Pros or Cons on a 63 model crossram

[miller]

Seems there are many here at this great site with experiance with these pieces, so I'd just like to ask. I've got a 69 model 440 hi-performance motor I'm going to overhaul, and shove into my 64 Sport Fury.
Also have the mentioned 63 model crossram, just the bare intake, including the steel plugs, but that's it. I'd need to come up with the linkage, etc. to mount it up.
I've never had my hands on one of these intakes before...so can anyone tell me if there are any known cons for the 63 model intake? Is this a Stage II crossram? If I remember right, the main dif on the year models is the internal runner lengths, right?
Would I be dealing with any known problems with this year intake?

Thanks, guys! Really looking forward to getting the car back on it's feet.

 

[1962polara]

Seems there are many here at this great site with experiance with these pieces, so I'd just like to ask. I've got a 69 model 440 hi-performance motor I'm going to overhaul, and shove into my 64 Sport Fury.
Also have the mentioned 63 model crossram, just the bare intake, including the steel plugs, but that's it. I'd need to come up with the linkage, etc. to mount it up.
I've never had my hands on one of these intakes before...so can anyone tell me if there are any known cons for the 63 model intake? Is this a Stage II crossram? If I remember right, the main dif on the year models is the internal runner lengths, right?
Would I be dealing with any known problems with this year intake?

Thanks, guys! Really looking forward to getting the car back on it's feet.

Good Luck with getting it going.

You will need max wedge heads to run that crossram

I would be interested in buying the intake if you decide not to use it !

Not much difference
413/426 smaller primaries than a secondaries Casting # 2402726. Uses carter 3447's

426 Stage II primaries same as secondaries Casting# 2402728 Uses carter 3705's

Cheers 1962polara

heres what you need complete on ebag
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/291056303334?redirect=mobile

 

[miller]

Thanks, 1962polara!
Yeah, understand about the max heads, and that. I haven't looked hard at my motor stuff yet, since I plan to leave it to last on the build. Just looking for any known flow issues, leaned-out cylinders, or that type thing, before I decide which way to go.
Heck, I might even have to make my own linkage for it, if I decide to try it.

 

[coloradodave]

Tough question to answer. My main 2 reasons for running the factory cross ram: 1) WOW!! factor when you open the hood and 2) I wanted one in 1963 and couldn't afford it. In order to run a cross ram on a car that is driven regularly you need to be educated and committed to learning how to tune it yourself. You learn that a 5-10 minute warm up (even with manual chokes) is necessary before you get a stable idle. Once the motor is up to operating temperature it is very well mannered on the street. My set-up with two 500 CFM Edelbrock carburetors gets right at 10 MPG ( 4 speed / 3:91 rear). With 750 CFM carbs, it got 7 MPG. I have no doubt that getting rid of my high dollar ported and polished max wedge heads and manifold and replacing them with a modern set of aluminum heads and a single four barrel would produce quite a bit more horsepower, but, on the street, I really have all I can handle now.
Sooooo, I guess it depends on what YOU want for YOUR car. Me? I love it when the younger generation looks at my motor and says; "That's like, 4 times bigger than my Honda's engine".

 

[Meep-Meep]

I ran the 63 cross ram in my 68 Road Runner back in the 80's. And yes, I had the rest of the Max Wedge under it. Drove it all over with no problems.

 

[Montclaire]

If this is a street car there really is no measurable difference between the intakes. You will need to run max wedge heads with that intake, and that will get expensive. You can't hog out the stockers, there just isn't enough meat on them. The question is, do you really need that much flow from your heads? And then you have to open up the exhaust, too, since you're flowing a lot more through the heads.

You can always sell the factory piece and buy an A&A intake with 440 ports. I can tell you where to get low cost linkage parts but I have to dig out my list. I bought a bunch of stuff for mine and saved quite a bit.

The factory ran twin 500 carbs on the 413 in 1962, and that is what I plan to run on my 440 with the A&A x-ram.

