Was still having a intake manifold leak on the passenger side. Could spray brake clean down along the intake manifold and the RPM's would drop. So I put the engine thru a couple heat cycles and then tried to torque the intake manifold down with it running to 18 lbs ft. Then I'd let it sit overnight and retorqued again. Started it up and tested it out by spraying brake clean along the intake manifold with no change to the RPM's or sound of the engine. I really don't know why this DANG NAB intake was such a bear to get it to seal up like it should but I've got my fingers crossed that this is the final time I'll have to mess with it for a long while.

 

I jinxed myself by posting that I'd gotten the leaks sealed up.... Went out to the garage this morning and I was getting high exhaust temps again so I sprayed some brake clean onto the intake and YEP it's leaking again.

I was seeing exhaust temps in the 500-600* range. At this point I am DONE with this damn intake. Plan on going back to an Air Gap & most likely a 58mm TB from F&B unless someone can recommend a better TB. I've heard way to many people say that the Big Gulp from Hughes wasn't worth it and that it didn't flow anywhere hear what they claimed.

 

It sucks that you're dealing with this leak. I've been watching this build for a long time, and I'll be glad when you have it squared away. Would a Mopar Performance M1 intake do any better than the Hughes Airgap? I know the Hughes is dual plane and I believe the Mopar was single plane. I know the Mopar was preferred for a number of builds but can be hard to find now.

 

I don't think 18 ft. lbs is adequate to the task. Yeah, I know, that's the 'spec'.... but, that ain't working...... Would be tempted to torque 'em down to 30 ft/lbs, and see if that doesn't solve it. (standard torque for SBC....)

 

I did seriously think about it but I'm also worried about breaking the manifold. I'm just seriously frustrated with this whole thing and want it over with. I've tried as many ways as I can think of to try and make this freaking manifold seal properly.

 

If you believe the dyno charts then the M1 & Air Gap both loose a little torque down low but with this stroker I HOPE that it really won't be an issue. And as hard as the M1 is to find now the Air Gap is the obvious choice. I reached out to Hughes Engines and they have them in stock. If I could get a hold of Marty so I could order the 108mm TB I think I'd be good.

 

You could probably torque 'em to 100 ft/lbs and still not be in danger of breaking the manifold.

 

You probably are correct but with my luck the way things have been going on this whole project I'll break it.

Because the intake was originally for a LA engine I think the bolt holes are welded onto the manifold but not really sure. The injector bungs are welded in.


Not the best pictures but this is what I had.




You can see where this one was welded onto the manifold.

 

I actually have a new, never used Mopar M1 intake that I've been holding onto for years. If you're interested let me know and I'll get the part number for you.

 

Here's a dyno chart on the intakes.