[updated:LAST EDITED ON 25-Mar-02 AT 10:43 AM (EST)]I have a set of smog heads on my 82 302. I'm in the process of porting and polishing. I'm planning to grind the A.I.R. orifices, in the exhaust ports, flat and plug them up. My question is, what is the easiest and cheapest way to plug the orifices? i.e. welding, brazing, JB Weld ...etc

Thanks in advance!

Chevy Trucks, like a rock!
Yea, like a flat rock!
easy to break and won't roll.

Dodge Trucks, the rules have changed so they could win!

 

>I have a set of smog heads on my 82 302. I'm in the process
>of porting and polishing. I'm planning to grind the A.I.R.
>orifices, in the exhaust ports, flat and plug them up. My
>question is, what is the easiest and cheapest way to plug
>the orifices? i.e. welding, brazing, JB Weld ...etc
>
>Thanks in advance!
>
>Chevy Trucks, like a rock!
>Yea, like a flat rock!
>easy to break and won't roll.
>
>Dodge Trucks, the rules have changed so they could win!

I have heard that working with the cast manifolds is difficult and results can be disappointing. maybe try just capping-off the inlet tubes from the outside. Or do you need a smooth surface on the inside runner? Have you thought about headers? they shouldn't be too expensive for the 302. probably work well with your porting job.

good luck,

Rusty

 

I've already plugged the external tube ports. I just need something to fill in the cavity left after grinding down the AIR bosses in the exhaust runner. I wonder if that hi temp muffler mud would work...lol
I'll probably have to tap the hole and plug it with a bolt or stud; but, that wiould be a pauin to grind down...There's got to be an easier way.

Chevy Trucks, like a rock!
Yea, like a flat rock!
easy to break and won't roll.

Dodge Trucks, the rules have changed so they could win!

 

jb weld would be ok, but i dont know how it will hold up to the heat? try this company

www.cotronics.com

they have some special epoxies that stand up to hi temps. hope that helps some.


-nathan

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 29-Mar-02 AT 00:03 AM (EST)]Thanks for the great tip NATHAN!

I ckecked out Cotronics, they have exactly what I'm looking for, gonna give em a ring tomorrow! They have some other products I can put to good use on other applications, as well.

Hey, thanks again, Nathan

Chevy Trucks, like a rock!
Yea, like a flat rock!
easy to break and won't roll.

Dodge Trucks, the rules have changed so they could win

 

The thermal cycles usually destroy glues over time. I am at the same point as you and was going to press fit some pins into the holes. I'm debating brass, aluminum or stainless. All of these materials have a greater coefficient of expansion so as the head heats up they get tighter. The brass would be the easiest to finish flush.

 

I got some stuff at Autozone called Thermosteel...made for repairs to exhaust manifolds and head...supposed to withstand 2400 degrees F. and gets stronger with heat. Ever heard of it?

Thanks,
Ken

Chevy Trucks, like a rock!
Yea, like a flat rock!
easy to break and won't roll.

Dodge Trucks, the rules have changed so they could win!

 

Hey guys,
I talked to a long-time Ford man and drag racer and he says "just plug the hole on the outside, and grind the orifice down to even with the roof." He says not to worry about plugging the hole in the ports. Plug it on the outside and don't worry about it in the ports. He's done it both ways and says there's nothing to be gained.That's the route I'm going anyway!

Chuck

 

 

Chuck is right. That's exactly what I did on the 1982 302 that's in my 1969F100 2WD - that was over 35,000 miles ago without any problems!

Art
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