Intake and Shaker hood and Carolina Machine Engines

[usraptr]

Okay first question.  I have a '70 'Cuda with a matching numbers 440 and OEM Shaker hood.  Rather than install or modify the matching nos. engine, I'm seriously considering buying a crate engine with somewhere between 450 and 500 HP.  The proven engine intake manifold for this build seems to be the Edelbrock RPM Performer dual plain aluminum intake.  However, from what I've been able to gather this intake is considerably taller than the stock iron Mopar 440 intake and would not work with my Shaker hood.  Has anybody run into this issue and how did you solve it?  I've noticed the Mopar Performance makes an aluminum intake, part no. 5153525, that appears to be the stock height of the original iron intake.  Has anybody used this manifold with a 440 and Shaker hood and how did it fit?

Second question:  I talked to Carolina Machine Engines today regarding their 440 builds.  They answered all my questions and their price on a complete turn key engine is just over $8K.  I know you get what you pay for, but from what I've seen they seem like a pretty reputable outfit.  Anybody have any experience/input on their engines?

 

Thanks in advance.
Brad

[anlauto]

You could buy an aftermarket fiberglass base plate and modify it to the height you'll need 

[usraptr]

Alan, I assume you mean a fiberglass Shaker base plate?  But since I'm already paying for a new manifold I'd prefer to just buy one that would fit like the OEM if there is such an animal.  That's why I'm curious if anybody has had any experience with fit of the Mopar aluminum intake. 
Thanks for the suggestion.     If I can't get an intake to fit, I'll try that route.

[brads70]

Would the Holley street dominator be lower and work with a shaker? 

[rUNCHARGER]

I agree: Just use the Holley Street Dominator intake. It's stock height and almost as good as the RPM.

Sheldon

[jimynick]

Why not just call Edelbrock and ask them? I'm sure they know the height of their own manifold and have several dual or single plane intakes you could choose from. Just my 

[rUNCHARGER]

The RPM is way high, the DP Performer is only as good as a stock manifold. The Holley SD works. The Edelbrock tech line isn't much help unless you're a Chebbie guy.

Sheldon

[Katfish]

Why not just use your factory block?
$8k seems like a lot to lay out because of the numbers.
Anything that could go wrong would cost less than $8k to fix.

[dfrazz]

Second question:  I talked to Carolina Machine Engines today regarding their 440 builds.  They answered all my questions and their price on a complete turn key engine is just over $8K.  I know you get what you pay for, but from what I've seen they seem like a pretty reputably outfit.  Anybody have any experience/input on their engines?

Thanks in advance.
Brad

I bought a CME 408 stroker in 2014 for my '71 Challenger.  The thing leaked like a stuck pig.  They denied everything saying they do pressure tests etc.  This after being 2 months late on my engine, because it was "race season" in Carolina.  I even when I sent pics of oil on my garage floor that looked like a crime scene.  I went through the whole engine, had to do a dye test, tightened everything up, replaced the rear main, and still couldn't find all the leaks.  They said they could go through the engine again if I pulled it and paid for shipping.  If they determined it was not their fault, they would charge be labor and materials - this was their "warranty".  There are better out there, but your decision.

[Oldschool]

Just remember that the lower the intake, the lower the HP - generally speaking....   

[usraptr]

Thank you for the input everybody.  Good to know dfrazz.  That gives me some much needed insight.  The Holley Street Dominator intake sounds like the way to go.  I'll check it's specs. 

[anlauto]

Just remember that the lower the intake, the lower the HP - generally speaking....   

That's my thought as well...Why build some high HP motor only to have stock type parts.....if you're going to build a motor...BUILD a motor !

[sassygreen]

I have that intake along with a quickfuel (holley) carburetor. Shaker base needs to be modified for the holley's float adjusters. Any way if you want I can take some pics for you. if you want.  <a href="http://s1198.photobucket.com/user/blk08vert/media/cuda/090480x640_zps4e986bb0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa457/blk08vert/cuda/090480x640_zps4e986bb0.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 090480x640_zps4e986bb0.jpg"/>[/url]

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Shaker clearance/height has been an issue on my HEMI from day one.........  It be great to have a factory made shaker base for a HOLLEY style carb  !!!!!!!!!!!!  I've modified my base twice already (lots of time) and still not really correct..     
Rant over... 

[usraptr]

PM sent to sassygreen.