Oh yea. When it comes to performance, the OEM intake is very good but that is for what it is and when it was made and why they made it that way. Everything in context and with the understanding of when it was made and the reasoning behind the design. The OEM has to be rock solid for decades, pass all laws of the time, etc…
The after market is free from this constraint. Only one goal in mind, more power. Leaving the constraints of the OEM allows for more rpm potential. Larger ports, raised carb heights, etc…
Edelbrocks LD-340 was there first and best dual plane of yesteryear. The rpm is now the crown owner. Ether are very good. It’s just a little hard to find the older one. Best with a new RPM.
The RPM is good to the mid 11’s for n the light weight car with all the supporting goodies. A cam up to around the 255@050 is about as large as the rpm likes, after that, you should be looking at a single plane intake manifold.
I’d only use a performer if I didn’t have an intake (and just did!) for the job the oem would do. While the weight savings is something everyone screams “It will net you a better at and more speed at the track!” ,which I can not argue, are you really at the strip enough to warrant the expenditure? It’s not really justifiable to me. Even more so when I see fellas running low 10’s and 9’s in the 1/4 mile, but that’s another and different story I’ll not dive into.
The oem intake is still good to use with small cams. Under 230@050 cam duration. While a rpm will make more power, does the expense warrant it for me? For you? Maybe down the line the rpm comes in. IMO, it would be a good idea, but on the cheap, you’re good with the iron. Consider it a $$$ savings for now.
Carb
The Edelbrock carb can be used with the oem intake, TQ intake as well. A 600 is fine enough for general street usage. A 750 would be better. There’s not a lot of power difference but there is a nice little gain in throttle power and pedal feel difference .
Holley or another Edelbrock is up to you. I really like the Edelbrock in the street, Holley at the track.