Hey guys, I have a problem that I need some light shed on. I've read some other topics on here but haven't really seen an answer that helps me totally.
I needed to put a motor in my 92 RS 305TBI. I got my hands on a Target/ Goodwrench 305 with 30k. It's a longblock that was TPI, one piece rear main and came from an 86 camaro. Planned on swapping my intake to it (completely forgetting the head change in 87) and naturally the center holes don't line up. I've read about reaming the holes bigger and shimming it and I really don't want to try it, seeing as if I mess it up I don't have the budget to buy a new intake. I've googled stuff and found people claiming to have an 86 TBI motor, but I can't find that this exists. Is that a real combo that I can get an intake from or how can I make my intake bolt to these heads without drilling? I'm new to putting small block Chevy's together and really need the help. It's my daily driver and I need it running asap. Thank you, all input is appreciated.

 

You may not have a choice. It's called "elongating" the holes. You just drill them out to fit. I wouldn't be too worried about a TBI intake manifold

 

I might try messing with the holes, if I go that route I'd prefer to have a machine shop do it, although budget is an issue. I did find that you can get a tbi adapter for a 4bbl intake, that's another possibility. Then reading into that I'm seeing distributor height could be an issue with a different intake. I'd really like to find the best way to do this without too much modification.

 

You don't make them " bigger" , you just open the top up to accommodate the different bolt angle.The hole location on the underside is in the same position on either style head

How hard is it to get a round file and slowly file the hole out until you have the correct angle on those 4 bolt holes?
And use a thick washer under the bolt head
Some aftermarket intakes come with the holes like that so one intake fit both early and late heads

 

i've modified a couple of brand new Edelbrock 2101 intakes (86 and earlier) to fit on 87 heads with just a 3/8" drill bit.. just stick it in the hole, fire up the drill, and use it to elongate the holes until you can set it on the engine and start the bolts by hand.. takes about 30 seconds per hole... this was before i had a die grinder, which is what i'd use now...

it worked for putting an older intake on newer heads, so i can't see why it wouldn't work to put a newer intake on older heads..