Induction
If you are fortunate enough to have factory four-barrel induction on your small-block, you are already ahead of the game, but improvements can still be had by bolting on an aftermarket induction system. Factory intake manifolds were designed to be easy to manufacture, so performance was sacrificed. Modern aluminum intake manifolds not only flow better than the factory units, they are significantly lighter. Also, by matching the intake manifold to other engine components, the efficiency of the entire combination can be improved. For a mild application, dual-plane intakes will greatly improve torque and offer slightly better top-end power. For more aggressive applications and higher-rpm usage, single-plane intake manifolds are a better choice.
Even if you're LA engine was originally equipped with a four-barrel carburetor, there is likely power to be had by installing a newer, more efficient unit. If you're looking for an economical replacement for your Thermoquad, check out Edelbrock's Thunder series-it's a direct replacement. As carburetors age, they wear out just like other components. While rebuilding can recapture some of the carburetor's original performance, throttle-shaft wear, warpage, and broken ears are all good reasons to replace that thirty-something-year-old carburetor. Modern carburetors from manufacturers such as Edelbrock, Holley, and Barry Grant have more efficient venturi designs, which can mean more power from your small-block. For mild applications, vacuum secondary carburetors in the 500- to 650-cfm range work best. If you're combination is more exotic, you'll need 750 or more cfm of flow to accomplish your goal. In any case, a new carburetor is a great way to improve the power, economy, and reliability of your small-block Mopar.
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