* Intake: The intake system is responsible for bringing the air-fuel mixture *into* the engine's cylinders. This involves:
* Air Filter: Cleans the incoming air to prevent dirt and debris from damaging the engine.
* Intake Manifold: A casting that distributes the air-fuel mixture evenly to each cylinder. Different manifolds are designed for different performance characteristics (e.g., single-plane vs. dual-plane).
* Carburetor (or Throttle Body): Meters the correct amount of fuel into the air stream and mixes it. Older 350s typically used carburetors, while later models and many modern performance builds might use electronic fuel injection (EFI) with a throttle body.
* Intake Valves: These open and close to allow the air-fuel mixture into the cylinder during the intake stroke of the piston.
* Exhaust: The exhaust system is responsible for removing the spent gases (burned air-fuel mixture) *from* the engine's cylinders. This involves:
* Exhaust Valves: These open and close to allow the exhaust gases to leave the cylinder.
* Exhaust Manifold (or Headers): Collects the exhaust gases from each cylinder and directs them towards the rest of the system. Headers are typically aftermarket performance parts that offer better flow than factory manifolds.
* Exhaust Pipes: Carry the exhaust gases away from the engine.
* Muffler(s): Reduce the noise level of the exhaust gases.
* Tailpipe(s): The final section of the exhaust system that vents the gases to the atmosphere.
In short: The intake *brings in* what the engine needs to run, and the exhaust *removes* what it doesn't. Both systems are crucial for engine efficiency, power, and longevity. Modifications to either system can significantly affect the engine's performance.
