will.

Add a jomar equalizer spacer or a powercone ( mike at Jomar turned me on to using the powercone on the manifolds without a notched septum) for additional torque and HP.

We do a 10 to 1 460 crate package with the performer intake and jomar spacer. 550+ tq and 450 HP at or under 5K rpm. (Pulls like a freight train to 5,600 rpm in an actual vehicle).


https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.849037948516926.1073741850.213179582102769&type=3


I did an identically cammed (219 / 230 @ .050 / 110 )  10 to 1 460 with pocket ported iron cj heads and SCJ iron intake for a torino cobra that had to look oem. 4 more hp and 30 less pounds  of torque.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.871239056296815.1073741854.213179582102769&type=3


The Performer is good for about 25 HP at peak over a stock small port intake. A tic less torque below peak.

The RPM, with its larger runner cross section and notched septum) will give up torque at peak and below in trade for a few HP at peak with your mild combo.

I promise you will be happier with the performer in this application. If you want room to grow past 500 hp in the future then get the RPM now.




S