Hi all, I have a 460 in a 77 F250 that I'm starting to work on after a long time sitting. It needs a cam and lifters and I'm also thinking about finally having some D0VE heads redone. However, there is something off about this engine and I'm trying to figure out if the incorrect machine work is in the intake, heads, or block. The intake sits so low on the intake ports that they almost don't seal, but at the same time, the gaps in the front and back of the intake are much larger than they should be. It's an Edelbrock Performer intake from the early 90's, when the engine was built. If anyone has the outside dimensions for a stock intake, or an Edelbrock, that would be a big help in figuring this out, I'm hoping the issue is with the manifold.

 

There are no other Edelbrock manifolds that will bolt on a 385 series big block so you have the right one.

 

Yep, definitely have the correct manifold. I'm hoping someone machined the mating surfaces on the intake for some reason, causing it to be just a little too narrow for the heads and causing the large gaps front and back. The other possibility is that they machined the intake surfaces of the heads and the top of the block. If that is what they did, then going to the D0VE heads will correct the port height, but will give me an even larger gap to the block.

 

If it sits really high then it is wider than it needs to be not narrower. If they machined the intake faces of the heads then the intake would sit lower and closer to the walls at the ends.

 

That's where the issue is, it sits extremely low on the ports, but has huge gaps front and rear at the same time, much larger than cork or rubber gaskets would seal.

 

Post pictures.

 

I'll try to get pictures when I can, though the truck is 3 hours away from me, so I can only get to it every once in a while (also making it difficult to get the details figured out).

 

Is it possible that you happen to have a 351M/400 style intake by mistake somehow?

I just measured a 400 block and it is 8.375 wide at the end wall; a 460 block is actually narrower @ about 8 inches.

 

It shouldn't be. If I remember correctly it says "Performer 460" on the intake.