C2 _ Intake manifold alignment

[Steve D.]

Is there a trick to aligning the intake manifold so as to not disturb the gaskets and end pieces? On blue oval manifolds, the bolts are vertical and you can install pilots. But I haven't figured out how to do that with the bolts at an angle on this manifold.

Steve

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 _ Intake manifold alignment

i tack the seals and gaskets in place on the heads and block with 3-m super weatherstrip adhesive then carefully lower manifold onto long block. mike

[Mike McKown]

Re: C2 _ Intake manifold alignment

If you want to pursue this, you can pilot off the distributor housing bore in the manifold and the block.

[Christopher R.]

Re: C2 _ Intake manifold alignment

Length of broomstick in the distributor hole will help some.

[Werner R.]

Re: C2 _ Intake manifold alignment

i'm going by memory, but i thought a one inch dowel just fills the distributor hole and acts as a great guide to installation of the intake. the broom stick sounds too thin. i know a paint stir stick fits into the hole, beacause i used to use a stir stick to turn the oil pump thingy before i got a good long handled screwdriver at a flea market.

[John H.]

Re: C2 _ Intake manifold alignment

This looks crude, but it works great - I use a length of 3/4" x 1" furring strip or a 1-1/4" round dowel in the distributor hole to align the rear of the manifold while I watch the front as it's coming down; especially helpful with heavy iron intakes when you're working by yourself.

[mike cobine]

Re: C2 _ Intake manifold alignment

I like that rubber end seal, there, John.

As to everyone else, you just need to go work out in the gym a bit more so you cna set it on without wobbling all over.

[John H.]

Re: C2 _ Intake manifold alignment

Mike -

Haven't used a rubber end seal for twenty years - haven't had a leak, either

[Clem Z.]

Re: C2 _ Intake manifold alignment

the best way to handle the placement of heavy CI intakes is to make a hand hold device that bolts to the distributor hold down bolt and the thermostat housing bolt. apiece of 3/8" rod bent into a "Z" shape and welded to a flat metal plate with a hole for the above bolts

[John H.]

Re: C2 _ Intake manifold alignment

I use two 3/8" x 5" bolts at the front and rear of the intake with LARGE flat washers as lifting handles for iron manifolds (washers in the photo are sitting on the intake, but are up under the bolt heads when in use as handles).

[Mike McKown]

Giving this a little more thought,

You could screw two lengths of all thread rod into the front and rear intake holes in the head on ONE SIDE only. If one side is right, so is the other.

I've never used a pilot OR a handle so I never gave it much thought.

[Clem Z.]

putting the intake on

with the engine on a stand in the shop is a piece of cake BUT leaning over the fender is another story,OH my aching back