[monzter]

Don't flame me, But I have searched anywhere here on this forum and google also, but can't seem to find the information i'm looking for

So here's the thing, we have a set of these "swirl" port heads on buddy's 350, came originally equipped I think, and we got a very good deal on Weiand Stelth intake for '55-86' SBC.
Before we run ahead and buy this intake, I would like to ask a few question's here first.

I have heard that you need to modify the 4 center bolt holes in the intake manifold because the bolt holes in the '87 + heads are at steeper angle.

Does any one have the correct information on how i can modify the intake manifold to get it to fit my head's properly.

No changing heads is not an option here.

Monzter.

[ericnova72]

Once you have the intake in hand it will be obvious what you need to do. It involves taking a die grinder to the two intake bolt areas of the intake, on both sides below where the carb sits. Bolt angle is 72° compared to 90° IIRC, you have to slot the hole and fab up some angled washers to go under the heads of the bolts. You can buy the washers also, from the intake companies.

[monzter]

What are these particular washer's called ?
It would also be grate if you could find a picture of such washer of the internet and post in the thread. So I could get the picture.

Thanks.
Monzter..

[ericnova72]

Originally Posted by monzter

What are these particular washer's called ?
It would also be grate if you could find a picture of such washer of the internet and post in the thread. So I could get the picture.

Thanks.
Monzter..

Sorry, never made the swap myself as there isn't an 87+ head worth using, until you get to the real Vortec stuff, as far as I am concerned. I just know the basics of what needs to be done to adapt the intake. try taking a look at Edelbrock's or Wieand's web sites for parts particular to the 87+ heads bolt angle fit.

If you are looking for a performance gain you are wasting your time. If you just want to use an aluminum intake you will have to search for what you are looking for. Sorry I couldn't help you more.

[ericnova72]

I found mention of these bolt "bushings" at the Professional Products web site but couldn't find a picture. Weiand and Edelbrock both just referenced grinding the intake to fit, no mention of bolt bushings or angled washers. You may need to go to a speed shop that has master catalogs and just start looking.

[matt167]

I know that Speedway motors has manifolds listed that say they come with the 'adaptors' to fit them on the newer heads.. and the 'adaptors' should be available seperate..

they are the generic unlabeled manifolds they sell, which I think are Professional products or somthing like that

[techinspector1]

Originally Posted by monzter

changing heads is not an option here.

BULL HOCKEY. Whack your buddy up side the head with a good, stout piece of hickory and bring him to his senses. Even when polished, a turd remains a turd.

[monzter]

LoL I see where you're going. but since the engine is only in a Caprice Classic Cruiser that's ok, the engine perform's just ok too around 4500. That's more than acceptable for this particular cruiser.
Thanks.

Monzter.

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by monzter

I have heard that you need to modify the 4 center bolt holes in the intake manifold because the bolt holes in the '87 + heads are at steeper angle.

Does any one have the correct information on how i can modify the intake manifold to get it to fit my head's properly.

Enlongating the existing bolt holes of the intake will get you lined up w/the holes in the head.

The washers need to be 18 degrees on the 'bottom' to mate the flange to the "new" bolt angles.

Don't make the slots wider, just lengthen them only as much as needed to get the bolts in w/o binding. Be sure the gasket doesn't interfere w/the bolts. There shouldn't be any problem if you use a gasket that matches the later head.

Good luck.

[BigEd36]

The Professional Products part number for the manifold adapter bushings is 52110. They are available from Summit as well as many of the performance parts suppliers. The ones available from Professional Products are made to be used with their manifolds that have a larger opening around the bolt to put their adapter bushings into. You can either machine out your manifold to use these as is, or just machine off the bottom part of the adapter bushings to use the wedge with your manifold as it comes (much easier).

This is how they come from Professional Products:


From the Professional Products webpage, this is how they look in a Professional Products manifold:


This is what you need:


This is how they will go on the manifold:


Here are some that were cut from aluminum on a band saw:


Monzter, this is the webpage where I found this info. http://www.persh.org/pickup/TBI%20Intake%20Manifold.htm It shows all the info you will need about using the aluminum manifold with the 87-95 heads. This page shows using them with a TBI intake, but everything will be the same.

I would recommend getting some bolts with smaller heads than those shown in the pics, those are going to be a real b**** to service. You'll need slightly longer bolts to allow for the extra thickness of the adapters.

Hope this helps,
Ed