With the stock TPI setup, I had to loosen the runner to manifold bolts to get the plenum off. I've heard others say they didn't have to. Now with the Edelbrock setup, I can almost get the plenum down, but the gaskets move when I tap it in place. Now, my mechanic is warning me that I 'll break the runners if I don't loosen the bottom first. To loosen the bottom, i have to remove the valve covers which is even harder than normal with the fat a$$ edelbrock runners. So, do I have to loosen the runners to manifold bolts? Will I break the runners if I don't? Does everyone have to do this? Any ideas on what to do with the gaskets?
This TPI and aftermarket TPI experience has taught me a bunch - next time, I'll make up a converted carb manifold. It'll perform better and be just as easy (or hard) to make work.

 

you're a quick learner!!

carb yeah!



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*I do custom performance mods on Edlebrock Performer carburetors (dualplane intake mods in the works),
White 1986 Irocz, 305 with iron #416 heads,
383 with aluminum TFS heads,
Edlebrock Performer-RPM intake and Performer #1407 carburetor, +110hp shot of crack, 700R-4 tranny, Vigilante 2400 lockup converter, 3.25:1 Ford 9" rear, Mcreary Road-Stars, SLP-stainless 1.75" shortie headers & Y-pipe, single 3" Borla exhaust, Linginfelter-TPI camshaft part number 74216 pulls 17" vacuum solid. Cam specs 213/219 @.050 114-LSA, sometimes advertised at 216/219 @.050 112-LSA .462/.470 lift @1.5:1 ratio. Using Harland Sharp 1.65:1 roller rockers. MSD-6AL, billet distributor, multi-retard, blaster-3 coil, and RPM switch. SouthSide machine subframe connectors, SSM lift-bars, Moroso 4" underdrive crank pulley.

N/A runs 10.9 @124,
Crack-runs 10.3 @135
haven't run at track since Oct-99
* vizit miy homepayge * http://www.geocities.com/trailerparkpage/

 

Don't want the carb, but the manifold 4bbl manifold wih efi sounds tempting.

 

Yes, you probably have to loosen the runner- to-intake bolts slightly to keep from ruining your upper gasket. Why such tall valve covers? I can have my plenum off and back on in ten minutes. Course I still have stock valve covers.

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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI
Edelbrock Hi-Flow Intake
SLP Dual Cold Air Intake
1 5/8" Headers
Semi-Siamesed Runners
MSD6AL/relocated MAT/ AdjFPR/IROC frnt@rear swaybar/wonderbar/steeringbox/alum drvshaft/ Alston SFC/3:23posi disc rear/MAC LCA/H.Adams Panhard Rod/KYB struts/ shocks/
92Z28convt5spd
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

 

Stock valve covers, stock heads. The edelbrock manifold and runners seem to be the source of all fitment issues.

 

i have the edelbrock intake and runners, stock valve covers,, YOU DO NOT need to take them off to get to the bolts, you just neeed the right extensions.. ive take the runners off numerous times and never had to take the valve covers off

 

What extensions do you have? I had to cut apart a 6mm allen wrench to make an extra long and an extra short allen driver, which I had to put in a 1/4" 6mm socket to clear the runners - 3/8" 6mm hex wouldn't work because the socket part is too fat. I can get to all of the upper runner to manifold bolts now (having to move a lot of crap like PCV and EGR solenoid - for a Vette), but the bottom ones look impossible. I'd have to go down at an angle and then in towards the engine with no room for even a 1/4" universal. I could possibly custom bend a 6mm allen to work, but I don't see how any other way could work. Do thirdgens run different valve covers than vettes?

Anyway, I got it together with an extra pair of hands. Just took some creativity. Thanks for the replies and please let me know if you have a good way to get to the lower manifold to runner bolts.