Has anyone ever modified a TPI base plate to fit heads without the four 72 degree center bolt holes? Anyone?

 

Easy. You just egg out the bottom of the holes so that the bolts can go in at the right angle, and for the top, if you're good you can cut the angle into the intake so the bolt sits flat. If not then you can buy angle beveled washers to take up the angle.

 

He said it all right there. :hail:

Now does anyone know if '87 and newer heads will bolt to a '86 or older block? I've never tried this before, but I'm curious.

 

The same thing applies, only in reverse. You still widen the base of the hole, only the other direction. Then cut the top or use beveled washers as suggested above.

BTW, the after market bases (like the edelbrock) have both bolt hole angles built in, so you can use them on either type of head.

 

I could have sworn I saw some angled washer like things sold in one of the parts mags mad to use just for this purpose but I can't seem to find them again. I actual will need to do something to use the 89 tpi I bought for my vette with my tfs heads.