7 Best Intake Manifold for TBI 350 [Buying Guide 2021]

Increasing horsepower and mileage is a dream come true, especially if you only need a simple upgrade.

How can it be done? By upgrading your intake manifold.

What is an intake manifold, and what is its purpose?

A manifold means a lump of metal or many folds. It consists of several channels of inputs and outputs.

An intake manifold is the part of an engine that is designed to supply fuel and air mixture to the cylinders.

Best Intake Manifold for TBI 350

The purpose of intake manifolds is to ensure that the air coming to the engine is distributed to all the cylinders.

Moreover, manifolds come in two forms, i.e., V-shape and flathead. Both types are mainly constructed from cast aluminum alloys, while manufacturers made the older ones from cast iron.

What issues occur in intake manifolds over time?

There are usually two problems that arise over time that are cracked manifolds and cracked gaskets.

These issues break the manifold’s seal and allow air to pass through the intake system.

Thus, it eventually causes engine failure. Plus, you can also face other problems like leaking and overheating.

Neglecting these situations may make the situation even worse, and it can also cause accidents. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the gasket and cracked manifolds.

To help you select the best intake manifold for TBI 350, we have scoured tons of products. We then narrowed it down and reviewed the best ones for you.

We have reviewed the top seven products with pros and cons to make it easier for you to make a decision.

Let’s get right into it!

7 Best Intake Manifold for TBI 350

Intake ManifoldMaterialRPM RangeWeight (lb)
JEGS SBC IntakeCast AluminumIdle to 550016 Check Price
Assault Racing PC2021Aluminum1500 to 650021 Check Price
Edelbrock 3704AluminumIdle to 550019.38 Check Price
Professional ProductsSatin Typhoon1500 to 650017 Check Price
Speedway MotorsAluminum1500 to 650015 Check Price
Speedmaster SBC IntakeAluminumIdle to 550018 Check Price
Holley 300-66AluminumIdle to 600017 Check Price

1. JEGS SBC Intake Manifold

JEGS Intake Manifold

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JEGS 513000 is manufactured from a cast aluminum frame that is lightweight but sturdy. It delivers optimum performance and is suitable for heavy-duty jobs.

This model upgrades your vehicle’s horsepower and combustion mixture delivery.

Moreover, this high-flowing intake manifold will improve horsepower and engine performance.

What’s more!

It increases throttle response and fits excellent on several models like GM and Chevy cylinder heads from 1955 to 1986.

Furthermore, the product’s stellar manufacturing allows you to fit it on the most popular aftermarket square bore carburetors (SBC).

What about its RPM?

RPM or revolution per minute indicates how fast the machine is operating at a particular time.

This model’s horsepower can make an uptick from the state of rest to 5500 RPM when used with square bore carburetors.

It is perfect enough for street or mild race applications.

Moreover, this product does not come with EGR or exhaust gas recirculation.

The function of EGR is to control the nitrogen oxide emissions, and the flow of exhaust gas is recirculated. Since it does not come with EGR, you can not install an EGR valve.

What else?

This product is effortless to install. If you are a beginner, you might need help from a professional.

However, this JEGS sbc intake manifold does not come with bolt-on installation.

Surprisingly enough, it does not fit specific vehicles, and you will have to make a few modifications and adjustments.

Pros
  • Durable and light frame
  • Tremendous power increase
  • Made for square bore carburetors
  • Increase throttle response
Cons
  • It does not include EGR
  • You might have to make adjustments

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2. Assault Racing – TBI Intake Manifold Chevy 350

Assault Intake Manifold

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If you are searching for a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics, Assault PC2021 is the one you might need!

It is a satin aluminum dual-plane intake manifold for Small Block Chevy.

It has a 180-degree dual-plane high-rise design that delivers outstanding power from 1500 to 6500 RPM.

Its wide RPM range makes it ideal for high-performance street applications for everyday usage.

Moreover, this intake manifold is perfect for 283-400 small blocks up to 1995.

Surprisingly enough, this model does not support the newer Vortec heads, so you have to be creative and adjust accordingly. Plus, it is not EGR equipped.

What else?

It is designed for square bore style carbs and accepts late models’ air-conditioning, alternator brackets, HEI, and water neck.

Furthermore, its square bore carb bolt pattern supports Holley 4150/4160 style carburetor.

What’s the best part?

It contains the dual distributor hold-down that ensures extra protection and keeps the framework safe from distributor rotations and vibrations.

Moreover, this model is designed from steel molds to minimize core shift.

Plus, it includes all the features that an expensive intake manifold has, i.e., four corners water outlets, nitrous bosses, dual distributor hold-downs, and the most remarkable part – the price.

Although it is easy to install, it does not come with the necessary bolts, and you have to purchase them separately.

Pros
  • 180-degrees dual plane high rise design
  • Easy installation
  • Delivers extra protection
  • Offers outstanding features
  • Affordable
  • Fit 1987 to 1995 heads
  • Designed for square bore carburetors
  • Accepts A/C, water neck, alternator, and HEI
  • Durable and robust
Cons
  • It does not support Vortec heads
  • It does not include bolts required for installation

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3. Edelbrock 3704 Intake Manifold

Edelbrock 3704

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The Edelbrock 3704 intake manifolds are dual-plane, but they are low-rise with 180-degrees.

Its patented design significantly improves the torque over a wide RPM range for excellent throttle response.

This Edelbrock intake manifold Chevy 350 TBI model has an operating RPM from the state of rest to 5,500 RPM.

Plus, it only accepts small-bore TBI (throttle body injectors) and OEM equipment.

How does this intake manifold work?

It directs the air and fuel mixture from the throttle body to the cylinder head’s intake ports.

The flow then proceeds from the throttle body into a chamber called the plenum. It then goes into the individual tubes called runners.

What’s more!

The plenum and the base material are engineered from aluminum with a natural finish.

This model is ideal for RVs, trucks, and passenger cars. However, it will not support Caprice, Buick, and Cadillac “B” bodies.

Furthermore, this product might break your bank, but you can achieve the desired results with the recommended and correct carburetor.

Pros
  • Straightforward installation
  • Fits perfectly
  • Excellent throttle response
  • Increased torque
  • Works with OEM and small-bore TBI
Cons
  • A bit expensive

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4. Professional Products 52021 Intake Manifold

Professional Products 52021 Intake Manifold

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If you do not want a high-rise intake manifold but searching for a product that does the job, Professional Product 52021 might be something you will need.

What is so good about the product?

This product is a robust dual-plane manifold. It contains nitrous bosses, a square bore carburetor flange, and four corner water ports.

Moreover, the presence of dual-distributor hold-downs keeps the framework safe and offers superior protection.

What else? This product supports raised runner’s heads; the ports are taller than average and have a smooth finish.

Furthermore, you can use it for bracket-racing, non-pollution controlled street machines, nitrous, or supercharged applications.

Pros
  • Dual-plane
  • Offers protection
  • Durable
  • Effortless installation
  • Smooth finish
Cons
  • It might only support raised runner’s heads

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5. Speedway Motors – A High-Rise Manifold for SBC

Speedway Motors SBC Intake Manifold

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Do you want to build a high-performance Small Block Chevy within a budget?

This might be the one you need!

This high-rise aluminum intake manifold is a dual-plane, and it has a 180-degree dual-plane design.

The large size runners and plenum optimizes power, and they support other upgrades.

Moreover, this model is engineered to be used with Carter AFB, Holley, or Edelbrock square flange carbs.

Plus, it fits ideally 1957-1986 S/B Chevy engine applications.

Not to mention, it has a wide RPM range of 1500 to 6500. As compared to the single-plane manifolds, it supports larger engines, enhances RPM potential power, and retains throttle response.

What else?

Its high-rise design has a five-inch carb pad height that will fit under several stock hoods.

Furthermore, it is a versatile manifold because it has dual distributor hold-downs and can work with nearly any distributors, including HEI distributors.

This product is available in a plain and polished finish.

Pros
  • Supports large engines
  • Enhances RPM potential
  • Accepts HEI distributor
  • Dual-plane 
  • 180-degree design
  • Five-inch carb pad height
  • 1500 to 6500 RPM range
Cons
  • Fittings might leak

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6. Speedmaster – A Low-Rise Manifold That Fits on the Head Perfectly

Speedmaster Intake Manifold

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Are you a proud owner of 1996 or other small block Chevy 350 Vortec?

This might be the right product for you!

This polished finish model is a low-rise intake manifold. It is the only manifold that is street legal on pollution-controlled vehicles.

It supports spread bore carb, but it comes with an adapter plate that allows square-bore carbs.

Moreover, this product is engineered to fit the engine swaps manufactured in 1996 and later.

This intake manifold only accepts Chevy V-8 engines that possess a late Vortec head.

What other features does this product include?

This model has an external water bypass, dual distributor hold downs for additional safety, four corner water outlets, a gasket, and a square bore carb adapter.

Plus, it will support the late model style alternator, air conditioner, HEI, and water neck.

What else?

It can operate from the state of rest to 5500 RPM. This model is non-EGR or non-exhaust gas recirculation.

It means that the absence of EGR will not control the nitrogen oxide emissions and exhaust gas flow.

Furthermore, unlike others, its holes line up perfectly, perform well, and fit on the head perfectly.

The only drawback is that it does not have pleasing aesthetics, and it might not be suitable for other vehicles.

Pros
  • Low-rise
  • It offers an adapter plate
  • Accepts 1996 to later models
  • Supports late Vortec heads
  • Holes line-up perfectly
  • Works stellarly
  • Delivers extra protection
Cons
  • Does not possess pleasing aesthetics
  • Might not accept other vehicles besides Chevy 350

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7. Holley Intake Manifold Chevy 350

Holley Intake Manifold Chevy 350

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This Holley manifold is a great power builder, and it is engineered to deliver the top performance on the Chevy small block.

How can it provide optimum performance?

This model contains a high-rise dual-plane design that makes it capable. It has a wide RPM range, and it allows you to operate from the state of rest to 6000 RPM.

What else?

This product uses the late model air conditioner bracket mountain provisions and alternator.

Plus, this brand offers a ninety-day warranty for users. So if the product is not the best fit for your vehicle, you can return it within these days.

Furthermore, the installing process is easy because the Holley intake manifold comes with additional hardware that makes installation easier.

Although the procedure for installing this intake is more effortless, it is not manufactured to be a stock replacement.

You may have to modify the throttle bracket; otherwise, it is an excellent manifold.

Pros
  • Delivers high performance
  • Offers warranty
  • A wide RPM
  • Straightforward installation
  • High-rise dual-plane design
Cons
  • The throttle bracket may require modifications

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Buyer's Guide:

Intake Manifold for TBI 350 Buying Guide

Since you are aware that the purpose of the intake manifold is to supply air and fuel mixture to the cylinders, you need to invest in a good quality one.

You want it to fit perfectly and deliver optimum performance so that it does not leak and heat up after using it a few times.

Our guide explained the advantages, disadvantages, and specialties of different intake manifolds.

However, not all of them will support your vehicle. You have to find out what works perfectly for your engine.

If you are considering buying an intake manifold for your vehicle, you will need to keep a checklist on your mind.

It will help you pick a better product for yourself.

We know the buying process can be very tormenting. We have prepared a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

What are the essential considerations that you should make while purchasing intake manifolds?

We have listed it out for you so you can make the right choice. These are as follows:

Dual-plane and Single-plane Manifolds

There are various styles of intake manifolds like single-plane and dual-plane. The choice is yours depending on the vehicle's intake style and rpm operating range.

A dual-plane manifold has an opening in the plenum below the carburetor mounting pad. Each slot will feed four cylinders on a V8 engine.

