Got gasket?

I'm contemplating installing intake gaskets with the heat crossover blocked. Do these exist? I've found that T/A sells a soft (not tin) intake gasket, but I've not found anything to block the heat crossover. Do these exist, or do I need to fab something?

 

Jim

Measure the diameter of the holes and go to an auto parts store and buy a small freeze plug to fit. Tap the plug into the hole and your crossovers are plugged,

 

Ok, call me ignorant... what is gained by blocking the heat crossovers on the intake? Cooler intake charge?

 

I'm with David here.. What's that help? Also, wouldn't that kill the choke coil on a divorced choke system? Kill, make unusable, void out, etc..

 

Jim,

Was just about to answer your email, but I will do it here..


Blocking the exhaust crossover in the manifold is a pretty old trick, and works just fine with the divorced choke.. unless your driving the car in cold temps. I typically will play with the tension of the choke a little, to make sure it just barely closes the choke blade in the airhorn, at 70* ambient temp.

To my knowledge, no gasket exists to do this. Like Dave said, go find some frost plugs and tap them in.. 18MM fits like a champ on the big block heads, have not done it to a 350.

If you live in a colder climate, and drive the car in the early spring and late fall, drill a 1/8 inch hole in each plug.

Yes, it is to reduce the temp of the manifold.

JW

PS.. call TA for your exhaust... nice stuff, and the tailpipes are right...

 

Jim, the paint on the crossovers on my 350 is pretty much burned off...is that normal?

 

Such as maybe in these photos I just took? Don't mind the heatshrink on the plug wire.. ou: Once I'm able to correctly (read: without nicking) strip and crimp wires, Accel 8.8 Race goes in..

Full View
Right Side
Left Side

Also, which side to you put the freeze plug? Head or Intake?

 

Well, my intake isn't quite as "well done" as yours, Scott! Mine is pretty much just browned...

 

Heck, I might have a pic here too...yep, you can just see where mine is "browned".

 

If you're wondering what that smaller diameter black hose is...yes, it is the fuel line going around to the other rear side of the Carter AFB fuel inlet, with a big ugly NAPA fuel filter stickin' up in the air next to the air cleaner... Just a 625, that's what was on when I bought the car. I think a 750 QJ would look good, and add a little oomph maybe. But I'm saving my pennies for more power than that. :laugh:

 

Scott, where the heck is your V/C breather tube going?

 

David,

Yup, all meat must be "Well Done" at this house... LOL :laugh:

And I thought my engine looked messy! hahahaha :spank: Wires here, hoses there.. But hey, whatever works! :TU:

What valve covers you have? Sure looks purdy!

Q-Jets ain't exspensive at yards, the problem is finding one in good shape... Pretty easy to work on tho..

The PVC V/C hose that used to run to the aircleaner now just hangs freely over the M/C with the cheap white plastic filter shoved on the end.. Simple, cheap and hey, it works... p

One day, I'll have enough for some good valve covers and do it up proper like.. But alas... There's never enough money...

 

Well, now that you mention it, you are getting a bit on the grimy side...

Oh, they're just stock 71 or 72 covers. I had them off when I was trying out some aluminum covers, so I sanded them down and repainted them. I had so much trouble with the alum covers, and the stock ones looked so good with new paint, that I decided to stick with the stock look.

I might have to look around the 'yard next summer for a QJ... I'll be needing one eventually for the 455 project anyway.

I hear ya... :ball:

 

Blocking off the exhaust crossover will let your intake manifold run cooler, theoretically producing a denser intake charge. My point is to make every attempt to keep my top end cool. I've had some trouble along those lines and (WARNING) I was just thinking!!! The bow tie and blue oval guys do it all the time. In a state which rarely sees low temps, I really don't need it as much as someone who lives in, say, North Dakota. Sorry Dave, couldn't resist.:grin:

 

:laugh: Actually, there probably aren't any cars like ours that are driven up here from November to April, so it's not too much of a factor here either.