Wimpy low end

[redruM_0381]

The 350 from my truck (going in the Z soon) has always been been quite weak under 3k, then after that, it turns on like a lightswitch. I recently realized,(or re-realized anyway) it has an older torker manifold, is that whats killing my low end? Will a performer give me more lower end torque?

[Mike C]

While a single plane manifold will trim some low speed torque, my guess is someone has also done a cam switch. The cam is the "brain" in the engine telling it when things happen. Intake and exhaust are tuned to work in a specific range and can hurt power output if not right, but they will not change the basic characteristics of the motor. It's always tough working on something else that somebody has monkeyed with. You could pull the cam and hope to find some manufacturers marks to ID the cam you have. Best bet IMO, is buy the cam you want and put it in then you'll know what you've got. For a street motor, I recommend the Crane Energizer 272 which is smaller than most people will suggest but is easy on springs, has a great idle and you can get cam and lifters for less than $100. Expect a redline about 5500 and an easy idle at 750 rpm.

[Guest zfan]

Good small cam and dual plain intake will help..Uh I speak from experience.

 

Mike

[Guest Anonymous]

Edelbrock Torkers get serious between 2500-6500 rpm and you may have a cam; duration @.50 Intake: 232 degree and Exhaust:234 degree. I agree with Z fan if you want the low end and full RPM range thru out. I like the Edelbrock performer package (carb,intake,lifters,manifold) on a 350 which does not tax the wear and tear and reliability on a basically stock 350 motor. A Peformer RPM would put you in the RPM range of 1500-6500