Weiand

Weiand — Roots-Type Superchargers & Intake Manifolds for Classic Domestic V8 Engines

Weiand is one of the most storied names in American performance, with a history dating back to 1937 when Phil Weiand began producing speed equipment for the hot rod community in Los Angeles. Weiand superchargers, intake manifolds, and water pumps have been powering classic American V8 engines for nearly nine decades, and the brand's Roots-type supercharger kits remain the definitive choice for builders who want the classic blower look and the positive displacement power delivery that defines traditional American performance.

Roots-Type Supercharger Kits

Weiand's 142, 177, and 256 series Roots-type supercharger kits are the most recognizable performance induction systems in American hot rodding — the classic blower sitting on top of the engine through a cutout in the hood is an image that defines the visual language of traditional American performance. Weiand supercharger kits include the blower, intake manifold, carburetor hat, drive system, and all required hardware for a complete installation on Small Block and Big Block Chevy, Small Block and Big Block Ford, and Chrysler/Mopar V8 applications.

The 142 series is the most compact Weiand blower, providing a moderate boost level suitable for street-driven builds where drivability and hood clearance are priorities. The 177 series steps up the displacement for higher boost output on more aggressive street and strip builds. The 256 series is the largest Weiand blower, delivering maximum boost for dedicated performance and show applications where maximum power and maximum visual impact are the goals.

Intake Manifolds

Weiand produces a comprehensive range of intake manifolds for Small Block and Big Block Chevy, Small Block and Big Block Ford, and Chrysler/Mopar V8 applications — covering single-plane, dual-plane, and tunnel ram designs for different performance applications and RPM ranges. Dual-plane manifolds provide strong low-to-mid RPM torque for street-driven builds where throttle response and drivability are priorities. Single-plane manifolds maximize high-RPM airflow for race and high-performance street applications where peak power output is the priority over low-RPM torque.

Weiand's Stealth and Action+Plus intake manifolds are among the most popular performance intake upgrades for classic Small Block Chevy applications, providing a significant airflow improvement over factory cast iron intakes with correct port matching for the most popular cylinder head configurations. Tunnel ram manifolds are available for maximum-performance carbureted applications where dual four-barrel carburetion and maximum plenum volume are required for peak power output.

Water Pumps

Weiand produces high-flow water pumps for Small Block and Big Block Chevy applications, providing increased coolant flow compared to factory water pumps for improved cooling system efficiency on high-performance engines. High-flow water pumps are particularly beneficial on engines with increased heat rejection from higher compression, forced induction, or nitrous oxide use — where the factory water pump's flow rate is insufficient to maintain correct coolant temperature under sustained high-load operation.

Common Applications

Weiand supercharger kits and intake manifolds cover the most popular classic domestic V8 platforms — Small Block Chevy (265, 283, 302, 327, 350, 383, 400), Big Block Chevy (396, 402, 427, 454), Small Block Ford (289, 302, 351W), Big Block Ford (390, 427, 428, 429, 460), and Chrysler/Mopar V8 applications. These are the engines that power the classic muscle cars, hot rods, and street rods where Weiand products have been the performance induction choice for generations of builders.

Supercharger Drive & Boost Considerations

Weiand supercharger boost level is determined by the overdrive ratio of the blower drive system — a higher overdrive ratio spins the blower faster relative to engine speed, producing more boost. Boost level must be matched to the engine's compression ratio and fuel octane to prevent detonation — higher boost requires lower compression and/or higher octane fuel. Weiand provides overdrive ratio and boost level guidelines for each blower series to assist in correct drive system selection for the specific engine combination and fuel being used.

Installation Notes

Weiand supercharger kit installations require removal of the factory intake manifold and installation of the Weiand blower manifold, blower, drive system, and carburetor hat. Correct blower-to-manifold gasket sealing is critical — boost pressure leaks at the blower base cause power loss and potential engine damage from lean fuel mixture. The drive belt must be correctly tensioned for correct blower speed and to prevent belt slip under boost. A hood cutout or scoop is required on most applications to clear th...