Older intake on TBI heads? Flexplate?

[jermasaurus]

Can anyone tell me for sure if I can bolt my performer intake on some 88+ TBI heads (top bolt valve covers).

From what I have read and seen on here before I think i just have to notch out the 2 middle bolt holes on each side of the intake. Right?

I was also wondering if there is any gain to be made by using the TBI heads vs. the 58cc with the small valves.


Last, Being a one piece seal motor, would my 168 tooth flexplate bolt on this crank too?


I appreciate any input



-Jeremy

[Russell]

Yep, just need to notch out the 4 middle bolts to get the intake to fit.

If those TBI heads are swirl port heads, I wouldn't bother installing them. From what I've learned, they are some of the worst flowing heads that GM ever produced...

No idea about the flexplate, sorry

[Tx Firefighter]

I like the centerbolt type of heads because the valve covers won't leak. GM almost completely eradicated warranty valve cover oil leaks when they went to the new style of heads.

I've posted pics on here before of how to slot the bolt holes to make a earlier intake work on these heads. A search should turn them up.

Your flexplate won't work unless it's from an 87 or newer engine. Your local parts store will be able to sell you one though. I get mine at a place called O Reilly auto parts, it's a big chain around here. Pioneer is the brand that makes them, cost is usually about 35 dollars.

If you need the smaller 168 tooth flexplate, you can buy one for a 4.3 engine. Most of them had the smaller flexplates. The flexplates completely interchange between 4.3 and small block engines (except 400 SBC).

[MylilBowTie]

If you find those pictures or the post please let me know.

[Tx Firefighter]

[82c10]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

so you really just need to drill the bolt hole all the way out? or am i missing something (don't know if i fully explained what i'm talking about)

[Tx Firefighter]

You can just straighten the bolt hole more vertical if you want. I just don't have a burr that will fit down in the hole to do it, so I just slot them with a die grinder and cutting wheel.

[1976K5CHALET]

I have pics of my tbi intake that i modified with a carbide bur and some bee's wax to keep the aluminum shavings from clogging up the bur. However i don't know how to post pics. I think edelbrock sells a jig for you drill bit to do it a little more professional though. Worked fine for years for me...just remember to put some sort of pipe dope or something on the bolt threads to prevent annoying small oil and water leaks.

DW

[82c10]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

You can just straighten the bolt hole more vertical if you want. I just don't have a burr that will fit down in the hole to do it, so I just slot them with a die grinder and cutting wheel.

so just make it a straight up/down hole in it?

[Mike76251]

One thing.......and you might know this...
Make sure your flexplate is the right one (internal balance vs. external balance) whichever size you go with. That engine will shake itself right out of the engine bay if you get this wrong.
I think all the one-piece flexplates are external anyway but.

[jermasaurus]

Originally Posted by Mike76251

One thing.......and you might know this...
Make sure your flexplate is the right one (internal balance vs. external balance) whichever size you go with. That engine will shake itself right out of the engine bay if you get this wrong.
I think all the one-piece flexplates are external anyway but.

So if im using a 305 with a one piece seal, witchever flexplate I get should be the right one as long as it is the right size/teeth and fits?
sounds wrong saying 305 again

-Jeremy

[Mike76251]

Very hard to not to say anything about a 305 here!!! anyway..

If you have the old flexplate and are getting a Pioneer replacement, compare the two.
What you are looking for is the tacked-on weight.
If the old one had it, the new one must.
If the old didn't.....well you know.