Homeless Hemi, Part 4: How Does Intake Manifold Design Affect the Power Curve?

WE TEST A STOCK INTAKE AGAINST THE DRAG PACK SINGLE PLANE INTAKE WITH A CARBURETOR. GUESS WHICH ONE MAKES MORE POWER.

- Richard Holdener

So far in the build of this neglected 5.7L Hemi, we got the engine running to establish a baseline of 376 hp and 414 lb-ft. Next, we changed the cam and springs, and on Westech’s Superflow engine dyno, we saw power jump to 434 hp and 440 lb-ft. After that, we experimented with different header designs, settling on a set of Hooker 17⁄8-inch long-tube headers with 3-inch collectors, which bumped the power up to 442 hp at 6,200 rpm and just slightly reduced torque output to 437 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm.