Hello all, just got a factory 2 bbl intake in the mail that is aluminum, I was told these were on canadian models. I picked it up on ebay for about $20 including shipping. The intake fits the 49-53 8BA flatheads.

My question is that when compared side to side the intakes look the same except for the number of bolt holes that hold the intake to the block. The aluminum intake has more holes drilled in it than the iron one does. If I can remember correctly I think the aluminum one has 3 more holes in it than the steel one, 2 on one side and 1 on the other side.

The iron intake has bosses where you could tell it could be drilled for an intake bolt but there is just no hole there.

I am not sure if the block is machined for the extra holes the aluminum intake has or not, I am thinking not.

My question is can I use the aluminum intake and just leave the extra bolt holes open? Nothing will fall into the block because under the holes in the intakle the block is solid.

 

You only need bolts where there are holes in the block. Even some c.i. manifolds have extra holes.

I'm curious, does the aluminium manifold have bigger vacuum ports, maybe even two of them, right under the carb? If so it's likely a big-truck manifold. Better for adding PCV.

 

Im not sure, I will have to check it out. I cleaned it with a wire wheel but didnt fully examine the vacuum port. How big would it be if it was for the big trucks? I know it does not have 2 ports under the carb, it only has 1 for sure.

 

Does it have any casting numbers or symbols on it?