360 small block intake manifold pulled off today, with pics

[Paul G]

Decided to pull the intake off today. I had an engine oil leak somewhere on the back side. I think oil was coming through the sealant at the back of the engine block. No rubber gasket just sealant. I could see where oil was getting past little channels in the sealant. I sure hope that was it!

The motor has Crane gold roller rocker arms  . I was hoping to find a roller cam as well , but no luck . Flat tappets. The $60 VR1 racing oil, oil changes will have to continue.

The heads look like they have had the intake runners ported some. The intake manifold ports look like they could be opened up some more. Is it worth while doing a little more to the intake while it is off, or not? It is an older Edelbrock Performer intake manifold. It accepts spread bore or square bore carbs. I am using a Holley 750 square bore carb.

What is the best choice for gaskets? Any tips for re-assembly

And a stupid question, any well to tell if it has a stroker crank in it?

[chargerbr549]

I would probably run a different intake manifold such as a  edelbrock performer rpm they have better ports to match your ported 360 heads, the performer 318/360 intake has smaller runners and are more suited for stock style 318 ports and more of a stock type build motor, although you could spend the time and open up the ports to match your heads but I don't think it would compare to the performer rpm. I would probably stay with the stock style fiber manifold gaskets and then use some ultra black silicone or something similiar on the ends of the intake instead of the using the stock cork style gaskets to seal the ends.

Kevin

[FLG]

Also change to the felpro gasket that blocks off that middle heat crossover, it causes nothing but problems.,

[Rayzor]

I would probably run a different intake manifold such as a  edelbrock performer rpm they have better ports to match your ported 360 heads, the performer 318/360 intake has smaller runners and are more suited for stock style 318 ports and more of a stock type build motor, although you could spend the time and open up the ports to match your heads but I don't think it would compare to the performer rpm. I would probably stay with the stock style fiber manifold gaskets and then use some ultra black silicone or something similiar on the ends of the intake instead of the using the stock cork style gaskets to seal the ends.

Kevin

Good advice here. That manifold is doing nothing for you except saving a few pounds over stock.

[resq302]

Also change to the felpro gasket that blocks off that middle heat crossover, it causes nothing but problems.,

The only downfall with that heat cross over being blocked off is that it takes forever to warm up the engine.  I think if I ever need to take mine off I will drill a tiny hole to help with the heat transfer to help the choke warm up.

[firefighter3931]

The Performer manifold has smaller 273-318 sized ports/runners. A nice upgrade would be a vintage LD340 dual plane....check e-bay or classifieds for a clean piece. An RPM air-gap is also an excellent option but requires taller throttle/kickdown linkage while the LD340 will work well with all the stock stuff. The LD340 is on par performance-wise with the RPM. On a mild build like yours they would be identical in terms of power output. 


Ron

[Paul G]

Doing a little research the LD340 looks a whole lot like an Edelbrock RPM. Some say it performs about the same too. Finding an LD340 may prove to be difficult.    

I have very little clearence between the air cleaner and hood. Maybe 1/4". Not good, especially when the left motor mount broke! I tried a drop base air cleaner bottom, 1 1/4" drop. Had issues with it hitting the linkage and upper rad hose. Too much drop.

I spent some time on Summits site. I could possibly use the RPM Air Gap intake with either an AFE .875 drop base with my 3" x 14" air filter, or using a 2"x14" air filter instead of my 3". I wonder if the 2" air filter would be my best bet? Would I even notice a difference in the loss of 1"? The RPM intake is actually .72" taller than the Performer intake I have. Using the 2" filter or .875 drop base would give me .28" more clearence than I have now. Then I just have to deal with the linkage issues.

[Paul G]

Well, I think I have one issue resolved. Sat down on the garage floor with some wood and some hammers.  I convinced my air cleaner to give up almost an inch in height. The air cleaner nut used to be flush with the top of the threads. Now I have almost an inch of thread showing. 

[firefighter3931]

The LD340 is lower than the RPM intake....definately more user friendly with stock linkages and limited hood clearance. Check e-bay....these come up for sale regularly, be patient. 


Ron

[resq302]

Yes, the LD340s are out there.  I just sold one a year or two ago.

[maxwellwedge]

ooops - Thought I found one for you...

[Cooter]

I think I got one dem Performer 318-360 Aluminum intakes..