Here's what I'm dealing with. I currently have this combo: AFR Street Eliminator 180cc heads (1256 port) CC 08-432-8 cam. 230/236 duration at .050 on a 110 LSA, .53x/.54x lift (1.6 rr) 9.5:1 CR 3500 stall I am BRAND NEW to carbs. I have been reading as much as I can on here for the last 24 hours but I'm having trouble nailing down search terms to find what I want. Basically, because I have a Trans Am, I do not want any hood clearance issues whatsoever. I also need a manifold (I think) that has the 1204/1256 port, as the 1205 is too large and I have no interest in porting my heads. I have a converted LT1 intake manifold that I was going to put on my car, but I really don't know if I want to deal with the headache and $$$ of having it tuned. I have very knowledgeable friends that can help me tune the carb setup. What I need to know is : A. What manifold is best for me? B. With suggested manifold, am I likely going to put out comparable HP numbers to the modified LT1 intake? It seems like the Summit Stage 1 is a good choice as far as price, operating range, and it has the 1256 port, however I don't know how much I am leaving on the table with this type of manifold compared to others so I need advice. Thanks!

You'd be better off with the Stage 2, or Edelbrock Performer RPM.

The cam won't have any guts below 2000 RPMs anyway, and the next step up manifold will better support the upper RPMs.

Probably talking 10-20 HP difference between the two.

Hmmm? With the cam and manifold matched to make power from 2K up to I assume 6500 +- will the 180cc heads keep up?

It has a lot to do with displacement, assuming a 350 they migh be a bit tight. I'm not familiar with the flow #'s @ .500" + for those heads though.

Is this behind an auto or a stick? What converter if it's an auto?

The powerband of the cam is 2200-5800. The heads can keep up with that.

The Stage 1 manifold favors the lower end. I know they say 6000 RPMs, but that's a stretch. The Stage 2 is a better match to the cam.

The manifold doesn't care whether the transmission is auto or stick.

With the cam you said, at least 2500 RPM stall. 2800-3000 would be better for the drag strip. 3500 might have more slip than optimal.

Thanks for the help. I won't have any fitment issues using the stage 2/performer RPM and a drop filter base? Also the stage 2 indicates using a 1205 gasket. am I okay to use it on my heads with 1256 gaskets?

No but the converter cares about the manifold

Just trying to get a picture of the total package.

I agree with 57KID Stage 2, or Edelbrock Performer RPM.What carb you going to run?

Hey guys sorry for the delay.

I am going to run an RPM airgap and a holley 750 double pumper.

From doing more extensive reading it looks like finding the right brackets for my cables is a bit of a black art. Carb cables are discontinued and the only ones I can find are actually LONGER than the ones specified for the TPI cars, from Advanced Auto parts. Obviously that won't work, so I'm guessing I can just use brackets to make it right...question is of course, what brackets. I am looking at the Holley 20-121 geometry corrector and the JET 700225 bracket, any input?

That Jet bracket is only for the TV cable. You'll need another one for the throttle cable.

The Lokar DP-1000HT includes the cable and bracket. You cut the cable to length when you install it. You'll also need the TV cable bracket, which I know they make but can't put my finger on it right now. Check their website.

Holley bracket 20-95 should take care of the bracket. Check Advance auto parts website for shorter cables.

I just wanted to report that the Summit Stage 3 Intake (I know it's Holley/Weiand's version of the air gap, whatever that is) and a Holley 750 DP, 1 1/4" drop base and 3 inch element fits under my Trans Am hood just fine