Center bolt valve cover heads? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Zonaman · 01-30-2008, 02:16 AM

Let me see if I've got this straight. If you're going to bolt a Chevy TBI intake manifold to your engine (crate 350) you need "center bolt valve cover" type heads. My valve covers bolt on the side. Therefore I can't just find a stock, small block tbi set up and just bolt the manifold to my engine? If yes, what are the ways around this problem?

Thanks.

70rs/ss · 01-30-2008, 02:29 AM

The holes for the intake around the crossover (hole in the center of the intake side of the head) are drilled and tapped at an angel, you could ream out the holes on the intake to take the bolts at an angle rather than straight up. If it is aluminum have it tig'd and redrill the hole.

Zonaman · 01-30-2008, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70rs/ss

The holes for the intake around the crossover (hole in the center of the intake side of the head) are drilled and tapped at an angel, you could ream out the holes on the intake to take the bolts at an angle rather than straight up. If it is aluminum have it tig'd and redrill the hole.

Thanks! Is this machine shop work or could any backyard mechanic (aka any fool with a drill) do it?

streetstar · 01-30-2008, 03:18 AM

i've seen this done by a backyard fool--- the fuel system worked fine, but he had ignition problems, so i never saw the long term outcome of this guy's project.

Have you checked any of the aftermarket manufacturer's to see if you could a nice pretty Edelbrock or Holley intake for it?

I don't if i recommend this or not, but i've seen performance manifolds used with TBI by using a 2 to 4 bbl adapter plate as well

myoldchevytruck · 01-30-2008, 03:44 AM

I have center bolt heads and I am running an Edelbrock Performer Manifold, no modifications - they make one for those heads. Originally had fuel injection (ole' Carter AFB) but now I am running a Holley 670 Street Avenger Carb

70rs/ss · 01-30-2008, 04:04 AM

He's going the other way non-tbi heads to a tbi intake. I guess any fool with a drill could try or see if one of the intake manufactures make an intake to fit the early heads for a tbi?

Zonaman · 01-30-2008, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70rs/ss

He's going the other way non-tbi heads to a tbi intake. I guess any fool with a drill could try or see if one of the intake manufactures make an intake to fit the early heads for a tbi?

Does anyone make such a manifold?

**Bob B.** · 01-30-2008, 05:06 AM

Didn't 1987-1990 TBI 454's have a Quadrajet intake manifold with an adapter for the TBI unit? I think it was even water heated. Wonder if one of those would work.

01-30-2008, 02:16 AM	#1
Zonaman Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 519	Center bolt valve cover heads? Let me see if I've got this straight. If you're going to bolt a Chevy TBI intake manifold to your engine (crate 350) you need "center bolt valve cover" type heads. My valve covers bolt on the side. Therefore I can't just find a stock, small block tbi set up and just bolt the manifold to my engine? If yes, what are the ways around this problem? Thanks. __________________ 69 C-10 LWB, 350, 700r4, 3.73 posi-traction, front disc brakes. Built for the desert- She can take the heat! Vivat Rex Chevus!

01-30-2008, 02:29 AM	#2
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: Center bolt valve cover heads? The holes for the intake around the crossover (hole in the center of the intake side of the head) are drilled and tapped at an angel, you could ream out the holes on the intake to take the bolts at an angle rather than straight up. If it is aluminum have it tig'd and redrill the hole.

01-30-2008, 03:18 AM	#4
streetstar Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 2,396	Re: Center bolt valve cover heads? i've seen this done by a backyard fool--- the fuel system worked fine, but he had ignition problems, so i never saw the long term outcome of this guy's project. Have you checked any of the aftermarket manufacturer's to see if you could a nice pretty Edelbrock or Holley intake for it? I don't if i recommend this or not, but i've seen performance manifolds used with TBI by using a 2 to 4 bbl adapter plate as well __________________ Are you retired too? Nonsense! I'm in my prime

01-30-2008, 03:44 AM	#5
myoldchevytruck Retired Air Force Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Posts: 1,808	Re: Center bolt valve cover heads? I have center bolt heads and I am running an Edelbrock Performer Manifold, no modifications - they make one for those heads. Originally had fuel injection (ole' Carter AFB) but now I am running a Holley 670 Street Avenger Carb __________________ Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors

01-30-2008, 04:04 AM	#6
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: Center bolt valve cover heads? He's going the other way non-tbi heads to a tbi intake. I guess any fool with a drill could try or see if one of the intake manufactures make an intake to fit the early heads for a tbi?

01-30-2008, 05:06 AM	#8
Bob B. Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,321	Re: Center bolt valve cover heads? Didn't 1987-1990 TBI 454's have a Quadrajet intake manifold with an adapter for the TBI unit? I think it was even water heated. Wonder if one of those would work. __________________ 1967 GMC CM-2500 Camper Cruiser, 351E V-6, NP 435 4 speed, Dana 60, and factory A/C. 2012 GMC K-3500 WT regular cab, 6.0L Vortec, 6L90.



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