hey hamb dudes..gonna checkout the local swapmeet this weekend for a 4 barrel manifold for my '62 283...which is better to buy a cast iron,or an aluminum manifold??..also what should i look for besides stripped holes!!and for any washington state hambers the big coastal swapmeet at cloverdale fairgrounds is this weekend...thanks,,,craig
Cast iron ones will be dirt cheap, but heavier. However, cast iron stockers aren't as delicate as aluminum, so the threads are normally in better shape. For a mild or stock 283, a stock cast iron 4v intake works great with a rebuilt pre-feedback Quadrajet. For an earlier look, you can hunt down a cast iron 4v intake with the old square bore pattern and run an old 4CG carb or a Carter. Those intakes will also have the oil tube in front for a "period correct" feel! Aluminum intakes for small Chevys are nearly COUNTLESS! There are HUNDREDS of factory and aftermarket offerings to choose from, so you can afford to be a little bit picky! With so many out there, don't jump on the first one that comes along...there will be LOTS to pick from at every swap meet! Look for a dual plane intake in good shape...no chipped corners or stripped threads. Happy Hunting!
[ QUOTE ] ...Look for a dual plane intake in good shape...no chipped corners or stripped threads. .. [/ QUOTE ] also check the rear corners where the manifold blocks off the head's water passages, and inside the crossover where the thermostat is for coolant erosion from the inside. I'm abut to junk a 12year old Performer manifold because it's leeaking coolant right through the casting and I've already JB welded it, to keep it going a while. (I have three cast iron replacemets to choose from. Just can't decide whether to go with a 2Jet or stick with the QJet on a Camaro intake.)
Speaking of which, I've got an old two barrel with that front oil drain pipe in the front.. I think it looks cool. How in the hell do you get that off? I want it for my four barrel intake.
[ QUOTE ] For an earlier look, you can hunt down a cast iron 4v intake with the old square bore pattern and run an old 4CG carb or a Carter. Those intakes will also have the oil tube in front for a "period correct" feel! [/ QUOTE ] thats what im looking for ..i have a carter afb...i was told its a 750,,,thats all jibberish to me,, is there a way to tell...will i run into anyproblems with the*****erflys on an old cast iron manifold???sorry this isnt my area..
So long as your Carter carb bolts to the intake and the throttle plates don't hit the bores in the manifold, you should be good to go! Carter AFB carbs are reliable as heck and good for a daily driver. When it comes to small block Chevys...finding an intake is about as easy as it gets!
kojack, the oil fill tube is just a push in tube. a tight press fit so it will come out. if you can get a punch just smaller than the outside diameter of the tube and knock it out gently. i have had them come out wih just a twist of the hand on the tube. jerry
If you buy aluminum be sure and take a straight edge and check for straightness where it bolts to the head. They have a habit of warping. If it is a 750cfm carter is is way to big for a stock or simi-stock 283 my $.02
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