Hi, I bought a '74 302 that was overhauled from another fellow. This engine was rebuilt, be never installed and fired. When I got it home I noticed that there is a small piece broken off under the left rear bolt (bolt #8) of the intake manifold. It is a small square piece about 1/8" X 1/8". It almost looks like someone was lifting the engine, using the bolt hole beneath the rear end of the intake manifold, but they were not careful and the chain might of broken the piece off.
My question is, could a machine shop possibly fill this shut with a weld? Or should I just give up and just replace it?

Thanks!

Thanks!

 

It is somewhat critical that that particular area in the four extreme corners of the intake is properly bolted, torqued, and sealed as that is where the water passages are. A water leak outside of the motor is bad enough, but if it happens to leak into the engine it can be fatal. Antifreeze and bearings do not play nicely together. That's a really small piece to have missing, but it can crack from there if it compromises the strength of the boss and a much larger piece can break off. Whether or not it should be replaced or repaired kinda depends on what kind of manifold it is and what material it's made out of. If it's a stocker type 2 barrel cast iron intake, pull it off, deposit it in the nearest scrap metal receptacle, and find another one. Welding cast iron is a skill and it would take a professional welder a considerable amount of time ($$$$$) to build an ear back up that would be serviceable. Besides, those intakes are easy to find and almost free when you run across them. (Stop by my place and I'll give you one to put on and one for a spare just so I don't have to trip over them anymore.) If the intake is an aluminum aftermarket 4 barrel piece, then I'd have a pro weld it up. Aluminum still takes some know-how and skill to weld, but it's much easier to do a repair of this sort with than iron. Then again, a good, used Edelbrock or similar intake can be had all day long on fleaBay for less than $100. It might cost $50-$75 to get it repaired. Is it worth it? That's up to you.

 

Thanks Blue!
It's a cast one I think. It's a 4bbl intake stamped C8ZE 8425-A. You're probably right, it's probably better to replace it with an Edlebrock, or maybe another one just laying around in someones way. Thanks for your reply!

 

That sounds like a stock 1968 Mustang 4V intake. It probably is still worth a few dollars to someone restoring a Mustang, try selling it on Craigslist.

If you could post a picture of the damage we could give you better advice about it.

 

Oh, that casting number should actually be C8ZE 9425-A.

 

I was wondering about that part number; mine says c8ze-9425-a. I think it came from a truck v8. I can't believe it would be worth too much.

 

Hi Beanscoot!
Thanks for your reply. I want to attach a picture, but can't figure out how to do it. If I can get it figured out.....(don't hold you breath!) I get one posted to see what you think about the chances to salvage it.