intake install 400. Need Help!

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Aug 2, 2011 | 11:43 PM

tbirdage

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Joined: Nov 2007

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From: Huntington, WV

intake install 400. Need Help!

I started installing my new Edelbrock Performer intake on my '79 400 this evening and can't figure out if that dang valley pan under the stock intake goes back in. THe instruction sheet says to put the new gaskets on, RTV the front and rear, and set the manifold. The Chilton manual says to remove the valley pan in the removal instructions but NEVER mentions putting it back in.

Also, I trashed my distributor taking it out since it's probably not been moved in 32 years and had to get a little stern with it. Is there a "FTE preferred" distributor replacement for a good price? This engine is eventually going to get a mild performance rebuild this winter so I really shouldn't need anything on the premium end.

Thanks in advance,

Aug 3, 2011 | 12:26 AM

73 ford guy

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Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Victoria , BC

Valley pan goes back in as it's the seal on ports as well! Someone told me tonite to not use silicone on rubber ends except for a blob in the corners so it won't slide out under torque. Pros can chime in on that as did my first one the other day with a skim of silicone over rubber and both sides of ports with no issues and truck runs awesome and it sat for 11 years!
Seems to be common fir distributors to get stuck as I broke mine in 3 pieces and the donor motor replacement we almost broke it getting it out.
Good luck

Aug 3, 2011 | 08:30 AM

POPAJON

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 1,574

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From: Cranbrook, Ont., Canada

IMHO, put the valley pan back in as it keeps hot oil off the intake. As for the rubber ends trash them and put a heavy bead of RTV,( 1/4 " thick) on the ends, let it set up to where it is tacky and away you go. The distributor issue is a common one. After sitting or not using them for adjustments to the timing.If your not going to do the build until later, why not go to the local pick and pull and get a good used one for now. I'm sure others will have different comments and opinions , but this is just what I think. John

Aug 3, 2011 | 10:29 AM

77&79F250

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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county

X2 valley pan back in and x10 on trashing the damn rubber gasket ends, and hell yea on the 1/4 thick bead of permatex copper high temp gasket making stuff.

Let is set up real good after installing the intake manifold, meaning fight the urge to fire it right up.

Aug 3, 2011 | 12:20 PM

tbirdage

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Joined: Nov 2007

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From: Huntington, WV

So will I reuse the old valley pan or are these supposed to be new like a set of gaskets? This question comes from how the valley pan will make its seal? I'm guessing the valley pan goes directly onto the heads and the new intake gaskets go between the valley pan and manifold? If not, do I use RTV between the valley pan and heads? Thanks in advance!

Anymore thoughts on a decent budget distributor? The HEI units are fairly inexpensive and there are several different brands from Summit. There is a Proform, Pertronix, and Mallory. I can get a new OEM from Advance for only $44.

Aug 3, 2011 | 01:11 PM

400 .040over

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Joined: Jul 2011

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From: levittown,pa

always use a new valley pan gasket

Aug 3, 2011 | 02:43 PM

POPAJON

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 1,574

Likes: 6

From: Cranbrook, Ont., Canada

x2 on that one 400. NEVER reuse a gasket of any kind. It's always best to use a new gasket, that way you're never second guessing about will it hold,stop the leak etc. John

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Aug 5, 2011 | 07:37 AM

tbirdage

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Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 173

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From: Huntington, WV

I talked to a tech rep at JEGS and he said not to use the valley pan since I'm using regular intake gaskets...so we'll see how that works out. Now on to the carburetor. I spent hours last night in the garage installing my 1406 carb that I figured would be a breeze. I have the recommended linkage adapters, 1483 kickdown linkage and 1493 "throttle plate adapter". WTH is a throttle plate adapter??? It is a 1/8" thick flat about 1/2" wide and 3" long with 3 holes in it and there are NO instructions or even a picture of where it's supposed to go! I can't figure it out. There was a stock bracket that the return spring went to on the firewall end of the intake and this bracket looks like it could possibly be and extention to move the spring bracket out further so I stuck it there but can't see why I would need to do that. Does anybody have any pics of where the return springs and throttle plate goes? This is really kickin' my a$$! Thanks!