Quadrajet manifold for 401

[62electra225]

Alright. I'm gonna go with an 800 CFM Quadrajet. So's the next thing is the manifold. Anyone know of a source, or a person to buy one from? It's a 401 and I need a squarebore intake for the quadrajet. Thanks

[BuickStreet]

Actually Nick you need a spreadbore intake for a Nailhead. They where only made in 66 I believe so there aren't many around. You could ask on the Yahoo NailheadBuick group, post in this Parts Wanted section and of course keep a sharp eye out on ebay. I bought mine for US$75 but I've seen them go for up to US$200. Good luck on your hunt. Good choice on the carb. Have you bought one yet?

[craig]

boy if you want one bad enough try larry daisiy hes a riviera guy in california also there is buick world in enumclaw wa im sorry i dont have there # but will snoop for you on my end i paid 450.00 for maifold and carb set up ouch! but it works good.:beer

[62electra225]

I haven't bought one yet, soon though. Thanks for correcting me. I'm always getting things swapped around in my head.

[62electra225]

Hey, on my other thread of replacement carb for a 401. You (Bill) postes a pic of two manifolds side by side. I don't know if I was thrown off by the color but is the one on the left (the blue one) a spreadbore, the one off the 66?

[SpecialWagon65]

Here is a red spreadbore from a 66. I picked one up at the gs nats a couple years ago. It was a good buy! Good Luck!

[62electra225]

This is a copy of the e-mail I got from the guy at I-5 components (carbs.net) this is what he recommended. I'm still looking for an intake though.

"1971 to 74 carburetors where the 4MV type Quadrajet with divorced choke, in 1975 they changed to M4MC with hot air choke.

What I recommend is a late model 800 CFM Chevy Quadrajet carb M4ME type with electric choke.
We supply these units for the price of $245.00.
They feature:

All new parts and gaskets including brand new electric choke, new pull-off, float, needle and seat , re-colored castings , brass bushings in the throttle shaft,re-finished base, yellow zinc plating on all linkages and hardware,casting plugs are sealed with epoxy to prevent leak-down into the intake manifold."

[62electra225]

here's a pic

[Buford]

I agree with I-5 as for Q Jet model, and that is a good price for that carburetor. Just my .02, from an old carburetor hobbyist. Frank

[BuickStreet]

Hey, on my other thread of replacement carb for a 401. You (Bill) postes a pic of two manifolds side by side. I don't know if I was thrown off by the color but is the one on the left (the blue one) a spreadbore, the one off the 66?

Check the thread. I explain it clearly.

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13805

I'm not sure what you mean by being 'thrown off by the colour". You can paint the manifold whatever colour you want. The green one is the Spreadbore.

[MARTINSR]

Watch eBay, I have seen many. I just sold a super nice setup with a Holley ( GAG ) on ebay for $415.00. I see the manifolds usually go for about $200.00.

I run an 800 CFM ThermoQuad on my Gran Sport with good success. I use to run a 1000 CFM Competition Series ThermoQuad, that sucker had some throttle response!! But the 800 is still pretty good.

[62electra225]

I'm sure this won't fit but in the off chance it does I'll try anyways. Here's the link to an ebay auction. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2406743362&category=34198

[BuickStreet]

Nick, there is one for sale here...

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14724

It's $150...snap it up.

[62electra225]

Wow, thanks a ton Bill. I don't know what I'd do without you. I just e-mailed him so hopefully we'll get this goin'. Like I told you before I just started a new job and having my car out of commission for however long a rebuild would take would have really screwed me up.

