1976 Ford Truck with 360. D2TEAA Heads.

Question: There are 2 exhaust ports, one in each head that go up into
the intake manifold. What are they for and do I need them?????

Thanks, Duane.

 

They are originally cast into the head to allow for exhaust gas to be forced from one side to the other to heat the bottom of the manifold to improve cold temp operation. The old exhaust manifolds (pass side) had a weighted valve that would 'droop' when the exhaust got hot, and would (in theory) spring back up when cold.. Thus providing a block to force the heated exhaust across the intake..
Most crossover valves end up hammered into the open position as they tend to rust up. Make sure that if you have one, it is open for maximum operation. It could cause overheating, but probably more likely, cause hp & torque loss. If you intake doesn't have cast passages, I'd not spend any more grey cell time on the problem.
tom

 

Those ports are for an exhaust crossover. They are connected and circulate exhaust thru the intake for better cold weather running. It only works if the heat riser valve is working( at one exh manifold flange). If you live in a warm climate it isn't needed.