I have a '76 F100 and I'm in the process of putting a 390 back into it. I want to put a 4bbl manifold/carb on it, but I'm not finding anything with an EGR valve. Do they exist, as in were they ever made? Intake manifolds with an EGR set up? All that I've seen at Summit, etc. are non EGR (Edelbrock, Wienand(sp), etc.), hence my question.

Thanks,
Bart

 

I seem to recall a discussion about this before...may have been in the "FE Forum", but I think someone mentioned using an "EGR Plate" that went between the carb and intake...but even if its true (or my memory is clear) it still may not be correct for California purposes.

 

This might be what you need...but as I mentioned before, unsure if it's smog-legal in our great state:

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

 

I know that the EGR spacer was legal in '73. The device came stock with the 2bbl. I can't speak for '76, but I suspect that it is. I don't think that there were a lot of cast part modifications during the last few years of FE production.

 

California Air Resource Board (CARB) has tested and approved some aftermarket parts as exemptions to the anti-tampering laws. If you select one of these parts you should still pass the smog tests.

Each part has been tested and certified by Executive Order - and unless a part is covered by an EO you can not use it, even if it would pass the tests. Mostly these parts have been submitted by the manufacturer and under gone extensive testing by CARB.

The manufacturer generally labels these parts as Smog Legal in their advertising.

There is a database of approved parts. You can look your part up at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...es/amquery.php

 

Thanks Mike, I've been looking for one of those as well. But, I'm still in need of the manifold. All E-brocks, that I've found, have no exhaust crossovers, hence no source for the EGR valve. Or am I wrong about this and the source of exhaust gases comes from somewhere else?

Thanks Clint, I'll look for the EO approved parts from that address.
Bart

 

The exhaust gases come from the exhaust manifolds or headers via the tubes.

Is your current EGR valve mounted on the intake?

BTW, I didn't notice a CARB number or "Smog Legal" notice on the link I posted...pretty sure that Summit will list it if it's carb approved.

I'm thinking the reason you use the spacer is either the heads or the intake, do not have an exhuast crossover in them...hence the EGR spacer.

Also, was a 4bbl offered for the '76 model? You might be stuck having to run a stock intake then.

Last thing is to maybe check with the BAR or a smog ref and get some advice from them...there has to be a lot of 4bbl smog legal FE's running around, I'd think?

 

I don't think so - - - those were the years that the 335 and 385 series engines were used. The FE was a truck only engine after 76, and offered with a 2bbl. I know of no stock 4bbls after 74 or so.

 

Mike, the EGR spacer sits on a hole over the exhaust crossover passage, a temperature controled (EGR/PVS) valve lets vacuum to the EGR valve that lets exhaust gases be sucked into the intake system at about 125*. If there is no crossover passage for exhaust gases, then no EGR system really, and I don't pass smog test.

From everything I've read I think Clint is correct and that means I will have to be happy with a 2bbl carb. After thinking about it, I don't think I've had my truck over 4k rpms anyway. All the lead in my body has migrated to my a$$, which means I don't need a 4bbl, I need to reinforce my seat.

Thanks for all the links and info. I found it useful.
Bart

 

In my book 390 was last offered in 1975 with a Holley 4160.

I do not see any 4bbl carbs for a 390 after 1975.

However, a 460 did come with a 4bbl in 1976 and I know this doesn't really help the OP though. Sorry man ... I think your stuck with the 2bbl unless you get creative or can get a ref judgement on it somehow.

Best of luck !!!

?? 2-4 bbl conversion plate for off-road etc.... Dunno, just an idea. ;-)

This thread is really making me want to get off my @$$ and build my 390 now !!

Ah, patience weedhopper, patience ....

 

Smog it with the 2bbl carb, and then put a 4bbl on it

 

I agree with staying stock - I don't think you gain a lot by bolting a 4bbl on, unless you go with cam and headers, and maybe even change the compression ratio.

Some people have reported a real gain in power and gas mileage, but I always figured that their 2bbl needed replacing or repairing. At this age it often takes more than a normal kit - you have vacuum leaks around the rod that holds the throttle plate, the top has been sprung from over-tightening - all those extra problems.

 

I agree, unless you are doing some breathing AND exhaust work. I think the only thing you would do is run rich and burn more gas. But, if you are putting headers on ... going to duals .... porting or polishing the intake or internals etc... you'd see some gains.

However, just to bolt a 2bbl on where a 4bbl was in this case... I don't see much of a reason except if you had plans to modify such things down the road or, just want to look cool like we did in the old days for bragging rights.... Lol !!! ;-)

I need to do something with mine soon. The exhaust leaks when cold and that carpy auto choke on my 2bbl is giving me stack fires when cold. I had an experience the other day I'd rather not repeat. <shaking head>

 

Copy cat!! Reputation HOG!! </shaking>

 

And still no one gives him points