measuring hood clearance
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
measuring hood clearance
With the 454 that bubba put in the vette before I got it, I have a edlebrock performer 2.0 intake and looks like a holly 750 without the butterfly choke or wall that would go around the choke. So whats the best way to go about measuring how much room I have to mount an air cleaner because there isnt an air cleaner on it? I figured by looking at it, that it is going to be a tight fit. Not sure how tight. I have the stock 75 hood.
Any help with the best / easiest way to measure what kind of clearance I have so I can buy an air cleaner would be appreciated.
Any help with the best / easiest way to measure what kind of clearance I have so I can buy an air cleaner would be appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
A common method is to use a piece of clay on top of the air cleaner and gently push down on the hood.....the clay will compress to the amount of clearance.....
I think mine clears by about .00015"...LOL (JK!)
I think mine clears by about .00015"...LOL (JK!)
Drifting
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From: Kernersville NC
Race Director
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Safety Car
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From: Austin Texas
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a loose ball of aluminum foil, works well to measure hood clearance,
and you probable have that in the kitchen.
you have very limited choices, for clearance unless you change your hood.
and you probable have that in the kitchen.
you have very limited choices, for clearance unless you change your hood.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,944
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From: The only Corvettes in Highett Victoria
Drop base AC
After the playdough exercise, try to buy a drop base air cleaner with sufficient depth to clear the hood. Try to use a three inch element, as I've read on this forum that a two inch one won't flow enough air at WOT to give you all that the engine's got.
Also, since the Holley has been butchered, consider buying a Quadrajet from a reputable seller and use what the General put there in the first place. However, if your manifold only has a square bore bolt pattern, you might have to stick with a Holley or an Edelbrock carb, as a spacer/adapter ( to fit the Qjet ) will only raise the carb.
Good luck!
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 4
From: Springfield VA
the clay (or what ever you use) will give you a non-running clerance. Remember the motor will move up a little (or lot depending on mounts, power, etc...) so leave enough room for that as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
The foil keeps its shape well and doesn't risk making a mess out of things.
Oh, and you might be surprised by how much an engine moves around with soft mounts, especially when they let go.
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Jan 12, 2012 at 06:07 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Just order you an L88 hood...
You are going to need it for ANY decent sized air cleaner with that intake. You will need a 2" drop base like any LT1 or L88 repro air cleaner, you'll need a 3" element.
Remember you dont want the air cleaner lid to sit too close to the carb throat....You want atleast 1.5" above the carb throat...at a minimum.
You are going to need it for ANY decent sized air cleaner with that intake. You will need a 2" drop base like any LT1 or L88 repro air cleaner, you'll need a 3" element.
Remember you dont want the air cleaner lid to sit too close to the carb throat....You want atleast 1.5" above the carb throat...at a minimum.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Sierra Foothills CA
Silent,
After the playdough exercise, try to buy a drop base air cleaner with sufficient depth to clear the hood. Try to use a three inch element, as I've read on this forum that a two inch one won't flow enough air at WOT to give you all that the engine's got.
Also, since the Holley has been butchered, consider buying a Quadrajet from a reputable seller and use what the General put there in the first place. However, if your manifold only has a square bore bolt pattern, you might have to stick with a Holley or an Edelbrock carb, as a spacer/adapter ( to fit the Qjet ) will only raise the carb.
Good luck!
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
After the playdough exercise, try to buy a drop base air cleaner with sufficient depth to clear the hood. Try to use a three inch element, as I've read on this forum that a two inch one won't flow enough air at WOT to give you all that the engine's got.
Also, since the Holley has been butchered, consider buying a Quadrajet from a reputable seller and use what the General put there in the first place. However, if your manifold only has a square bore bolt pattern, you might have to stick with a Holley or an Edelbrock carb, as a spacer/adapter ( to fit the Qjet ) will only raise the carb.
Good luck!
Regards from Down Under.
aussiejohn
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