 

[super-bee_ski]

If this is a street car there really is no measurable difference between the intakes. You will need to run max wedge heads with that intake, and that will get expensive. You can't hog out the stockers, there just isn't enough meat on them. The question is, do you really need that much flow from your heads? And then you have to open up the exhaust, too, since you're flowing a lot more through the heads.

You can always sell the factory piece and buy an A&A intake with 440 ports. I can tell you where to get low cost linkage parts but I have to dig out my list. I bought a bunch of stuff for mine and saved quite a bit.

The factory ran twin 500 carbs on the 413 in 1962, and that is what I plan to run on my 440 with the A&A x-ram.

View attachment 162651

I have a 440 based MAX WEDGE but...
As an option for "original post" miller;
Can he use the original style OR original 63 Cross Ram with the Edelbrock Max Wedge heads?
It would be cheaper than finding originals....

Just a thought/question....

 

[Montclaire]

I don't see why not. A max wedge port is a max wedge port. Maybe do a quick gasket match and go. A factory x-ram WILL physically bolt to stock RB heads, just with awful port mismatch.

 

[miller]

I don't see why not. A max wedge port is a max wedge port. Maybe do a quick gasket match and go. A factory x-ram WILL physically bolt to stock RB heads, just with awful port mismatch.

Oh, man...think my heart just skipped a beat. I really appreciate the responses!
Methinks, as hard-headed as I am, I'll probably make it a go. Didn't know twin 500s would be enough for the intake. Originally thought about 650s. (Or is that 625s? It's been too long since I've fooled with this stuff.)
Thanks for the heads-up Montclaire...if I can, I'll touch base with you later.

 

[Montclaire]

Yeah unless someone reports an issue I don't see why it wouldn't work. The angle of the flange on the manifold side of the head should not be any different than stock. If there is any doubt just ask Edelbrock before you order, they would be aware if there is an issue. Same with the carbs, ask Rick Allison of A&A about your combo. The factory used Carter #3447 AFBs on the 413, which I believe rated at 525 cfm (this has been inflated to 600 over the years). I have ported 915s so I went with eddy 1404s which are rated 500-550 cfm. If you are going with the eddy heads and the factory intake I would go with 750s, but Rick will probably know more and also he sells carbs.

- - - Updated - - -

426 motors used the carter 3705 which was a 750 cfm.

 

[dvw]

I built a 440 with eddy heads and a stock 63 cross ram about 7 years ago. Matched the ports to max wedge opening. It runs the stock 3705 carbs, but I've run 600 and 750 Eddys as well with good success (you can buy them used cheap). Originally we ran ran a [email protected] Comp hydraulic. Later it was switched to a similar duration hydraulic roller. Car drives great. Takes a minute or two to warm up then go. 14 MPG w/3.55 and a 5 speed manual. For what its worth this same stock intake ran 10 teens on my 63 Dodge drag car w/Indy -1s (unported) and a .670 roller.
Doug

 

[miller]

Well, talk about good info...I'm at the right place.
Actually, Montclaire, you mentioning the A&A manifold is something I should also think about, since it's made for the 440. I do not want to do anything to the 63 model piece, that would destroy it's integrity, and the costs of buying heads over another manifold is something I need to look at. I know what I gave for the 63 manifold, but still stock, it is bare-bones, with no linkage. No hurry on things, since I'm leaving the motor to last. If I go the other manifold way, sure...I could put the 63 up for sale to someone who really needs, or wants it.
Thanks a bunch, guys!

 

[PMux]

Hi, Do you have time to tell me where you got your linkage and other parts? Thanks, Paul

 

[Goldencommando]

http://crossramconnection.com/

Norm is great to work with.

 

[aldal]

http://crossramconnection.com/

Norm is great to work with.

x2. Worked with Norm....great guy and best prices I could find.

 

[dvw]

I guess I should also mention I HAVE run a 63 crossram with factory iron 906 heads. No port match. You do have to build a block off for the heat riser or it will have a huge exhaust leak in the valley. It actually didn't run that bad. My 63 Dodge ran 11.60's like this. I had blown up my race motor and needed a quick N/SS replacement to stay in the points race. Pm me if you're interested on how I did it.
Doug