Advantages of Aluminum intake?

[MerganserMaster]

I am pretty sure that my intake seals on my 302 V8 need to be redone as I didn't do the best job putting them on initially (I was more concerned about getting the motor running to start with and it was my first time ever doing them) so I plan on redoing them this winter. However, my stock cast iron intake is also a bit rusty and although I could repaint it, I think putting an aluminum intake on might be quicker/look better in the end. However, besides the weight reduction and better cosmetics - are there any real advantages to switching to aluminum?

I would still run the stock carburetor and replacement air cleaner unit and the only other modification I can see is that there are headers installed (and possibly a camshaft upgrade as I see permatex seeping from the water pump/timing chain covers?). In my process of getting the motor to run I had to swap out the stock, studded heads with later (1986) mustang heads that have the "screw-in" rockers. Other than that the motor is "stock" as far as I can tell (it was previously owned by someone in SC who used it for some kind of offroading so it may have changes I dont know about).

 

[DirtDonk]

There might be other advantages, depending…

Are you going to try to find an aluminum 2-bbl intake? Not sure they exist in any normal form. I’m sure they’re out there, but not often right off the shelf.
I would check with Summit though, just to be sure. Or maybe just Google it.

There are advantages to running 4-barrel carburetors, but if you run a two barrel carburetor with an adapter to a four barrel manifold, there might actually be disadvantages. I don’t really know.
Generally speaking, a four barrel intake is not a downgrade.
But whether or not you will see your performance go up with your setup, it’s hard to say.
Your current running tune might not even be optimal because they might not have re-jetted the carburetor for the headers. Especially if there’s a cam involved.
Stock carburetor is a distinct limitation on a performance engine. At least at higher RPM and/or throttle openings.
You could get a cam reading from a pushrod at some point. That way you would know for sure if you had a cam.

 

[Madgyver]

weight, 2V to 4V carbs options,

 

[MerganserMaster]

There might be other advantages, depending…

Are you going to try to find an aluminum 2-bbl intake? Not sure they exist in any normal form. I’m sure they’re out there, but not often right off the shelf.
I would check with Summit though, just to be sure. Or maybe just Google it.

There are advantages to running 4-barrel carburetors, but if you run a two barrel carburetor with an adapter to a four barrel manifold, there might actually be disadvantages. I don’t really know.
Generally speaking, a four barrel intake is not a downgrade.
But whether or not you will see your performance go up with your setup, it’s hard to say.
Your current running tune might not even be optimal because they might not have re-jetted the carburetor for the headers. Especially if there’s a cam involved.
Stock carburetor is a distinct limitation on a performance engine. At least at higher RPM and/or throttle openings.
You could get a cam reading from a pushrod at some point. That way you would know for sure if you had a cam.

Thanks I wasn't aware of this before, I will definitely look into checking the pushrod movement to determine if there is a cam or not.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I know of a factory aluminum 2-barrel intake. but it is rare and doesn't flow that well.
Weight savings is a big one, added bonus for removing weight up high and forward.
The aftermarket stuff will outflow the stock stuff, but watch hood clearance as they typically raise the carb pad to fit larger (and straighter) intake runners.
There isn't that much to be gained by keeping the stock 2-barrel carb, it will be the flow restriction. A decent 4-barrel can gain advantages by keeping a smaller primary that does a good job of atomizing the fuel through the smaller venturis while being able to open the secondaries under high load scenes. I know I could tell a big difference when I accidently locked the secondaries closed (tail of the worm clamp on the PCV held it shut)

 

[73azbronco]

based on what you are asking, stay stock, wire wheel the intake, paint, reinstall, and I bet everything fits right. Going aluminum can inject some unintended results like leaks.

Yes, I have an aluminum intake. It was machined to fit my engine. Still had to pull it after first engine run for a leak.

 

[DirtDonk]

Thanks I wasn't aware of this before, I will definitely look into checking the pushrod movement to determine if there is a cam or not.

To do this accurately, I believe that you'd want to remove one rocker arm. This releases any pressure on the lifter exerted by the valve spring. Ensuring that you're getting a more accurate (consistent) measurement.
To do it all up right, you'll want a degree wheel. But you can tell whether or not you have an aftermarket cam just from the amount of lift you see at the pushrod/lifter.

Paul