Sourcing quality rotating-assembly and induction components can be the difference between a reliable street cruiser and a weekend headache. If you are building or refreshing a V8 — whether it is a small-block Chevy 350, Ford Windsor 347 stroker, Holden 308/355, or a big-block Chevy 454 — two brands dominate the conversation: SCAT for crankshafts and connecting rods, and Edelbrock for intake manifolds. Melbourne builders have a clear local option in Total Performance.
Total Performance — Melbourne's Go-To for SCAT and Edelbrock
Total Performance is a high-performance V8 engine parts specialist based in Thomastown, in Melbourne's northern suburbs. Their showroom and warehouse sit at 1/10 Brand Drive, Thomastown VIC 3074, and they ship Australia-wide to Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. You can call them on 1800 351 351 or shop online at totalperformance.net.au.
Their catalogue covers engine parts for Chevy small-block and big-block, Ford Windsor and Cleveland, LS-series, Holden V8, Chrysler, and Pontiac platforms — making them a genuine one-stop shop for most classic and modern V8 builds.
SCAT Crankshafts, Conrods and Stroker Kits in Stock
SCAT has been manufacturing crankshafts for over 60 years and remains one of the most trusted names in aftermarket rotating assemblies. Their product line-up includes cast steel and forged 4340 steel crankshafts, I-Beam and H-Beam connecting rods, complete stroker kits, flexplates, and harmonic balancers.
Key SCAT Product Lines
- Series 9000 Cast Crankshafts — Budget-friendly cast cranks ideal for mild to moderate street engines. Available for SBC 350-to-383 stroker, Holden 308-to-355, and Ford Windsor applications.
- 4340 Forged Crankshafts — Premium forged steel cranks for serious performance builds. Options span SB Chevy, BB Chevy, Ford Windsor, Ford Cleveland, and Holden V8.
- H-Beam and I-Beam Connecting Rods — Forged 4340 chromoly steel rods balanced to ±1 gram, available with ARP 8740 or ARP 2000 fasteners.
- Complete Rotating Assemblies — Matched crank, rod and piston packages that simplify ordering and ensure component compatibility.
Total Performance lists SCAT stroker kits, crankshafts and conrods across their Chevy SBC 350, Ford Windsor 347, Ford Cleveland 393/408/427, and Holden V8 categories. You can browse the full SCAT range at totalperformance.net.au/brand/scat.
Edelbrock Intake Manifolds — Authorised Australian Distributor
Total Performance is an authorised Australian Edelbrock distributor, stocking carburettors, intake manifolds, cylinder heads, water pumps and dress-up components. They offer free delivery on orders over $200, knowledgeable technical advice, and full Edelbrock warranty support.
Popular Edelbrock Manifold Families
| Series | Design | Effective RPM Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performer | Dual-plane, low-rise | Idle – 5,500 | Street cruisers, muscle cars, trucks |
| Performer Air-Gap | Dual-plane with air gap | Idle – 5,500 | Street builds wanting cooler intake charge |
| Performer RPM | Dual-plane, high-rise | 1,500 – 6,500 | Modified street/strip engines |
| RPM Air-Gap | Dual-plane, high-rise with air gap | 1,500 – 6,500 | Serious street/strip performance |
| Victor / Victor Jr. | Single-plane | 3,500 – 8,000+ | Competition and race engines |
Edelbrock manifolds are cast and machined in-house in the USA in ISO-9001-certified facilities, ensuring a precision fit right out of the box. Whether you need a Performer #2101 for a small-block Chevy street car or an RPM Air-Gap #7564 for a 351 Cleveland race build, Total Performance keeps a broad selection on the shelf.
Browse their full Edelbrock inventory at totalperformance.net.au/brand/edelbrock.
Why Source Both Brands from One Melbourne Supplier?
Ordering your crankshaft and intake manifold from the same supplier offers several practical advantages:
- Combined shipping — Heavy items like crankshafts attract significant freight costs. Bundling with an intake manifold into one shipment saves money and gets you over the $200 free-shipping threshold faster.
- Expert advice under one roof — Total Performance staff can help you match a SCAT stroker crank stroke length to the correct Edelbrock manifold runner volume for your target power band.
- Warranty and returns — Dealing with a single authorised dealer simplifies any warranty claims on either brand.
- In-store pickup — If you are in Melbourne you can inspect parts in person at the Thomastown showroom before committing.
Choosing the Right SCAT Crank for Your Build
Selecting a crankshaft depends on three core factors: target cubic inches, intended use, and budget.
