Intake Manifold Upgrade
Thread Starter
|
Trailering
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 24
Likes: 5
Intake Manifold Upgrade
Hi - Thinking about upgrading OE intake manifold and 2 bbl carb on 71 F100 with a a 360. Should I stay with a 2bbl or go to a 4 bbl? Any recommendations on parts to use? Any gotchas to watch out for? Any advice is appreciated.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 184
Likes: 34
From: U.P. of Michigan
Well, I'll tell ya - I haven't offered this to anyone yet, but I just (today) decided on keeping my 390 a 2 barrel.
So, I have a really nice (barely used) Edelbrock Performer Intake that I'm not going to be using.
Just something to think about.
So, I have a really nice (barely used) Edelbrock Performer Intake that I'm not going to be using.
Just something to think about.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 248
From: Piney Woods of East Texas
If your going to upgrade to a Al manifold (4bl) you have the option of running your current 2 bl or a small cfm 4 bbl. You put your FE on a diet removing that 90lb manifold. Don't expect any improvement in gas millage. Now going to EFI may make it more responsive and easier to start in all condition.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 38
Likes: 12
From: San Jose area
Here’s one gotcha: You’ll have to remove the distributor to change the intake. When you replace that distributor, make good and sure it seats down all the way, and nicely. It can be a little finicky, but don’t force it, be patient. The distributor drive shaft barely engages the oil pump, and if it’s not fully seated, even a little, you won’t be pumping oil, and you’ll fry your engine for good. Ask me how I know. I watched the Roadkill guys do exactly the same thing, so I know it’s not just me being the idiot I am.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 801
Likes: 255
From: Laramie Wyoming
Hopefully when you swap yours you’ll have better luck than me on the rear china wall sealing and not leaking oil.
make sure to order your gaskets before you make the swap and have plenty of rtv.
have your shop warm and have the truck inside for a few days so everything is warm.
have someone help you so can get the intake set down squarely.
with my luck maybe don’t listen to me but just some things I’ve found that help along the way.
make sure to order your gaskets before you make the swap and have plenty of rtv.
have your shop warm and have the truck inside for a few days so everything is warm.
have someone help you so can get the intake set down squarely.
with my luck maybe don’t listen to me but just some things I’ve found that help along the way.
Trending Topics
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 184
Likes: 34
From: U.P. of Michigan
Thanks.
Yes - when doing something like this, you definitely want to stack everything you can in your favor.
Gotta do it the "Smart Way".
Yes - when doing something like this, you definitely want to stack everything you can in your favor.
Gotta do it the "Smart Way".
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 248
From: Piney Woods of East Texas
You want the bead of RTV to be about 5/16"-3/8" tall and as wide as the ledge it sits on. Allow the rtv to skin over before setting. Once set, start the bolts BUT DON'T TIGHTEN. Let the rtv firm up before torquing the manifold. This way you want squeeze the rtv out and have a firm seal.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 38
Likes: 12
From: San Jose area
Oh yeah, one more thing. I’m sure you’re aware, but just in case, the stock manifold weighs a TON! It’s like 90 lbs. plus whatever rtv is holding it down, and the angle of leaning over, it is a serious back breaker. When I was a young man I still had to climb up there, straddle it, and dead lift it off. I’d recruit others these days…
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Grumpy2381
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Mar 3, 2025 04:16 PM
Oldblue1985
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Nov 7, 2024 05:16 PM