Heat restrictor in intake manifold?

[woody82]

I have been putting my 402 big block back together.It is out of a 72 C10 the gasket set had 3 intake gaskets one with a heat restrictor and one without.I don't recall seeing one in the old gaskets I have already thrown them away.Do I use the heat restrictor or not it has a quadrajet carb on it supposed to be oem.

[geezer#99]

Depends.
Got headers?
Running it in colder temps?

[Coley]

....like Geezer said....it depends.
do you have an (newer) aluminum intake manifold vs. the original cast iron?
If you are mostly a fair weather/season driver AND if the intake was a newer aluminum than I would add them and ensure that I had them in there to restrict heat.
I've read some very good articles on this by (Engine/Performance Guru) Bob Vizard who makes a good point with the fact that aluminum conducts heat substantially better than the cast iron so the need for direct exhaust heat with an aluminum manifold is not necessary in many cases.
My two bits.
Coley

[woody82]

Thank you I haven't decided yet if to put headers on it probably not. Stock intake yes. Will not be driving it in cold weather .

[geezer#99]

Even with stock exhaust, do you have the heat riser? If so you'll want it open under the intake and if not close it off.