Sorry for the re-post but i am really confused. I need some help on this whole "plugging" the holes in the head due to the crossovers. I am using a 1973 455 out of 1973 electra. The heads are different (existing heads were cracked) but the heads i am using are still off a 73 model. I really don't want to put this big cast iron intake back on. I'd like to change it out to an aluminium intake. This is not a street machine pushing high HP. It is stock other than a mild cam. I have read multiple posts from multiple sites, one saying that the performer (newer 2146) will go on with the right intake gasket an no modification needed. Others say the B4B will need mods, others don't. Can some one PLEASE tell me what the easiest way to just get an aftermarket intake on this motor without limited modifications. Thanks in advance
Here is a post from the archive (2008) is it still valid?? You can use a Performer or a late-model B4B intake on those heads with no plugging of any holes. The B4B will make a slight amount of HP more than the Performer so it doesn't make too much difference which one you use. The weight savings is worth it just to get rid of that clump of cast iron. Late model B4B in the pics in this ad. It has the full width flange:
It depends what B4B. If it is an early one with the dip between the front and rear cylinder ports it won't work without plugging the holes. Save yourself some work and plug the small holes if your are replacing the heads anyway. If you have an intake without the dip between the ports you can plug the larger exhaust crossover holes and then drill a single 1/4" hole in one of the plugs for some heat to get under the carb for good cold weather drivability. Here's what you need for plugging the small AIR holes along the top of the head: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?299988-egr-ports-i-need-to-plug&highlight=EGR+Ports Exhaust crossover info: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.p...ssover-Block-Off&highlight=plug+holes+in+head Even more info with a search: http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.p...Buick-455-intake&highlight=plug+holes+in+head Early B4B: https://www.google.com/search?q=bui...ck+edelbrock+intake+b4b&imgrc=OcZPTsxC9MNPCM: Late B4B, notice how the larger side flanges will cover things up better but not 100% so the front and possibly rearmost small holes need to be plugged: http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/edl-2515_w.jpg Performer, notice that it has even better coverage so no holes would need to be plugged: http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive/mc/manifolds/images/2146.jpg
The exhaust cross overs do not need to be plugged, unless you want a cooler running intake. That is just a matter of getting the right cup plugs and hammering them in. The exhaust cross over just heats up the bottom of the intake to help vaporize fuel in cold weather, and provide heat for the choke thermostatic coil. Aluminum transfers heat faster than cast iron, so an aluminum intake will usually be fine in cold weather without exhaust heat. If you aren't running a choke, I would plug them for better performance and to lessen the incidence of vapor lock. Some heads have A.I.R (Air Pump) ports that may not be covered by aftermarket Edelbrock Intakes. This, I believe may apply more to the older model Intakes still out there, especially the B4B. I believe the B4B and Performer that they make today will cover the holes, but it is good practice to plug them anyway. It has been discussed before, just do a search here. Here are a few threads I dug up. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.p...-heads&highlight=air+injection+holes+in+heads http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.p...o-plug&highlight=air+injection+holes+in+heads http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.p...-holes&highlight=air+injection+holes+in+heads
Great info guy! thanks for the help. i think i am going to need to post some pics of what i have cause to be honest i don't know which ones are the A.I.R and which ones are the crossovers. Unless some one cant post something so i know what i am looking for. Do all 73's have the crossover and A.I.R ports?
The cross over passage is big, right in the middle of the head, 2 intake ports on each side. Overall shape varied with the year of cylinder head. There are 2 round holes deeper with in the passage, that you can knock in some cup plugs to block them. The A.I.R. ports are much smaller and run across the tops of the head intake flange.
These are '72 heads without the AIR holes but they have the crossover holes plugged; This is the area between the 4 intake ports. These were tapped with an NPT a 3/8" or maybe a 1/4" I can't remember which one but shouldn't be to hard to figure out. Derek
Yup i see them now.. just never noticed i guess... there are two little holes on top of the head where it meets the intake.. what are they? there little, smaller than a pencil diameter. probably the size of a coffee stirrer diameter
Those are the A.I.R. holes, there are 4 of them on each head. It stands for Air Injection Reactor. An engine operated air pump injects air into the exhaust port to continue the combustion process for less emissions. You have all the information in this thread to plug them. The Edelbrock intakes you buy today will cover them. I would plug them anyway.
On our 73 heads I just tapped the A.I.R holes, with a pipe tap, screwed some socket capped plugs in. Then propped the head flat and level and covered with epoxy, then hand filed flat. Don't forget when usING 73 and newer heads if this is a 72 and older Blick there us a water port in the center of the head up by the valley passage that will also need a freeze plugs installed to prevent coolant from getting into the valley
ok great i think i get it now.. i need to get the intake now. guess ill get it from summit or jegs. seems like everyone is about the same on the performer 2146 price
The website is not as up to date. If you look at the right side of the page, you can download the entire catalog in pdf form. http://www.taperformance.com/catalog.htm
you can get it all from TA, vally pan gasget, pcv valve grommet, plugs, intake , rubber end seals come with the vally pan gasget and so does a little tube of silicon, get some gasget cinch too. Get a new arp bolt kit too, heater core hose fittings in case yours are stuck. Yup your opening up a big ole can of Buick upgrade.
