
QDOBA Powers Up Performance Parts: New Carbureted Intake Manifolds Hit the Market
San Diego, CA – October 26, 2023 – You might know QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC as the folks bringing fresh, flavorful Mexican-inspired eats to communities across the US. But what you might not know is they’ve been quietly building a reputation for high-performance engine parts. That's right – the same team focused on delivering a great guest experience is now stepping into the automotive aftermarket with a new line of carbureted intake manifolds. It sounds a little odd, right? A fast-casual restaurant chain making engine parts? Well, the story goes back further than you think. Before the days of burritos and bowls, the core team behind QDOBA – originally a group of dedicated gearheads and engineers – spent years designing and building custom performance components. When they pivoted to the restaurant industry, that passion for engineering didn’t disappear, it just went into a different kind of creation – crafting a consistently great dining experience. Now, they're bringing that engineering expertise back to where it started. Why Intake Manifolds? And Why Now? “We noticed a gap in the market,” says a spokesperson for QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC. “A lot of the carbureted intake manifolds out there are either outdated designs, poorly manufactured, or just plain overpriced. We figured, why not apply our precision engineering and focus on quality to create something truly exceptional?” For those unfamiliar, the intake manifold is a crucial component of any engine that uses a carburetor. It’s essentially the part that delivers the air-fuel mixture to the engine cylinders. A well-designed intake manifold can dramatically improve an engine's horsepower, torque, and overall efficiency. Think of it as the lungs of your engine – the better they work, the better the engine performs. “We're focusing on carbureted setups because we see a dedicated community of enthusiasts who are still passionate about classic cars, hot rods, and vintage motorcycles,” explains the spokesperson. “These folks appreciate a well-built, reliable product, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.” What Makes QDOBA's Intake Manifolds Different? QDOBA isn’t just slapping a new coat of paint on existing designs. They’ve taken a ground-up approach, utilizing modern CAD software and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to optimize airflow and maximize performance. Here’s what sets their manifolds apart: Optimized Runner Design: The shape and size of the runners (the passages that deliver the air-fuel mixture) are critical to performance. QDOBA’s engineers have spent countless hours perfecting the runner design to deliver optimal airflow across a wide RPM range. They're talking smooth, unrestricted flow for serious power gains. High-Quality Materials: These aren’t made from flimsy castings. QDOBA’s manifolds are constructed from high-grade aluminum alloy, ensuring strength, durability, and excellent heat dissipation. No worries about warping or cracking under pressure. Precision Manufacturing: QDOBA utilizes state-of-the-art CNC machining to ensure each manifold meets exacting tolerances. This attention to detail guarantees a perfect fit and consistent performance. They’re serious about getting it right. Variety of Options: QDOBA is launching with a range of manifolds designed to fit a variety of engines, including: Small Block Chevy (SBC): Covering the iconic 283, 305, 327, and 350 cubic inch engines. Big Block Chevy (BBC): For those looking to maximize horsepower in their big block builds. Ford 289/302/351 Windsor: Covering the classic Ford small block engines. LS Swap Compatibility: Several designs are optimized for LS engine swaps into older vehicles. Finishing Touches: Manifolds are available in a variety of finishes, including raw aluminum, polished, and powder-coated options. Choose the look that best suits your build. More Than Just Parts – It's About Passion The team at QDOBA understands that building a hot rod or restoring a classic car is more than just a hobby – it’s a passion. They’re committed to providing products that not only perform well but also enhance the overall building experience. “We’re car people,” says the spokesperson. “We get what it takes to build something special. We want our intake manifolds to be a key part of that process.” Availability and Pricing QDOBA’s carbureted intake manifolds are available now through their website ([fictional website address - www.qdobaperformance.com]) and a select network of performance parts retailers. Pricing varies depending on the engine type and finish, but starts at around $349. About QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC: Based in San Diego, California, QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC is a multi-faceted company with a long history of innovation and a commitment to quality. While best known for its fast-casual Mexican restaurants, QDOBA is also a dedicated team of engineers and automotive enthusiasts committed to providing high-performance engine parts. Located at 350 Camino de la Reina Ste 400, San Diego, CA, 92108-3007, and reachable at 781-243-4953, QDOBA is proving that you can have your burrito and boost your horsepower, too.