Cast vs Forged: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | SCAT 9000 Cast | SCAT 4340 Forged |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Proprietary cast steel alloy | Aircraft-quality 4340 forged steel |
| Power Ceiling | ~500 HP (street use) | 700+ HP (race capable) |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter with aero-wing counterweights |
| Price Point | Budget-friendly | Premium |
| Best Application | Mild street strokers, daily drivers | High-RPM, supercharged, nitrous, or turbo builds |
Both tiers feature straight-shot oiling holes, lightening holes in rod throws, and precision micro-polished journals. SCAT forged cranks add aero-wing counterweights that reduce windage for measurable horsepower gains.
Matching Your Edelbrock Manifold to Engine Modifications
An intake manifold is only as effective as its match to the rest of your combination. Here is a practical decision framework:
- Stock cam, stock heads, street car → Edelbrock Performer. The low-rise dual-plane design delivers excellent throttle response from off-idle through 5,500 RPM without sacrificing drivability.
- Aftermarket cam (0.480″+ lift), ported heads → Edelbrock Performer RPM or RPM Air-Gap. Larger plenums and runners feed the extra airflow demand of high-lift cams and free-flowing exhausts.
- Full race, high-RPM combination → Edelbrock Victor Jr. or Victor. Single-plane designs optimised for maximum top-end power above 3,500 RPM.
The Air-Gap variants in particular are worth considering for Australian conditions. The open space beneath the runners insulates them from engine heat, producing a cooler and denser intake charge — a real advantage during Melbourne's warmer months or when idling in traffic.
Practical Tips for Melbourne Buyers
1. Measure Before You Order
Confirm your block's main journal size, rod journal size, and deck height before ordering a SCAT crank. For Edelbrock manifolds, verify your port configuration (e.g., Vortec vs conventional SBC heads) and carburettor flange type (square bore vs spread bore).
2. Check for Complete Kits
SCAT offers complete rotating assemblies that bundle a matched crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, rings, and bearings. These kits remove the guesswork around component compatibility and often represent better value than buying individually.
3. Factor in Balancing
Any new rotating assembly should be professionally balanced. Total Performance can advise on reputable Melbourne engine balancing shops that work with SCAT components regularly.
4. Take Advantage of Free Shipping
Total Performance offers free delivery on orders over $200. A crankshaft alone will typically exceed this threshold, but combining it with an intake manifold, gaskets, and fasteners ensures you maximise the benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy SCAT crankshafts in Melbourne?
Total Performance at 1/10 Brand Drive, Thomastown VIC 3074 stocks SCAT crankshafts, connecting rods and stroker kits for Chevy, Ford, Holden and more. You can shop in store or online at totalperformance.net.au/brand/scat.
Does Total Performance carry Edelbrock intake manifolds?
Yes. As an authorised Australian Edelbrock distributor, Total Performance stocks Performer, Performer RPM, RPM Air-Gap, and Victor series intake manifolds for Chevy, Ford, Chrysler and other popular V8 platforms.
What SCAT crankshaft materials are available?
SCAT offers cast steel Series 9000 crankshafts for street builds and 4340 forged steel crankshafts for high-performance and racing applications. Both types cover a wide range of engine families including SB Chevy, BB Chevy, Ford Windsor, Ford Cleveland, and Holden V8.
Which Edelbrock manifold is best for a street engine?
The Edelbrock Performer is the go-to for most street engines. It is a dual-plane, low-rise design that boosts torque from idle to 5,500 RPM. If you want a cooler intake charge without sacrificing the street-friendly power band, step up to the Performer Air-Gap.
Can I pick up parts in person in Melbourne?
Absolutely. Total Performance operates a showroom and warehouse in Thomastown. You can order online for in-store collection or simply walk in to browse their shelves and speak with the technical team.
Does Total Performance ship interstate?
Yes. They ship Australia-wide to Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, with free delivery on orders over $200.
Key Takeaways
- Total Performance in Thomastown is Melbourne's specialist for both SCAT rotating assemblies and Edelbrock intake manifolds.
- They are an authorised Edelbrock distributor offering full warranty support and competitive pricing.
- SCAT's range spans cast and forged crankshafts, I-Beam and H-Beam conrods, and complete stroker kits for Chevy, Ford, Holden, Chrysler and Pontiac engines.
- Edelbrock's manifold families — Performer, RPM, Air-Gap, and Victor — cover everything from daily drivers to full race engines.
- Buying both brands from one supplier saves freight, simplifies warranty, and lets you tap expert advice to match components correctly.