Intakes & Accessories

Intakes & Accessories

 The intake manifold is the final component guiding the air/fuel mixture (or air only, in the case of EFI) into the cylinder head ports.1 Its design is crucial for determining the engine's power band, dictating whether the engine excels at low-end torque or high-RPM horsepower.2 Butler Performance provides a meticulously curated selection of Intakes & Accessories, featuring manifolds that are optimized for their high-performance Pontiac cylinder heads, ensuring maximum airflow and matching engine aspirations.

 Butler Performance emphasizes the need to match the manifold's design—specifically its runner length and cross-sectional area—to the engine’s displacement, camshaft, and intended operating RPM.

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Intake Port Matching Services
Butler can port match your intake or one purchased from us to any head port dimensions. We will remove material and blend the port for unrestricted airflow
Intakes & Accessories - Edelbrock Intakes
Edelbrock Intakes
Intakes & Accessories - Northwind Intakes
Northwind Intakes
Intakes & Accessories - Air Optimizers/Turtles
Air Optimizers/Turtles

More About Intakes & Accessories

Airflow Architects: Pontiac Intake Manifolds and Accessories at Butler Performance

 

1. High-Performance Intake Manifolds

 

Butler Performance stocks and utilizes high-quality aluminum intake manifolds from the most respected names, with many of the designs specifically catering to the traditional Pontiac V8 bolt pattern.

 

Single-Plane Manifolds (High RPM)

 

Single-plane manifolds are characterized by short runners and a large plenum, making them ideal for high-RPM power and top-end performance:3

 

 

  • Northwind Intakes: Often used in serious race applications, the Northwind manifold is a high-flow, single-plane design that optimizes power for engines operating above $6,000 \text{ RPM}$.

  • Crosswind/Hurricane/Tomahawk Intakes: These represent various high-flow single-plane and high-rise dual-plane options designed for peak power and maximum torque across a wide band. They are popular choices for builders using Butler's CNC-ported cylinder heads.

 

Dual-Plane Manifolds (Street Performance)

 

Dual-plane manifolds are best for street and milder performance applications, providing superior throttle response and low-end to mid-range torque:4

 

 

  • Edelbrock Intakes (Performer Series): These are classic, reliable dual-plane manifolds that provide an excellent power increase over stock while maintaining good drivability and hood clearance.5

     

     

 

2. Specialized Manifolds and Services

 

Butler Performance offers niche manifolds and services for unique or specialized builds:

  • Polar Wind and BOP Intake: A high-rise, dual-plane manifold designed to bridge the gap between pure street and race performance, offering excellent torque and good airflow.

  • Intake Port Matching Services: Since Butler Performance sells many of the cylinder heads they build, they also offer the critical service of Intake Port Matching.6 This ensures the manifold runners align perfectly with the cylinder head ports, eliminating any air-blocking steps or misalignment that can disrupt airflow and hurt power.

     

     

  • Custom Applications: Manifolds designed for specific purposes, such as highly modified street cars or specialized drag cars.

 

3. Essential Intake Accessories

 

Proper installation and optimization of the intake manifold require several supporting accessories:

  • Intake and Carb Spacers: Spacers (often wood, phenolic, or aluminum) are used to raise the carburetor or EFI throttle body.

    • Thermal Isolation: Non-metallic spacers isolate the carburetor from engine heat, preventing fuel boiling and promoting denser air charge for more power.

    • Tuning: Specific spacer designs (open, four-hole, or tapered) can be used to fine-tune the carburetor signal and air/fuel distribution.

  • Air Optimizers/Turtles: These inserts sit at the base of the carburetor and are designed to smooth the airflow transition from the carburetor or throttle body into the intake plenum, improving flow efficiency and torque.

  • Linkage and Linkage Adapters: Necessary for connecting throttle and transmission kick-down cables to the carburetor or EFI throttle body.

  • Drop Base Air Cleaners for Pontiac TA Shakers: Specialized air cleaner components are stocked to ensure the popular "Shaker" hood scoop on Trans Ams functions correctly when using modern, taller intake manifolds.

By offering a range of precision-designed intakes and crucial accessories, Butler Performance enables builders to perfectly tailor the breathing capability of their Pontiac engine to their specific power goals.