QDOBA Powers Up Performance with New Carbureted Intake Manifolds – A Boost for Classic Car Enthusiasts & Beyond

San Diego, CA – October 26, 2023 – QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC, a name usually associated with fresh, flavorful Mexican eats, is making a surprising splash in the automotive performance world. While known for building craveable bowls and burritos at over 740 locations nationwide, the San Diego-based company has quietly been developing and now launching a line of high-performance carbureted intake manifolds, aimed at restoring classic vehicles and boosting power in a variety of engines. You might be thinking, “QDOBA and car parts? What’s going on?” It’s a bit of a backstory. Turns out, the founder of QDOBA, Jack Murphy, is a lifelong gearhead. His passion for cars – specifically, restoring and modifying them – never faded, even as he built a successful restaurant chain. For years, he’s been tinkering in his workshop, designing and perfecting intake manifolds to address gaps in the market. Now, that passion project is becoming a full-fledged product line under the QDOBA banner. “We’re taking the same approach to these intake manifolds as we do with our food – quality, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering something that really satisfies,” explains Murphy. “We’re not just slapping parts together. We’re engineering solutions for enthusiasts who demand the best.” What are Carbureted Intake Manifolds, and Why Are They Important? For those not deeply familiar with engine mechanics, let's break it down simply. Think of an engine like a hungry mouth. It needs air and fuel to create power. The intake manifold is the system that delivers that air-fuel mixture to the engine's cylinders. In older vehicles, and in many performance builds, this delivery system relies on a carburetor. A carbureted intake manifold is specifically designed for engines using carburetors. The shape and design of this manifold is crucial. A well-designed manifold ensures a smooth, efficient flow of air and fuel, leading to: Increased Horsepower: More air and fuel mean more power, plain and simple. Improved Torque: Better low-end grunt for easier acceleration. Enhanced Throttle Response: The engine feels more responsive and eager to rev. Better Fuel Economy (potentially): While performance is the main focus, optimized airflow can sometimes lead to better fuel efficiency. QDOBA’s Approach: More Than Just Aluminum Many intake manifolds on the market are… well, they’re just okay. QDOBA aims to be better. Here's what sets their manifolds apart: Precision Casting: QDOBA isn't using off-the-shelf castings. They've invested in tooling and processes to create manifolds with exceptionally smooth internal surfaces. This minimizes airflow restriction and maximizes power. They utilize a proprietary aluminum alloy designed for superior heat dissipation. Runner Design: The “runners” – the pathways that deliver the air-fuel mixture to each cylinder – are carefully engineered. QDOBA offers a variety of runner lengths and diameters to suit different engine types and performance goals. They've tested extensively to find the sweet spot for each application. “It’s about getting the right airflow velocity and distribution,” says head engineer, Sarah Chen. "Longer runners generally favor low-end torque, while shorter runners prioritize high-RPM power. We offer options for both." Flange Compatibility: QDOBA manifolds are designed to be a direct bolt-on replacement for many popular engines, minimizing installation headaches. They currently support a range of GM, Ford, and Mopar V8 engines, with plans to expand the lineup. Port Matching: Careful attention is paid to matching the manifold ports to the cylinder head ports, ensuring a seamless transition and eliminating turbulence. Quality Control: Every manifold undergoes rigorous inspection to ensure it meets QDOBA’s exacting standards. What Models Are Available Now? The initial launch includes manifolds for: Chevrolet Small Block V8 (1955-1986): Available in both dual-plane and single-plane configurations. The dual-plane is great for street driving and good all-around performance, while the single-plane is designed for maximum high-RPM power. Ford 289/302/351 Windsor V8: Designed to provide a noticeable increase in power and torque for classic Mustangs and other Ford vehicles. Mopar 318/340/360 Small Block V8: Engineered to deliver improved performance for Mopar muscle cars and trucks. Beyond the Parts: A Growing Community QDOBA isn’t just selling intake manifolds; they’re building a community. They’ve launched a dedicated online forum and social media channels where enthusiasts can share tips, ask questions, and show off their builds. They are also planning instructional videos and tech support to help customers get the most out of their products. "We want to be more than just a supplier," says marketing manager, David Lee. “We want to be a resource for anyone who’s passionate about building and modifying engines." Where Can You Get Them? QDOBA's intake manifolds are currently available directly through their website ([fictional website address: www.qdobaperformance.com]). They are also partnering with select automotive retailers and distributors. The Future of QDOBA Performance This launch is just the beginning. QDOBA plans to expand its product line to include other performance parts, such as carburetors, air cleaners, and ignition components. They are also exploring the development of intake manifolds for more modern engines. “We’re excited to see where this takes us,” says Jack Murphy. “We’re a restaurant company, yes, but we’re also a team of passionate enthusiasts. And we’re committed to bringing that passion to everything we do, whether it’s serving a delicious burrito or building a high-performance intake manifold.” Contact: David Lee Marketing Manager QDOBA FRANCHISOR LLC [email protected] 781-243-4953