Thread: 454 build - what intake and cam ?

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Originally Posted by ceejay

What intake and cam should I use ?
I was looking at the Edelbrock "performer RPM" intake
I was looking at the comp cams thumper or mutha thumper cams but am unsure of what is best for my application.

You're solidly in the ballpark......

The Edelbrock Performer RPM (not the Air Gap model) will make more power on the street than any other manifold you could bolt on the motor. Use #7161 for satin finish, #71611 for polished (Special order non-returnable product, allow 4-6 weeks for delivery) or #71614 for Endurashine. Some fellows have reported drivability problems in cooler weather with the Air Gap model, so I'd play it safe with the standard RPM. All the preceeding numbers are for oval port heads. There is another intake manifold that I would use interchangeably with the Performer RPM, the Weiand #8018 Stealth, for use with rectangular port heads.

For a lumpy cam for a 9.5:1 454, I'd choose the Mutha Thumpr retro-fit roller cam, part #01-601-8. Big block Chevies are known for eating flat tappet camshafts, so bite the bullet and install a roller to begin with. Regular readers on this forum know that I wouldn't choose this kind of cam on a plate with fries, but if that's what you want, the 01-601-8 would be your best choice in my opinion.
01-601-8 - Hydraulic Roller Camshafts

Use all the air cleaner that you can fit under the hood, preferably 14 x 4 or taller. Use a drop base to get more clearance, like a stock steel piece from a BB Corvette or this ebay offering....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/STEEL-AIR-CL...-/361319982440
Here's a 14 x 5 if you could make it work.....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/14-x-5-Round...ZSS3cY&vxp=mtr
and a 14 x 6....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AIR-CLEANER-...9UC3MC&vxp=mtr

Mo' filter area is mo' betta.....
http://image.hotrod.com/f/17907061+w...g_guide%2B.jpg

750 is the proper size for a hot small block, your big block will want more to make max power. Twice the cubic inches = carb CFM.

Read through this tutorial to learn the pitfalls of using a flat tappet cam in today's roller tappet world.....
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ips_and_tricks

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