Sonoramic intake

[440WIP]

Anybody have any information or pictures on this style of manifold?

[cavemanmoron]

Anybody have any information or pictures on this style of manifold?

http://www.allpar.com/images/plymouth/1960/ram.jpg

At the bottom end of the engine lineup, Plymouth introduced the now very familiar slant six in 225 cubic inch form, finally putting the old flathead six out to pasture after 27 years of service. Together with the 30-degree slant engine block, the intake manifold, with its individual tubes running to each cylinder, made for a rather unique sight back in 1960. This manifold was a modified version of what appeared on the engine at the opposite end of the lineup - the SonoRamic Golden Commando.

Consisting of long aluminum castings rising over the valve covers from Carter four-barrel carburetors on each side of the engine, the SonoRamic's distinctive manifolds were designed so that each passage totaled 30 inches from carburetor venturi to intake valve. At 2800 rpm, the manifold would reach its maximum effect as the speed-of-sound waves provided a mild supercharging effect. Although brilliant in concept, the ram induction manifold, expensive to produce and a challenge to keep in tune, would be offered for only two years on Plymouths. However, a modified form with shorter tubes would be offered on drag racing Plymouths for a number of years to come.

"Although it takes a long time to explain the powerplant," said Motor Life of the SonoRamic back in 1960, "it takes only an instant to realize (its) tremendous power potential. Stepping down on the foot feed doesn't give the driver a gentle push in the back, it can actually snap his neck if he isn't watching." The engine routinely did 0-60 in 7.8 seconds (then an amazing time, similar to 5 seconds now) for 1960 road testers.

 Plymouth brochure 81-505-0003 lists four engines: the 225 slant six called the "30-D Economy Six (for the 30-degree slant?); the Fury V800 which was the familiar 318 two- barrel base V8; the Fury V800 with Super Pak, a 318 four- barrel, dual exhaust engine that pumped out 260 hp compared to the standard 230; the "Golden Commando 395", a 361 B-block named for its 395 lb/ft torque rating, producing 305 hp; and the "SonoRamic Commando", the first 383 engine available in a Plymouth, equipped with dual four-barrels on ram induction manifolds to put out 330 horsepower. All SonoRamic equipped Plymouths were identified by a special medallion appearing on the front fenders just ahead of the doors