Sweet L82

I cleaned up and painted my stock L82 intake manifold Chevy orange with one coat of clear this weekend - it looks sooo much better than my Performer - to me at least. I know these things weigh a ton, but how inferior are they than the Performer I've been running flow-wise ? When I first swapped, I barely noticed a difference in "off idle power" and any improvement was probably due to the new gasket seals and carb. I'm leaning toward going back to the stock manifold mainly because it is original to the car and my plans for major mods have changed. Is anyone satisfied with their stock manifold and properly tuned engine with true duals?

7T9Shark

Count me in as one who is quite satisfied with the stock iron manifold. From what I've read over the years, the Performer doesn't add much to the equation. The RPM manifold is likely a different story; but then that's only at higher RPMs.

stingr69

Look for a later L-82 intake. They are cheap, fit right, perform well and aluminum. 1980 used the aluminum L-82 intake on the L-48 as well.

The Performer is good if you have a 2 barrel and want to step up a bit but it is no better than that.

-Mark.

Ganey

The reason for so many different comments on the Performer 2101 is there are evidently 3 versions. I looked into it & got some info. for you guys.

Early or 1st 2101 & Action+ & later stock intakes are similar in appearance regarding runner shape. To give some ex., good for about +10 over stock iron non egr. intake.

A significant improvement was made on the 2nd 2101 Performer & Chevy's bow tie intake which Chevy said was as good as the high rise.
This shows the 2nd 2101 Performer (Chevy's bow tie intake is similar w/ Chevy logo in same place as Edelbrock logo) compared to the Victor Jr.
http://ganeys.home.sprynet.com/VicJrPerf.JPG
Notice the change in runner shape. To give some ex., good for about +20 over stock iron non egr. intake. There are racing classes that allow only the current 2101- previous 2101 is illegal.

3rd 2101. Edelbrock tech. on current 2101 "our current generation produces more street friendly low end torque."

The current 2101 was done after the RPM came out.

Sweet L82

Thanks all - I'm going to bolt up my "new" old manifold. This will probably get my front end back down also. I'll post pics when I'm done.

glenn64vette

my mach 5

What about this one? Is this GM intake the same as the second generation Perfomer 2101?

http://www.sdparts.com/product/10185...numIntake.aspx

GMPP Part #10185063

This manifold is used on all ZZ series 350 HO engines and also can be used on all small-block Chevrolet"s thru 1986. This aluminum manifold produces the same horsepower as the previous high-rise design, but provides increased hood clearance and more versatility. It has a dual-pattern flange that can accommodate both standard-flange Holley and spread-bore Quadrajet four-barrel carburetors. This manifold has provisions for all late-model accessory brackets, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation), and an integral hot air choke. A heat shield can be mounted underneath the manifold to prevent coking when EGR is used.

7T9Shark

Ganey,

Very interesting info. Tempted to look into this further. I like low end torque.....

Ganey

my mach 5

That's the Chevy intake I referred to above. Notice the "bowtie" behind the thermostat housing.
The previous high-rise means LT-1 intake.

Ganey

Also if you have an open insulator under the carb, try a 4 hole for more torque.

7T9Shark

You mean replace the current paper insulator with one that has four individual "holes" in it for each throttle plate?? That will make a difference in performance?

I don't think I'm following you.

Al

Ganey

If you have a thick like 1/4" open (1 hole) insulator, then "one that has four individual "holes" could help.

BigBlockk

I got two of these off of eBay about a year ago. One of them was only $16.

BigBlockk

Later.....

7T9Shark

For whatevet it's worth - I bought a new 2101 and installed it yesterday. I don't see any improvement from the old iron manifold. I wouldn't have bothered, but I needed to replace the gaskets, so thought I'd give it a shot.

I might be able to tweak the timing a little bit more, but I sure don't know what the fuss is all about. There may be an improvement at lower RPMs before the secondaries kick in, but at WOT there doesn't seem to be any improvement.

Disappointed.....