single plane vs sheet metal intake

[Jeff Lee]

I've spoken to many a racer that spent the big bucks on a sheet metal intake and not picked up a thing; sometimes losses are experienced. Design and workmanship may not be on the level necessary or harmonics can be an issue.
I am having a sheet metal intake built for my AMC and I quiver as I've heard more bad than good on the subject. But my choices are few, a small Torker or too big Indy or HLR intake (vintage NASCAR). Plus I forced myself into sheet metal because I decked the block quite a bit.

[Ron E]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lee

I've spoken to many a racer that spent the big bucks on a sheet metal intake and not picked up a thing; sometimes losses are experienced. Design and workmanship may not be on the level necessary or harmonics can be an issue.
I am having a sheet metal intake built for my AMC and I quiver as I've heard more bad than good on the subject. But my choices are few, a small Torker or too big Indy or HLR intake (vintage NASCAR). Plus I forced myself into sheet metal because I decked the block quite a bit.

Jeff, you pretty much sum up the real reasons one would need a sheetmetal intake at least for a single carb. Beyond that, it's mostly "cool factor".

The manufactures will tell you what to hear. I've heard of 2 tenths being promised over the phone. In reality, he picked up nothing.

[SSDiv6]

Originally Posted by Ron E

Jeff, you pretty much sum up the real reasons one would need a sheetmetal intake at least for a single carb. Beyond that, it's mostly "cool factor".

The manufactures will tell you what to hear. I've heard of 2 tenths being promised over the phone. In reality, he picked up nothing.

You are correct. There have been only a few engines that have picked up because there was not a good cast aluminum racing intake available to start.