I know that the L82 intake manifold is aluminum and the L48 is cast iron.

But other than the weight advantage, does the L82 intake manifold offer any other performance benefits? Would it be worth swapping over on an L48 engine?

Also: is the Edelbrock Performer manifold significantly better than the L82 in terms of design/performance?

I put a performer on my L48,it did make a difference,I dont know about the L82 manifold,I would say yes ,30 years newer techknowledgy would have to be an improvement

 I to put the Performer on my 73 L48 it did wake the motor up! Then time it the vacuum way like Ben says, it really brings your motor alive!.

I have an Edelbrock Performer on my '78 L82 and it definitely ran better. At the same time I had the Quadrajet rebuilt and removed the EGR and the last of the emissions control accessories, so it may have been a combination of things leading to the improvement.

The only difference in the L82 intake compared to the L48 is the material.

Yep, the stock manifold are the same performance.  But the aftermarket replacements can make a lot of difference.  It's all in the flow paths.

Thanks, everyone, for your answers. It's just what I needed to know.

So a new carb and intake would give me say.......... 20 hp?
perhaps?

timgman2006-11-25 20:02:18

I put the Edelbrock Performer on my L46 (kept the original intake).  Also, I stuck an Edelbrock Carb 600 (kept my original Q-jet) on top of that for a little more fun.  I can feel more hp, but have not put it on a dyno yet.  Another positive side to the changes are 20mpg.

So that's apretty good combo eh' ?
edelbrock performer w a edelbrock 600 cfm carb?
any other ideas?
I'd kill for a few more HP...bonus if on re-useable parts for a build-up...
I'd stack my numbers matching engine under a bench or on a stand.. but I really would LOVE to get into the 350 hp range....

timgman2006-11-25 21:03:55