Edelbrock 390 Intake Problem

Hey guys,

I have a 67 Ranchero with a 390 'Z' code engine. It came originally with a 2 barrel, but I have been wanting to upgrade to a 4. Because the absolute lack of options out there, I decided on the Edelbrock Performer intake. However, when I tried to install it - the intake did not sit flush with the heads, and I was unable to bolt it in. Is this because of a manufacturing flaw - or do 'z' code 390's have different kind of heads that do not work with this intake (basically the only one available at a decent price for this damn engine). Thanks for all your help guys.

What part the intake not sit flush? Either the intake is off a bit or your heads might have been milled. Also did you try to use the cork gaskets on the front and back? If so were they holding it up there?

G.

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Originally Posted by FFR428

What part the intake not sit flush? Either the intake is off a bit or your heads might have been milled. Also did you try to use the cork gaskets on the front and back? If so were they holding it up there?

G.

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them blasted cork gaskets.... they always meet my trash can when i find em

thats weird, yah those cork gaskets are a pain i like the rubber ones, they are always worth a few extra bucks, but thats weird that the intake isnt fitting, the heads could be milled but i doubt it since its a 2bbl motor, unless someone rebuilt it and did a little more that resurfacing and cleaning up the surface of the heads, but still that would mean that the intake would need to be milled too, leaving the question why would you spend money milling a 2bbl intake? just doesnt make sense just try putting it on again and see if it was a mistake on your part, i do dumb stuff like that all the time haha

Does your block still have the locating pin in it ??

It would be on front rail where the cork or rubber manifold gasket goes, on the drivers side.

All of the early manifolds I have owned had a slot ground in them underneath to accept the pin.

My 1976 390 block and manifold do not have the pin, my 1965 352 block does have the pin.

Richard.

If you're talking about a 1/16" or so jog in the valve cover gasket surface, that's not unusual on an FE engine. Use thick cover gaskets and bolt 'er up!
Those end seals are a pain, too,I usually chuck them and use silicone goo.

Hey I have seen guys with the same problem, did you install the front and rear cork gaskets because I have installed the same intake on my 1968 390 and you need to take the cork out and just use some RTV because if you use the gaskets the intake will not sit flush. It also says so in fine print in the directions that came with the intake.

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Originally Posted by ranchero390

Hey I have seen guys with the same problem, did you install the front and rear cork gaskets because I have installed the same intake on my 1968 390 and you need to take the cork out and just use some RTV because if you use the gaskets the intake will not sit flush. It also says so in fine print in the directions that came with the intake.

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i think we already stated that.... but thanks for jumping on the bandwagon :D

dont know why they just never seem to work right..... maybe you're just special denny **) then again you've also been working as a mechanic since back when they still used those manifolds on factory cars.... i've only been working as a mechanic since i finished college 2 years ago... and i'm realizing already that theres not enough money in it anymore unless you want to work for a dealership and are a master tech.... thats why i'm just joining the california highway patrol....

true that is a good way to go.... that was actually my plans, til i realized the expense of starting up a business here in san diego and the chances of success are ever harder theres a shop every block here..... and most of them full of illegal immigrants that work for way cheaper than any one else will do it for.... and most people here are incredibly stupid and dont care about quality.... san diego really is well... hell... the economy here cant even support the cost of living

haha yeah i understand what you mean.... scary thing is, by the time you can start collecting SS it might not even be there anymore... specially since its going to start being used to provide health care for people who dont even belong in our country

Boy your not kiddin. I keep getting statements from SS that tells me how much money I probably won't be collecting. Sad state of affairs.

G.