Hot Rods Best intake manifold for street driven 283?

Hey Hambers

I’m building up a 283 SBC and the last piece of the puzzle I need to address is the intake manifold. I’d like to hear your opinions on what would be the best manifold for good torque and economy this engine.

283 SBC 60 thou over
416 Heads
Quadrajet Carb
RV cam. Rev range: idle - 4500rpm
Headers
HEI distributor
T5 Box: Cruising RPM - 2000rpm
Curb weight of car: 3000lbs

I was considering the Edelbrock Performer, but they are designed around the 350 so I thought the plenum might be too big for this little 283. Thoughts?

Cheers in advance!


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

I really think the Performer would be a good choice with the Quadrajet myself, but I don't have any experience with one on a 283.

 

Edelbrock's claim for the Performer is 262 -400 cubic inch

 

You're very limited with using your Quadrajet carburetor in regards to an intake manifold. The Performer is probably the best choice, followed by a factory 305/350 Quadrajet intake; the earlier the better as far as smog hookup ports and such. Otherwise, you're going to need an adapter to bolt the Quadrajet to any open plenum or square port intake. Plus, there are plenty of Performers out there for sale on the used market. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.

 

I have a 70's edelbrock with smaller runners not sure if it's better for smaller motors or not.

 

GM Z28 or LT1 # 3959594 Intake.
or if you can't find one of these, a Holley Street Dominator [a generic copy]

 

I put an Edlebrock SP2P on my stock 305 daily with Qjet. Made a noticeable improvement in low end torque. 4500 rpm upper limit iirc. Don't know about mileage.

 

That's the one I have also.

 

The aluminum 305 intake would be a good choice . Edelbrock performer or SP2P or even an old torque will work. Weiand makes a nice dual plane for small blocks. Have used it on 305's and 307's.

 

I have used the Z 28 intake and the edelbrock C4B on 283,s and they worked great. The 300 Hp 327 cast iron intake and carter AFB is a good choice also. For a street engine I would use a dual plane intake.

 

I have to agree with Old Wolf, I have a stock intake and Carter AFB on my '57 and it does just fine, but I am nearly 70 years old and all mine has to be able to do is 35 mph in the fast lane and I'm happy!

 

I've used the Edelbrock Performer dual plane intake on a couple of mild street 283 Chevs and I'd have no issue running another one. For my use they worked great. But I also ran square bore carbs, no Quadrajets. If you do decide on a factory 305 aluminum Q-jet intake as others have mentioned, I've got one kicking around my garage that you could have, if you wanna pay for the shipping...
Which might be a little steep to where you are.... ?

 

IMO any stock iron intake & a Quadrajet will do what needs to be done on a near stock 283.
If you need aluminum, paint it silver.

 

I would use a late 60s factory iron Qjet intake.

I dont know if it's best, though.

 

if you want a front oil fill use a Edelbrock C4B....if not, the Performer will be fine on the 283. i have both on 28'3 right now

 

I would use a Performer or a stock aluminum 305/350, as stated. You want a direct Q-jet bolt up.
The SP2P might give you better mileage, depending on the rpm range you plan to run it at.
You'd want to run the 283 a bit higher than say, a 305.

 

If you go this route , make sure you get the tin plate that goes on first over the carb mount, and use it, then the correct gasket.

 

The shim goes over the gasket, doesn't it?

 

No. You would think that , but it's supposed to seal the exh. gas against the manifold, and then the gasket seals the carb vacuum and signal. Seams strange, I know.
Late 400 Pontiacs had them too, to re-direct the EGR gases.

* NOTE..I see where the Corvette guys are saying the gasket goes on first, then the plate. Then they are recommending a second gasket, which would make sense.
I know I've taken apart original 350/295's that the plate was on first.

*NOTE 2. The late Pontiac one definitely goes on first with no gasket, then the thick Q-jet gasket.

This is all academic, if you are blocking the exhaust from the heads.
I probably wouldn't do that, depending on how and where you are planning to drive.

 

heh...well, I guess we can disagree, but the gasket does go on first

 

Looks like you're right, as usual
Still seems strange, either way. LOL

 

For a street driver especially in cold weather you need the heat crossover under the carb working and you need the heat rizer valve in the exhaust working also. My first 55 chevy had a 56 265 block bored to 283 & flat top pistons without any valve reliefs. a 097 cam Ram Horn exhaust and a extensively reworked set of 57 power pack heads. Topped by a carter afb & intake from a 300 hp 327. It ran pretty good. until I blew a piston completely apart.

 

Some great info here. The Edelbrock Performers are in plentiful supply round these parts so I'll probably go that route. Good to know that its a solid choice for this little motor. Cheap, good, available. Works for me

 

Another plus for the SP2P. It really helps with the low end torque. Only problem is finding a decent one.

 

Edelbrock C3B
I have one I was saving for my 283 build with the notched plenum divider milled down

 

For a more Vintage look one of these,small runners RPM range idle to 4500 and a provision for an oil filler tube like 283's had and has the Quadrajet base. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Polished-E...ash=item3622960a0e:g:8QkAAOSwBgtZ2Or~&vxp=mtr