I find that the bottom of my "A" intake sits on top of the front valley cover bolt. I made some rudimentary measurements (its difficult to measure with the tools that I have) and it would appear that this manifold is slightly narrower than the two barrel manifold I also have although I can see that the 2 bbl manifold was also hitting the same bolt. Is there a way to ensure that the intake lines up properly with the heads? I am sure I can modify the cover bolt or the rubber washer but want to make sure that the intake is fitting properly.

Thanks.

Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

You can tighten that front bolt down if it is the original bolt.



One has to be very careful with that front valley cover bolt if it has ever been replaced. The bolt length is critical because if that particular bolt is too long and you tighten it down so the valley cover stops leaking the end of the bolt can hit a lobe on the camshaft. Not a good thing if that happens.



I would suggest taking the manifold off and checking bolt lengths to be sure there will not be contact with the camshaft.



marv

Yikes, I didn't know that. I am in the middle of taking the motor apart to get it rebored and I will be getting a new cam, so your advice is timely. It sure wouldn't be any fun to cinch a bolt down on a new cam!! Thanks for the heads up.

Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

When I rebuilt my 292 I wanted to avoid ever having oil leaks from the valley pan.John "The Hoosier Hurricane" suggested drilling and tapping the block around the valley pan and using machine screws to hold it down.I think I put 1 at each end and I think 3 on each side.The block drills very easily with a good high speed steel bit and taps easily too.Just stay to the side of the casting rib on each side of the block.This modification worked for me.No leaks.You still use the original bolts-just snug after the outside is screwed down.  

  

Thanks Mark, I am contemplating doing that, but what I am really wondering at this point is why my intake is hitting the front valley cover bolt.

Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

Block decking, head milling, and intake milling all work to lower the manifold onto the bolt, which is a close fit anyway.  Using a thinner rubber grommet to permit the bolt to seat deeper without distorting the cover will help.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

That, and grinding the bolt-head thinner (not much torque required to snug down the valley cover).

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

Thanks, John and Daniel. I suspect that this particular intake has been milled. Do I need to worry about the intake ports lining up with the heads. Is there a trick to check? Thanks.

Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

You can set the intake on the engine with the gaskets in place and look at the alignment of the threaded holes in the head compared to the drilled holes in the intake. The intake holes should be very slightly above the head holes so that the intake is pulled into alignment as the bolts are tightened.



In general, as long as the bolts thread easily, you're good. I wouldn't get too concerned with perfect alignment for street stuff. Because of variations during casting, it may be off even with the holes lined up perfectly.


Lawrenceville, GA

Thanks, Charlie, I'll check that, (after the heads and block are done and the new gaskets are installed).

Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia