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I suspect that the Edelbrock Performer on our '77 is warped (twisted). I've done what reading I can find, and most point to using a straight edge to verify this, but none of the information I could find explains how.
As dumb as this may sound, what is the proper way to use a straight edge to check this using a straight edge? I understand the hold the straight edge against the intake, but I'm guessing there is more to it than that.
I really doubt its warped but if you really want to check it take it off, scrape the side and end gaskets off, then place it onto/into the engine and see of it has any sign of rocking.
Why are you suspecting its warped? Leaking at the ends?
I had an edelbrock that wouldn't seal, ran the straight edge fine, machine shop said it was good, it wasn't until I traded from dual to single plane team g that the Isue went away.
After you clean the gaskets off........hold the intake surface that bolts to the head against a granite counter top so that it feels flat against the granite,
Have someone turn the light off in the room and use a penlight to shine under the opposite side that you are looking at........
Any warped areas will allow more light to shine between the intake sealing surface and the granite counter top.
(This will not detect factory defects where one side is machined at a different angle than the other side......thicker intake gaskets may solve the warpage problem)
Small amounts of engine oil collecting along the edge of the intake is a sign of warpage or gaskets that don't seal properly.
Last edited by doorgunner; Oct 9, 2015 at 05:21 AM.