Black 84 Z

I will hopefully be having a 350 Vortec built for me here shortly to replace the tired 350 that currently resides in the car.. Nothing too wild just a tried and true build, probably a Comp 08-423-8 or equivalent Voodoo cam, flat top pistons for around 10:1 CR, and have the heads reworked for the extra lift. Behind the engine are a 2500 TC and 3.73 gears. It will be 100% street driven and almost never see 6000 RPM so I want to make sure I maintain low end torque and drivability.
My questions are about the intake. I want a midrise dual plane (Eddy RPM or equivalent) to keep my torque but not choke the top end. First question is about an air-gap, is there a real benefit to it or is it more about marketing? Secondly is there much performance difference between Edelbrock, Weiand, Assault, Summit, jegs, Speedmaster, or Prof Products manifolds? I know that the Edelbrock RPM and air-gap versions are the gold standard but is it justified or do they just market more and better? Just like anyone else I want to get the most for my money but if one is clearly better I don't mind ponying up a bit more. Lastly they all seem to have similar installed heights, will they be a problem with a stock hood or does one fit better than others?
Thanks in advance for any insight!!

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

from 2013, but still great info: https://www.hotrod.com/articles/dual...d-comparisons/

89fast5oh

I had a 350 with stock vortec heads, edelbrock rpm air gap intake, 750 edelbrock carb, and comp XE272 flat tappet cam and on the engine dyno it made 386 hp. I had a T5 manual transmission behind it, but it ran and drove smooth/excellent.

Black 84 Z

Interesting reading that article. I'm wondering if you would feel much of a difference between any of them on the street, esp since my engine wouldn't be as strong as the one in the article. Even though they are not in the test, I'm guessing that Assault and Speedmaster would be in a similar range. Is 1-2% any real difference other than dyno-bragging?

NoEmissions84TA

iTrader: (1)

1-2% you will never even feel seat of the pants.

midias

I have been happy with my vortec edelbrock RPM performer. Gives me a nice RPM range plenty of TQ but the main reason I bought it over a china version was I got a good deal used on ebay.

Black 84 Z

Since there is so little difference among them I'll keep looking for a used Edelbrock RPM or go with one of the less expensive ones (hopefully that will ship quickly as many are not in stock). Anyone know who casts the Jegs manifold?