Hmm... Sounds like that might add a little to my budget needs. I am not set on anything. I just want something that performs great, looks different, and not normally found on a C.
Joined: Tue Oct 11 2005, 12:30PM
Location: Home of the SuperSpeedWagon
Posts: 49
A & A Transmissions offers the aluminum cross ram manifold. You could also try and score an Edelbrock STR intake (Street Tunnel Ram), which internally is basically a cross ram manifold. Besides, several top plates can be used on this intake. Each top plate offers its own carb configuration, like single Holley 4bbl, single TQ 4bbl, dual inline 4bbl, dual staggered 4bbl (like the Max Wedge cross ram) and a 3x2bbl top plate. I think the top plate interchangeability was done to offer NASCAR a cross ram intake with a single 4bbl carb. Peak torque is in the upper range of the torque curve with the long runners of a cross ram, so it is only useful if you're consistently running the engine above 4000rpm, like in NASCAR.
The Small Block STR is designated STR-12, the B-block is STR-15 and the RB is STR-14. They pop up every now and then on Epay. There's even one for sale on moparts right now under Big Block engine parts for sale. Well, it's an STR-14 with Holley 4500 pattern for best offer, but is has the Chrysler aftermarket part number on it, too. Shouldn't go for more than about half of the price of a new Max Wedge cross ram. I currently have an STR-15-8 waiting to go onto a Stroker engine. I also have a lead on an STR-14-6 (sixpack top plate) with a spare single 4bbl top plate here in Holland.
I was on the Daytona Turkey Run a few years back and there was this guy from Indiana offering a huge inventory of intakes. He had an STR-14-6 for $700 and an STR-14-45 (Holley 4500) for $795.
I think I have an e-mail address from someone in the States who offered an STR-14-8 with dual inline 4bbl carb top plate on Moparts a few months ago for $600. If you're interested, I can send you the address, Scott. Mopar Performance also offers a few tips and tricks on how to modify an STR intake to give best results in dragracing. Be careful, though. The first batch of intake top plates was prone to crack after a backfire.
Joined: Fri Oct 14 2005, 01:31PM
Location: Michigan
Posts: 32
Mopar Performance also sells a Max Wedge manifold, for which Mancini seems to be the only stocking dealer.
The ports in the intake can be shrunk down to regular wedge size via welding or epoxy, or the port in the head can be opened up to match.
To me, the question to struggle with would be whether they are worth the trouble or not. You'll have twice as many carbs to mess up, twice as much plenum volume to puddle the fuel when the engine is cold, and if it ever sneezes/backfires it won't be a little 'pop', it will be a big bang.