Intake Manifolds...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
Intake Manifolds...
I own a 72' Vette, and I am wondering if an "air gap" intake manifold will fit under my stock hood... Is there anybody out there that has had any experience with this intake on a SB? I hope the hood clearance is ok...
Thanks as always,
Jon
Thanks as always,
Jon
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 839
Likes: 0
From: Lewiston, Maine
I am interested in this answer too. I currently have a stock height hood on my 1969, however someone along the way removed the wiper door. As a result, I use the long style hood.
This summer I will be building a 383 stroker for my car and have been looking at the Performer RPM Air Gap manifold. IIRC, when they first came out, there was a note that said something to the effect of, "Will not fit under stock Vette hood."
I may get a long style L-88 hood, but in case I can't purchase the hood before my engine is back together what about a drop-base air cleaner?
This summer I will be building a 383 stroker for my car and have been looking at the Performer RPM Air Gap manifold. IIRC, when they first came out, there was a note that said something to the effect of, "Will not fit under stock Vette hood."
I may get a long style L-88 hood, but in case I can't purchase the hood before my engine is back together what about a drop-base air cleaner?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
68-72 standard hoods have limited clearance. The Performer 2101 is supposed to be about 1/4" taller than stock. Performer Air Gap & EPS are about 1/4" taller than Performer 2101.
RPM is about .7" taller than Performer 2101.
The 73-79 med. rise hood allows the Victor Jr, RPM & others on SB w/ aftermarket dropbase filter & Holley.
There needs to be at least about 3/4" clearance over the Holley vent tubes.
RPM is about .7" taller than Performer 2101.
The 73-79 med. rise hood allows the Victor Jr, RPM & others on SB w/ aftermarket dropbase filter & Holley.
There needs to be at least about 3/4" clearance over the Holley vent tubes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
According to the Edelbrock site, none of their intakes fit under "a stock corvette hood".
Here's the Air-Gap info:
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...-air-gap.shtml
Here's the Air-Gap info:
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_...-air-gap.shtml
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Frederick MD
With the proper "drop" air cleaner base/filter combo I've seen a Performer Air-gap fit just barely. Some air cleaner lids have recessed areas for the lock nut too. It's probably possible, but I think when you start squeezing the base too far down on the carb, it chokes the air flow to the carb.
I'm in the same boat, but don't want to replace the hood or wiper door either. I'd like to choose the regular air-gap and leave it at that. But that's just me.
I'm interested in hearing more first hand experiences before I purchase.
I'm in the same boat, but don't want to replace the hood or wiper door either. I'd like to choose the regular air-gap and leave it at that. But that's just me.
I'm interested in hearing more first hand experiences before I purchase.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
I am also interested in this. I do not want to replace my stock sb hood but want to run an air gap with a drop base. Wondering if anyone has pulled this off. I will be running a Mighty demon. SURELY someone has made one work.
632C2 made it work on his C2 with stock sb hood.
632C2 made it work on his C2 with stock sb hood.
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Brighton Ontario
I currently have a 1976 in the shop with an air gap manifold, with a stock hood, we used a drop base air cleaner assy and it does clear, however on the older vets, pre 1973, a BB hood is required, very close fit with a small block hood.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Ya we are interested in if the air gap rpm fits under a 68-72 small block hood. Everyone knows 73-81s have taller hoods, like the L82s etc..
Pics of 68-72s with various air cleaners are appreciated.
Pics of 68-72s with various air cleaners are appreciated.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: Hollywood FL
I think it will fit. I had an LT1 intake on my 69 that fit (barely) with a factory drop base air cleaner. A while I was wondering the same thing and I measured my height of my intake from the carb mounting surface to the end rail surface. I compared it to the dimensions that Edelbrock gives and it seemed like it would make it. I don't remember those dimensions off the top of my head, but I could measure it tonight.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Canton MI
According to tech support at Edelbrock (who I spoke with for a couple weeks via email for various parts), the only intake they make that will fit under a stock hood is the Performer. I have a 73 L82 with cowl induction (taller hood) and he still said I had no other options.
Of course, you can't rule out the fact that these companies probably have different specs and safety factors. That is to say that "doesn't fit" to them may not mean "really doesn't fit" to us.
If you find an intake you want, measure the height of it (or call Edlebrock and get it from them). Then take a large chunk of clay and put it on your air cleaner and close the hood. Then, by measuring the height of the (now squished clay), you can guess how much clearance you have. Its quick and dirty, but it works.
I'm in the same boat. I went to Ecklers and they have various Racing Power Performance intakes. I may end up using one of these.
Of course, you can't rule out the fact that these companies probably have different specs and safety factors. That is to say that "doesn't fit" to them may not mean "really doesn't fit" to us.
If you find an intake you want, measure the height of it (or call Edlebrock and get it from them). Then take a large chunk of clay and put it on your air cleaner and close the hood. Then, by measuring the height of the (now squished clay), you can guess how much clearance you have. Its quick and dirty, but it works.
I'm in the same boat. I went to Ecklers and they have various Racing Power Performance intakes. I may end up using one of these.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
I have a 73 SB with: a Torker II, a Holley 650 DP, about a 3/4" spacer, an Edelbrock triangle shaped flow type air cleaner that is not drop down, and still have room. There was a special article Hot Rod did (online only I think) and in it they said the Torker II was recommended for Corvettes because of clearance. It influenced my decision to buy the Torker II. 
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
Thanks...
Thanks for all the advise, I am in the middle of putting my Vette back together, I just took the engine in for my rebuild, and the clearance is my may concern. The frame is painted, tranny's rebuilt, lines ran, suspensions "complied with," everything is coming together, and an issue with the intake is holding me up...lol. Thanks again...
Jon
Jon
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 832
Likes: 1
From: Breckenridge Colorado
I have a 76 with a 385 stroker and the Edelbrock Performer Air Gap manifold with an Edelbrock carb and it definately would not fit under the stock hood. I had to get the twin turbo hood for it to clear, but that was fine with me since I like that hood better.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: Hollywood FL
OK, I measured my LT1 intake the same way that Edelbrock shows on their web site. I got 4 1/8 front and 5 rear for an average of 4 9/16 which would be the height were the carb sits. The Air Gap is 4.20 front and 5.25 rear for an average of 4.725. So the Air gap is about 3/16 taller than my LT1. I'd say it's doubtful that the hood would close since it was pretty tight with the LT1. Just how tight I can't say because the motor isn't in the car right now. If someone has managed to make it fit I'd like to hear about it since I'd like to run that manifold.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Tee Tops off all year FL
The performer will fit, why not use that, better than stock and don't need to change the hood. I am putting in a ZZ383 this week and I ordered a performer vortec for my 80. I don't know if there is that much difference in performance between the air gap and performer?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Originally Posted by Dk Met Grn 80 L82
The performer will fit, why not use that, better than stock and don't need to change the hood. I am putting in a ZZ383 this week and I ordered a performer vortec for my 80. I don't know if there is that much difference in performance between the air gap and performer?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Appleton Wi.
When Edelbrock says that they won't fit, what they mean is that they won't fit with the original air cleaner assembly. That is what the Edelbrock tech told me. Hope this clears up some of the confusion.
TJ
TJ