[62electra225]

Awesome Icon\picture thingy Bill! Do I have to replace a gasket when I replace the manifold? I've never taken one off before and don't know if it bolts metal on metal or what. If I do need a new one does anyone have any suggestions for where to get one? Thanks a ton. When I get it and the new carb in I'm gonna have to make a burnout pic too. SWEETNESS

[BuickStreet]

Thanks Nick. I bought new tyres yesterday so I thought I'd give my old tyres a 'correct' send-off party. Felt like a Kodak moment to me so I invited my cousin to take a few snaps. Spent Saturday with a visiting 66 Riviera owner getting the switch pitch and kickdown all worked out. Took it out for a spin and decided to see if it made a difference. It did. No brakes where used. I just floored it from a standing start. Surprised the hell out of me! Love Nailhead torque.

Regarding your intake gaskets. Yes there are metal gaskets (not sure where you'll find them - shouldn't be too hard to find) but make sure that when you install them that the pointed corners (arrow) point down into the engine. There is also a raised bump that runs around each port. I can't remember which way it goes but from memory it doesn't matter. I placed the bump up so that it contacts the intake. Maybe someone can confirm this or correct me.

[wildcat2]

I'm pretty sure the bolts are off-center to the ports, so it only goes one way. If the bolts and ports line up you're good to go, otherwise just flip it over.

[JohnK]

Might be worth mentioning here that Poston sells a intake gasket with stainless steel blockoffs for the heat riser passages. Helps keep carb cooler, so you don't percolate the fuel in the carb. They work great for me.

[62electra225]

Well it looks like he's not going to sell it now. I didn't get the money off soon enough. So if anyone sees one I'd appreciate it if you tell me. Thanks

[Justin]

The intake manifold will fit "backwards" and it will leak if you do so be careful to get them on correctly. I know from a bad experience (my rebuilder put them on backwards and they leaked ) .

THey are available at NAPA.

[BuickStreet]

The intake manifold will fit "backwards" and it will leak if you do so

Justin, do you mean the Intake Manifold "gaskets" will fit on backwards?

[Justin]

YES,
GASKETSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! (Although I guess you could put the manifold on backwards also)

The gaskets will get "backwards" or flipped with the sharp point facing out from the crank.

[wildcat2]

Yeah, you can put them on backwards. I wasn't clear in my response, what I meant is that regarding the raised sealing bead, they only go one way (if installed correctly). I think it's always best, and easiest, to verify that the bolt holes and ports line up correctly with any gasket, rather than trying to remember if a bump or tab goes up or down or inboard or outboard.

[Topcat]

I have a 66 Q-jet manifold and a formerly NOS carb with 2500 or so miles on it. This set-up is in perfect condition.$450.00 plus shipping. Peace WildBill

[62electra225]

Thanks Topcat but I've already bought some. SpeedyBuickGS sold them to me. I would also like to say that he is a real stand up guy. Thanks again Rob.

[62electra225]

ok, you know the part on the intake that's bolted on and the carb pushes a rod in it? First off what is it exactly. My brother said it's for vacuum, is that correct? Also is that a part that I should replace if so where could I find one? Are they nailhead specific?

[62electra225]

here's a pic I found. It's the part in the green circle.

[Smartin]

That's something to keep the motor from dying when you let off the gas abruptly. It acts like an idle stop solenoid. I think it's called the Dashpot??:confused:

My car has this as well.

[Nailhead]

I have a manifold only for 66 Q-jet for $200 plus shipping from PA, or possible delivery to Englishtown or Carlisle spring flea market.
John

[JohnK]

Function is to keep engine from killing as stated.
Nailhead specific - no. Later big blocks used it as well. The bracket may be specific to the nailhead, however. The dashpot itself is the same for several years and applications, and is available from CARS.
Do you need it - no - I currently don't have one on either engine - the 455 because of aftermarket manifold - the 425 because of modern AFB replacement - neither engine kills when throttle is abruptly closed.
And there's no vacuum involved with the operation of dashpots.

[62electra225]

Ok. I'm getting a new Q-jet (specifics in my other thread) will I need the dashpot with it? Would I notice anything?

[Smartin]

I pulled the dashpot off of my LeSabre 4 years ago when I converted to 4bbl. Never noticed a thing.