Older 455 Performer intake, 72 heads, and what valley pan?

In my research I keep seeing different posts about compatibility with 72 heads on earlier blocks and older Performer intakes may not match up because Smog pumps/A.I.R. My '72 1241735 455 block which came out of an Electra, also came with 1242445 heads (internet says 70-72 heads) and was supposedly running when pulled so I know the block and heads are compatible. I got rid of the stock intake so can't look at it.... my questions are about the Edelbrock Performer intake, and it being so old. It is new to me, but never installed but has a date code of 1/29/92.

1- Do all the water ports, and/or oiling holes look like they will line up and work properly? The heads have small square holes in front and back and believe the intake has them just in the front or also mayne one on one side in the rear, can't remember.

2- The center water port on the intake is small like '71 or earlier heads, and the 72 heads have a big rectangular port, does it matter?

3- Do I need any modifications to make them work? I saw where you have to drill tap and plug a head but believe that might be if using a 72 and up head with 71 and earlier block?

4- And would you order the first valley pan gasket below with larger center port, oe second with smaller center port? I already ordered the first one, hope it's right.

All my stuff is at the shop and don't trust 100% that they will catch the little things...

Here's a link to my build post but not sure I have 100% got an answer on these questions.
http://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/72-455-build-compatibility-and-clearances.392011/

Thanks

 

I don’t believe they made performer intakes until many years later but I could be wrong. They did make edelbrock b4b intakes back then though.

 

That intake will cover the AIR ports.

FWIW, 70-71 heads didn't have AIR ports.

 

The center port on the intake is exhaust cross over, NOT water

 

Performers where still at twinkle in Vic Edeldrocks eye's back in 72, he was still selling B4s.
A performer will always say such cast into it.

 

Knock some expansion plugs into the crossover holes on the head, use TA 1710 .015 (or .032 if required) intake gaskets and buy an Aluminum valley pan from Mike Phillips (ampmike@aol.com) or fashion one out of a stock vally pan with the port flanges cut off. This will give you the flexibility to align the gaskets and ports on each head individually.

 

Thanks all. Sorry but the date code is 1/29/1992 not '72. Haha

 

Thanks. The date code is 1992 haha. Sorry but not sure what you mean. What ports in the pics do you mean on the heads? The I tried to look for the TA part number and a bunch with the same # come up. Aquare hole.or roujd hole.etc. Thanks

 

Thanks Larry. Sorry I really do need everything explained like I'm a second grader, it helps.. haha.

So to sum up your reply:
I understand the center crossover port now.
If I am using an electric choke, which I will be, it might be best to plug to plug this small center hole in the center exhaust crossover.
I will use the Fel-Pro 96014 I ordered. I see the air holes you mention. Are the outer holes for these out circled also air holes? Seems weird that the gasket covers the center 2 holes but leaves a hole in the outer 2 (even though there is no hole there on the intake).

I know I am overthinking but don't trust that the shop will catch all the little details.

Thanks Larry/All for your help!

 

Thanks Larry, yep the pic on the right is what was on it. (which I got rid of). I had to call TA today to check on a few parts and asked them about the AIR holes and they said with the Performer intake I should plug those 4 AIR holes. I also found the Performer instruction manual that says you should plug those 5/16 holes as well.

Performer Intake Manifold for Buick 400-455 V8, Non-EGR, Satin Finish - Edelbrock, LLC.

2146, 2515 - Buick 455 & B4B Performer Intake Manifold.qxp (edelbrock-instructions-v1.s3.amazonaws.com)

EMISSION SYSTEMS: These manifolds will not accept stock EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) equipment or exhaust-heated chokes. EGR systems are used on most 1972 and later model vehicles. These manifolds are also not compatible with AIR (Air Injection Reactor) systems and the 5/16” holes must be plugged on 1972 and later cylinder heads. Check local laws for requirements. These manifolds are not legal for use on any emissions controlled vehicle where such equipment is required.

Being a 1970 car, emissions are not an issue for me . TA does not make a kit to plug the holes though. I would have thought it is not necessary if the intake covers them up.