87 sbc intake manifold question

[Toqwik]

I just bought a rebuilt 87 305 for my model A. is the intake manifold the same as older chevies, or did they change em in 87. Not use to foolin with this "new" stuff. Scott--permanent junior member

[Toqwik]

Also, how can you visually tell the difference?

[Brother Bob]

Check the intake manifold bolts in the center . If they are at a angle( old style) if they are straight (vertical) new style. The new style fastburn type head is a good one and there are several carburated intakes for them. I guess this engine doesnt have a intake on it?
The serial number would set it stone for ya. Check out Fat hack's post on 305's. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[justice]

The two center holes on both sides of the 1986 and later heads are vertical vs. the pre-86 style which are at an angle.
A lot of people slot out the older style manifolds to make them work. You can also use a spacer/bushing and longer bolts. However, it is best to just buy an intake to match the later model heads.
Now the Vortec heads are a completely different creature. They are equipped for use with only four intake bolts on each side.
If you are fortunate enough to have grabbed a set of these heads, get off the spare change and buy the Eddie RPM performer.

Justice


Justice

[Deuce Roadster]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif


The FastBurn heads were NOT available in 87.....they came later and only have 4 bolts per side for the intake.

The other info is correct.........of the 6 intake bolts per side...the center 2 will be straight up while the other 4 will be like the 55 - 86 style. They are like the earlier heads except fot the 2 center intake bolts and they use centerbolt valve covers.


Vortecs came out in 96.


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Deuce Roadster]

Justice must have been typing faster than I......

[Ayers Garage]

See picture for the poor boy way to install the common intake on the later model heads

But, you guys are trying too hard. Simple enough, the 87 up heads have center bolt valve covers. Much easier to spot than angle of the middle bolts.

[Thirdyfivepickup]

All correct, BUT, factory aluminum heads like the L98 heads on the Vette had the conventional angle on the two center bolts. So as long as the heads are cast iron, the center bolts will go straight down. Keep in mind that the 4 outside bolts are longer than the rest of the bolts, pulling threads might be a problem.
A company called Professional Products has an intake that will fit either head pattern... using supplied bushings. It should be under $90 new. Darn near identical to the Performer by Edelbrock, just doesn't look quite as good.

[choprods]

Like they said before....al except that a vortec takes not only all four cornersbolts are straight up and none are there where the old motor had two center bolts on each side....but the catch is the intake is also a lot WIDER than an old sbc is......

[Crease]

Deuce,

Maybe you can shed some light on a situation Im past, but has always bugged me. I bought a Edelbrock intake that was manufactured, or atleast designed, in 1955 (C355). Tried to bolt it onto my 79' motor and I could see right into the ports. In other words, the intake didn't come close to fitting. I've talked to lots of guys, who's opinion I respect, and they all say that there is no difference between the 2 intake arrangements. Like I said, the problem is solved, but it still confuses me. A C362 bolted right up.

Crease
Barons So Tex

[Toqwik]

so even if I modify the center 2 bolt holes, being a wider intake is used on the 87-up motor, it still won't work? I have a tunnel ram I want to run on this car, but don't wanna hack it it to see if it will work......Scott

[Ayers Garage]

No, If you mod the center bolt holes like my picture shows, you can use it on the later model heads. That intake in the picture has over 100k miles on a 94 model engine. That's an Edelbrock SP2P intake from the early 70s. They are not wider or narrower, or whatever. Just the angle on the middle 4 bolts.

[Fat Hack]

If it's a real issue, by a set of pre-1987 305 heads for your engine. They'll bolt up and solve your intake manifold worries! A set of rebuilt stockers shouldn't cost you more than about $250, and you'll be able to use that tunnel ram and any standard small block Chevy valve covers, too.

[Fat Hack]

Just another thought...if your engine is freshly rebuilt, then you can probably swing an exchange deal for the older style heads with a local shop, probably for only a few extra dollars out of your pocket, if any.