Please Help - ZZ383/425 Hood Clearance

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Oct 12, 2005 | 09:33 PM

71-Stingray

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Instructor

Joined: Oct 2004

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From: North of Boston Massachusetts

Please Help - ZZ383/425 Hood Clearance

I am new to posting on this forum; however,I have been an avid reader for quite some time, and I am impressed with the knowledge base of the members.

I am in the middle of a frame off restoration on my 1971. currently I am at the point where the body shop will soon be starting on the fiberglass work. My dilema is that I would like to stay with the stock hood (flat hood). I would consider using the LT-1/BB hood, but I believe that may only buy me an extra 1" to 1.5" of clearance. I really do not want to go with an L88 hood.

My understanding is that the ZZ383 fast burn aluminum heads require a manifold similar to that used with Vortec heads. As such, it appears that the manifold will be a bit taller than stock. In fact, I spoke with an Edlebrock tech whom indicated a Performer RPM or Air Gap would be too tall, and the safest course of action would be to use a Perfomer intake (although he did mention a drop in horsepower would result).

I've read that others on this forum have used a 1.5" drop base air cleaners with 2" air filters and have managed to get these engines to fit under the hood of their C3s.

So, my quesion is, what intake/air cleaner/hood combinations will work best with the ZZ383 fast burn heads?

Thanks in advance, you guys are great!

Oct 12, 2005 | 09:58 PM

David Ey

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2004

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From: Ft.Worth Texas

I'll let you know in a week or so.

Oct 12, 2005 | 10:01 PM

lvjohn

Instructor

Joined: May 2005

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From: Las Vegas NV

I have a 71 BB,was able to get performer intake to work with a 2.5 air filter and drop base air cleaner with factory hood

Oct 12, 2005 | 10:04 PM

David Ey

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 1,167

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From: Ft.Worth Texas

Is there a prob with a dropbase and mallory hei dist...the one with the coil in the fat headed cap cover?

Oct 12, 2005 | 10:07 PM

lvjohn

Instructor

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From: Las Vegas NV

I know Summit Racing offers offset air cleaners not sure if they have a offset drop base air cleaner.

Oct 13, 2005 | 11:15 AM

LFZ

Team Owner

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 30,183

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From: Lake Norman NC

i've seen guys run a RPM airgap under a stock smallblock hood for 68-72 cars. You have to use a LT1 drop base, with a 2" filter..but it could work. Theres a few guys on here that have run it.

Oct 15, 2005 | 10:39 PM

71-Stingray

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 159

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From: North of Boston Massachusetts

Thanks for all the feedback.

It appears that I can use the desired manifold with the stock hood as long as I use a drop base air cleaner and a narrow filter.

One question remains - will a drop base air cleaner interfer with an HEI distributor?

Thanks

Oct 16, 2005 | 12:52 AM

ltlevil

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 847

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From: Des Allemands LA

Standard 14" dropbase will clear HEI distributor. As far as I know (unless there is a model I don't know of) MAllory HEI distrib's have the same size cap as GM HEI. Let me know if I'm wrong on this.

ltlevil