Single vs Dual Plane

DocDirk · #1 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 10:46 AM

I'm considering ordering a Ford 460 crate engine, rated at 550 HP and wondering whether the talk I hear about dual plane vs single plane intake and low end torque/performance makes any difference here. Would one actually detect a significant difference in the driving experience? I'll be streeting my cobra 95% of the time, so maybe this is a duh question....? The cobra I'll be building soon will weigh close to 2900# - will that make a difference in wanting more low end kick for the poundage? The kit builder recommends a Torker single plane intake and this engine. Thanks ahead of time for your replies...this forum has been IMMENSELY helpful to me in climbing the learning curve on the cobra building plan.

ByronRACE · #2 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 01:22 PM

If you're building the engine EFI as I might guess by your profile info, I would go with the single plane Victor.

As far as noticable power-band and torque differences, not much. The difference will be wheel spin at 1500rpm versus wheel spin at 1550rpm....that sort of problem.

The cam is a FAR bigger element that you need to consider. That will dictate the power band more than the intake could ever hope to.

Byron

Tom Wells · #3 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 01:50 PM

Hi DocDirk,

Another aspect is the hood scoop height. I know the Torker is the shortest manifold currently available and that it works fine (with bungs) as an EFI unit.

If you go with any other manifold you may need to make the scoop quite tall. Voice of experience!

Also, most folks don't seem to use a large enough air filter. Check how many square inches you need and then go looking at air filters. You may have a bit of a surprise, particularly with a big engine. Big airflow requires a pretty big filter. Exhaust systems can eat horsepower, but so can air filters that are too tiny

I agree with Byron that there won't be much difference in the manifold's effect on performance.

I had to enlarge my scoop (see my Gallery), dunno about West Coast.

Hope this helps,

Tom

RNT · #4 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 04:06 PM

I have the 460 FR SCJA with the RPM Performer dual plane intake from Edelbrock. Also large Ford Racing oval air cleaner/Holley 770. Had purchased Victor single plane but too high (SPF). the 460 FR with alum heads will give you plenty power anywhere you want it and is very driveable..

ByronRACE · #5 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wells

I had to enlarge my scoop (see my Gallery), dunno about West Coast.

Hope this helps,

Tom

You'll have trouble if you try to run most any off-the-shelf elbow due to hood clearance. I wanted to run a Dominator intake, which created even a bigger problem because the dominator elbows are even bigger. So, I built my own upper elbow. It uses an Accufab 1600CFM throttle body, adapts to a standard dominator baseplate, and has provision for OEM Ford IAC. It fits with about 1.5" of hood clearance with an unmodified WCC engine mount and height.

Byron

barabar · #6 (**permalink**) 03-03-2007, 07:22 AM

Doc,
Arnie here. Come down the road and I will show you where me, Austin and Taylor are at on the cobra build. I have A 553 cu in ford BB, dynoed @ 683 hp and 704 ft lbs of torque. I highly recommend A 460 small block putting out the hp you want.
What kit did you go with?
See you later, Arnie