I am about to take ownership of a 1974 Dart Swinger that is running a Chrysler 400 “B” engine, a Edelbrock Streetmaster 383 intake, Holly 4 bbl carb, a 727 Torqueflite transmission, headers and dual exhaust all feeding into a 2001 Dodge Durango limited slip rear end (4.11). I have not yet driven the car so I am going on what the current owner says versus what my friends have told me!

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The current owner claims the car runs like a bat out of hell and idles well.

I have been told that the Streetmaster is a less desirable vintage intake and the 4.11 rear end on this intake-engine combo will be a low end performance dog and gas hog.

First I would like some experienced advice/opinions if all this I have heard is true and if so what should be my first steps in putting some pep in this car’s step?

 

well, and 4.11 gears could cause the car to rev out quickly
but, it must be quick

 

Cruising at 70 MPH is going to be stressful in the long run. If this is going to be a street car, driven regularly, then consider changing to something like 3.55:1, or something in that range. If you are considering changing the intake, you might want to find out what the compression ratio is, what kind of cam you have...stuff like that. I have a couple DP4B intakes that I got in a deal for one of my 400 motors. I understand it is the early predecessor to the Performer. But, if it is a moderate build on the motor, the Performer, I think, would be a good choice.

j

 

Yeah, it will be a gas hog with those gears, but it definitely won't be a low end performance dog. Those are drag strip gears. Intakes manifolds have come a looooong way since the days of the streetmaster. I agree with chlngr1970 on getting at least a performer. Stay with a "two plane" manifold for the street.