Topic: vortec heads/manifold and air cleaner clearance
in Forum: C3 Engines
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Picked up a set of 062 Vortecs and matching GMPP aluminum manifold today from a Craigslist seller. Everything looks to be in pretty good shape (although the heads will get a valve job, re-spring, screw-in studs, etc) and I'm pretty excited about the setup. My plan was to use the stock air cleaner ass'y or similar, but I do have some concerns about clearance with the stock hood. I've read a few posts on this site and others about clearance problems and dropped-base air cleaners, but after some measuring today I think there's a chance I'll be OK. The manifold I bought is similar to this one, but I think mine is an older version:
daveo76 2011-04-30 21:40:32
The reason I think I'm OK is that lining it up with a regular Edelbrock Performer it appears as if the carb base is at exactly the same height - almost as if it was designed to match. And it seems like a lot of guys have switched to Performers on otherwise stock setups without problems. But they both are about a 1/2" higher than the original GM cast iron manifold. Is there any clearance at all on the stock setups?
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
I can speak only of my experience with the '78 L82 I used to own. This was with stock heads, not Vortec. I installed a Performer intake and it worked fine. It was slightly higher and pushed the stock air cleaner into the hood insulation a bit, but no big deal. The Performer also places the carburetor slight further back, closer to the distributor. No problems, though, but one of the cold air duct hoses was slightly stretched to connect. Again...no big deal.
The Performer was a positive addition.
Excellent, pretty much what I was thinking would be the case. Thanks!
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
Yep, I'm thinking a little modeling clay might be in order!
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
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Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
[QUOTE=daveo76]Yep, I'm thinking a little modeling clay might be in order! [/QUOTE]
That's what I did. Located it at several areas around the air filter housing. I also went to a button head screw in place of the wing nut with threaded rod.
So which manifold are you running, Suncountry? And with the stock air cleaner?
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
I copied this from an earlier post I did on this subject.
I am running a GMPP 350HO vortec heads a RPM manifold with a Berry Grant 650 dbl pumper carb. I had to go with a drop base air filter housing and I think the K&N is 3" tall. Just barely clears the hood.
I also add I have a 1/2" carb spacer so the accelerator pump clears the manifold. I am using a button head screw to hold the air cleaner on. Here is a picture of the setup
The filter in the one picture came with the assembly with I changed out for the K&N. I also did not use the bow-tie wing nut to hold the filter down.
Thanks for the info and pics. Your engine bay looks great!
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
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Glendale, AZ - USA
Joined: 1/19/2011
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Vette(s): 76 Stingray, 37000 miles L-48 350 Automatic
Showroom condition Matching numbers completely stock as it came out of the factory
Some engine upgrades!
We are running into the same problem
I have seen a dual snorkle carb hat that fits the 4bbl
The carb hat is only 3 1/2" tall from the ring of the carb. Thats about all the clearance I have
It just touches the hood when it's closed. I dont need a hold down bolt. The hood holds it in place..... untill I break a motor mount.
in Forum: C3 Engines
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