This kind of manifold has longer intake runners. Thus, it makes them ideal for low and mid-range power (idle to 5,500 rpm).

In contrast, single-plane manifolds have a single opening into the plenum and feed all eight cylinders. This intake is suitable for upper RPM power production.

So which intake will be suitable for your engine?

That will depend on the engine's operating RPM range and its build parameters.

Moreover, several streetcars work best with dual-plane intake because they operate within the range of idle to 5500 RPM.

If you own a racecar, it has a higher RPM range. That's when you need a single-plane manifold.

Dimensions

When choosing a model for your engine, make sure you are entirely aware of its dimensions and other specifications. This makes it easy to select from the options.

If you bought the wrong one, you have to make some modifications to the setup procedure.

You may need more hardware and tools for installation. If you are a beginner, you might not want to find yourself in this challenging situation.

RPM Range

An RPM range is quite helpful in finding out the perfect match for your engine. Therefore, do not forget to check the range before purchasing.

If you are scouring for your street car options, intakes that can operate from the state of rest to 5500 RPM ranges are the best.

However, if you own a performance car, you require an intake that has higher ranges.

Thus, you want to opt for the ones that have an RPM range of 2500 to 8000.

Cylinder Head Port Design

It is crucial to take notice of the cylinder head port design. The Chevy's heads have different port designs such as nut, rectangular, and oval-shaped.

Moreover, it is imperative to ensure that the intake runner ports perfectly match the cylinder heads.

Carburetor Body Mounting

You have to ensure that your intake manifold should work perfectly with the carburetor mounting pad configuration.

Four-barrel carburetors are available in three basic mounting pads.

These are: dominator style, style bore, and spread bore. Make sure to check the carburetor's mounting pad type and ensure that the intake you bought is compatible with it.

Idle Quality

To achieve the engine's optimum performance, you need to look for better idle quality and throttle response.

For your streetcars, prefer the ones that have smaller cross-sectioned runners and plenums.

In contrast, if you want for your performance cars, you require larger plenums and runners to pass higher amounts of fuel.

Durability

Since intake manifolds handle temperature fluctuations, you need a durable and robust material that allows better protection against excessive heat.

Therefore, to get your hands on the most durable materials like composite metals or sheet metals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the signs of a bad intake manifold?

It shows a few symptoms like exhaust leakage with a hissing sound and an overheating engine misfires.

What are intake manifolds manufactured from?

They are generally made from aluminum, cast iron, and polymers.

Can you drive your vehicle with a bad intake manifold?

It would be best to avoid it because it is risky to drive your vehicle with a defective intake manifold. The slightest malfunctions can result in terrible accidents and mishaps.

Where is the intake manifold on an engine?

You will find an intake manifold on top of the engine. It literally sits there.

What does it mean that the intake manifold leaks?

If it leaks, it means that there is dysfunction of the sealing. This usually occurs when the engine overheats. You can easily detect it by its hissing sound.

Do you have to torque your intake?

Your intake manifold does not need much torque. You should avoid making the bolts too tight till it cracks and goes out of sequence.

Can I fix a cracked intake manifold?

Yes, you can if you are an expert. If you are not, it is highly recommended to call a professional because he is well-versed with the vehicle’s internal engine and its working.

Will the intake manifold increase horsepower?

Yes! Updating or changing the intake manifold will increase the vehicle’s horsepower.

Conclusion:

Our guide for the best intake manifold for TBI 350 ends here. We have narrowed down the choices by listing down seven top-quality products.

These intakes will not disappoint you. We hope that our review helped you in finding the product you were scouring for.

Make sure to go through our buying guide so that you can choose an intake according to your vehicle's requirement.

A wrong choice can make everything into a disaster within seconds, and you do not want this to happen.

Therefore, it is your responsibility to buy the best one by going through the details carefully and comparing them accordingly.

If you have any suggestions, feedback, or if you want to point out any other best intake manifolds that we have missed, let us know in the comment section below.

We would love to hear from you!

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