how much hood clearance do I have?

[tgc]

Hello all, posted up my intro over in the welcome wagon, but I have a question now.

I've never had my engine in my car (71 gtx) to take a before measurement to find my clearance so I was hopping someone around here could tell me how tall of a manifold I can use with out having hood clearance issues?

Also, what about finding headers that fit correctly if I run some victor heads? will I need to custom make them or are there sources out there that already have the pipes bent up?

Engine is a 440 4 barrel
car is a 71 GTX

Thanks for any input!

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Hello all, posted up my intro over in the welcome wagon, but I have a question now.

I've never had my engine in my car (71 gtx) to take a before measurement to find my clearance so I was hopping someone around here could tell me how tall of a manifold I can use with out having hood clearance issues?

Also, what about finding headers that fit correctly if I run some victor heads? will I need to custom make them or are there sources out there that already have the pipes bent up?

Engine is a 440 4 barrel
car is a 71 GTX

Thanks for any input!

I have a 1969 RR and the Victor intake manifold creates an environment where the carburetor (without breather) sits higher than the fender line with solid engine mounts. It really is a very tight fit, and I'm running an 2" oval air cleaner (turned horizontal) for the six pack hood to clear and get adequate filter air flow (1/4" clearance in the scoop). I would suggest an Indy Dual Plane for your application! Much shorter, flows graciously, and should clear with standard engine mounts depending on what height air cleaner you choose. I can't recommend a header, but I am sure TTI would be building them if anyone.

 

[tgc]

thanks for the info. I will check out TTI and see what they tell me.

 

[demonram]

I've got a 72 satty with a 451 and an edelbrock performer rpm with a 1" spacer, a 3x14 air cleaner and I had to cut the hood. Even without the spacer I had to cut it, so there aint a whole lot of room up top. I didn't want to go to a shorter air cleaner so that's what I had to do. I'm just finishing up the hood with a mopar pro stock hood scoop for the second time. I first mounted it with a urethane adhesive. It looked great for a while but then from vibration it was starting to show the edges. It didn't come loose but allowed just enough movement to let that edge telegragh thru. I do love the look of that scoop but I kinda wish I could have made it more stealth looking. WHATEVER YOU DO DONT BUY HOOKER HEADERS as I've stated here before THEY ARE CRAP!! Fit, finish and the WARRENTY(?) is a JOKE!! TAKE CARE HOWARD

 

[rgp266]

The biggest issue with the AFB/Carter/Edelbrock Carburetors is most Air Cleaners designed for them have a flat base plate. Mancini Racing to the rescue with a drop base Air Cleaner deal for these carbs that gets you an extra inch or so of clearance.
Bob

 

[Sweet5ltr]

An oval air cleaner, with a shorter element would be a great choice if clearance is an issue. You still have a large filter surface area to draw air into the carburetor while keeping a low overall profile and clearing linkage.

 

[tgc]

thanks for the tips and input. you all gave me a few things to think about and consider for sure.

I do already have a hood scoop on the car my dad put on it years ago back in the 70's. it's been urethaned on also but don't know how well it will hold up once I start driving the car. also don't now how well an air cleaner will fit in the opening seen how the last time I seen the engine in the car I was 10 years old. I guess at some point I might have to fit the engine in the car for mock up purposes to find out for sure.

here is my scoop I have on the car now.

 

[rgp266]

With that scoop you could maybe run a 12" diameter round filter with a 6" tall element or an Edelbrock-style oval filter and double stack 3" elements to get more surface area.
Bob