Aluminum intake & 4 barrel carb install

[Dave Meyer]

Has anyone else done this to their 302 and if you have do you have any good tips? run into any problems? did it make a big difference or not? Did you have to install a stronger fuel pump?
My 2 barrel is starting to act up (I think the float is sticking) and I figured why not upgrade a little.

Thanks ahead of time to any tips
Dave

 

[Explorer]

To be honest, unless you are doing other stuff to the engine like a cam, you will not see any noticeable difference. Fuel pump is fine, just use a bead of sealer on front and back of intake instead of those gaskets. EFI would make a real diff, save the money towards that or update to disc brakes if you don't already have. Lot depends on what you have now to find the best place to spend your money.

 

[DirtDonk]

I'd agree. Although I did do it, and had very good luck. Not that I ever had any real trouble with the stock carb, I just wanted more "versatility". Basically a broader power band. Which I got.
A lot of the members here are running the stock, or modified original, carbs with real good results. My buddy's '77 will wheel over anything without a single stumble or cough. Most don't have quite that good of luck, but still, not bad.
Having said that, I'd do the small 4bbl again. Didn't hurt my mileage (didn't get any better either) but did give me two things I liked. Better acceleration, and way easier to tweak and/or adjust the Carter AFB that I used. Tried Holleys and liked 'em, but results weren't quite as good as the Carters. And did I mention easy to adjust?

As for installation, I used the cork gaskets and have never had any trouble, but like Explorer said, and some manufacturers are now recommending, just toss the end gaskets (you still use the main gaskets) and run a bead of sealer in their place.

Paul

 

[77TnBronco]

This is my method.

ARP thread sealer. Some bolts go into water but I use sealer on all the bolts for equal torque value.

I use gasket Shellac on the intake gaskets both sides, even on print seal gaskets. Cut out water passage on the new gaskets. Theres a little L shape blockage to cut out with a knife/razor on the Felpros. Lay on head, you'll see.

RTV around water passages only, on gaskets, both sides. Smear with finger don't go crazy.

Like everyone says throw out the end seals and use RTV. Run a bead from head to head.

Torque with torque wrench.

* Bonus , Drill a small hole in the thermostat flange and index it at 12 O'clock. This lets air bleed out before the T-stat opens. Makes it easier to purge air from cooling system. I don't use any chrome housing either, they like to leak. Same as the moroso T-fillers.

 

[ep67bro]

I put an edlebrock performer intake with a 500 cfm edlebrock carb on my other wise stock 73 302. I have had good results so far. Throtle response is real good. Only thing you will need to change with that set up is the throtle linkage.

 

[Dave Meyer]

Outstanding advise guys, thanks!

 

[Wyldebill]

Yea Dave, I have an Edelbrock Performer manifold and I put a 500 Holley on it originally when the motor was stock and it is a good combination. You willl probably want to stay around that 500 cfm size on the carb and you may still have to do some float adjusting if you are going off road.

 

[blubuckaroo]

I did it and it worked. Next I added a performer cam and recurved distributor. This was a way bigger improvement. The stock cams are real sluggish.
For the intake installation, pull up the Edelbrock procedure and follow to a "T". There have been lots of documented gasket failures at the coolant ports when the wrong procedures and sealants are used on aluminum manifolds.

 

[Dan76]

I'm running the performer intake and truck avenger carb. The new setup didn't really make that much of a difference, I wish I had done a cam as well... Pretty straightforward install though just follow the instructions.

 

[1970mule]

ok make sure you wait atleast 24 hours until you fire it up, so the seal can seat up. or you will blow it right out. ask me how i know. 2 times .

 

[Chief Master Sergeant]

I just installed the Edelbrock Performer and a Holley. I haven't seen anyone mention it, but using studs to set the intake in made it really easy. I just used them as guides and removed them afterward, but there was no adjusting of the intake, and so far, no leaks. I'm happy with the new setup. My 2 bbl sucked.

 

[302fix]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0OBmUOfygw

 

[blubuckaroo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0OBmUOfygw

Great video. This fella makes it look so easy! I'd like to see one using an aluminum intake. You can't use that permatorque type gasket on aluminum so the process might be different.