Posted by Brandon on March 08, 1999 at 23:17:42:
In Reply to: ***2 1/2 has worked great for me too*** posted by 72grabber on March 08, 1999 at 21:53:33:
How could an edelbrock performer 4V not give you more horsepower than a stock 2V? It all depends on the application but probably for most of us, our 302's will never see greater than 5,000 rmp. Whats the point of buying a manifold that makes the best horsepower from 1500-6500 when you only use it from idle to 4500? I understand your point but I guess it just depends on the application.
: 2 1/2" is not "overkill," my mom's '96 GT mustang has 2 1/2" STOCK!!, and its an even smaller engine (4.6 liter, 281ci).
: Some of you guys are a bit too conservative. One example is the person that buys the Edelbrock Performer instead of the Performer RPM, Guess what? the performer is basically a Stock replacement!! if your going to spend $150 on a manifold, you might as well buy one that INCREASES your horsepower.
: : : ...and 2-1/2" exhausts are way overkill for a 302...
: : : It depends on the 302 in question. I agree that a basic street(daily driver ) would be fine with 2-1/4 exhausts,But take a look at what all of those 5.0 mustang guys are running . AND note it`s never less than 2-1/4 ,and it`s usually 2-1/2 many are street cars with air ect. And MANY RUN stock bottom end engines with better heads cams and intake set ups and those guys run 12`s or better in the 1/4 mile with good street driveability! I had 2-1/2 on my mav for 12 years and with 3 different engine combinations , it allways had good street (low r.p.m.)torque, and the mildest engine I had was a factory stock bottom end with a 445i/280e cam with milled and ported (exh. only)heads shelby intake,650 carb,ran a stock converter,and a 3.25 rear gear it ran a 13.95 qtr. mile! Now I run a 3inch system with flowmasters and hooker headers BUT ...it`s a 12.8 to 1 engine that runs 11.60`s @ 115 m.p.h!