The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Stuck in Kansas - Need new manifold or better carb adapter?

Hello all,

Had a couple questions and update. My good ol 1959 3800 successfully pulled my 1953 37' spartan trailer (6000 + lbs) from Arkansas to Kansas.

my older brother has a new chevy avalanche and said I'd never make it, but we did (after some hours in a parking lot - forgot to tell him about that )

However it was slow so I gave in (i.e. indulged) and bought a edlebrock 1405 4 bbl carburator after the salesman at autozone said this nifty little adapter made by spectre (which I bought also) would make the 4bbl carb fit to my 2bbl manifold.

Guess what. It doesn't. So for the big question. Is there a better adapter to fit a 1405 4bbl edelbrock in place of a 2bbl Rochester on a 283 V-8 2bbl manifold?

Or does anyone know where I could get an old cast iron 4bbl manifold that would fit?

I think I'd rather have the old cast iron rather than the new aluminum ones. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jacob

I would go with the 4 barrel manifold. Cast iron ones are cheap ($20 at most, usually free) and most Chevy guys have a few laying around (I have 4 or 5). Your local salvage yard is a good place. While you're there, get an HEI distributor if you didn't swap already. You might want to find an air cleaner, too. Early 80's Chevy trucks are good bet. Don't forget to run a new wire from ign. switch to distributor. If you have points dist., the wire reduces voltage because it can't handle 12v. With HEI you can open spark plugs to .045". Your truck will start and run much better. All the parts you need will fit from any smallblock pre-'86.

I like the aluminum manifolds. A lot of cars in the early 80s had a factory aluminum manifold. They are plentiful & cheap at swap meets or pull it yourself salvage lots.

Mr gasket makes the adapter you need. may have to run double gaskets to get it to seal up

Are you anywhere near Wichita? I might be able to help you out.

New Performer alum 4 bbl intakes are about $100 at Autozone,, Brian

4 barrel to 2 barrel adapters, unless they are at least 6 inches tall, will permit LESS air flow than the two barrel. If 6 inches tall, they still will NOT allow more air flow than the two barrel, but can be used only if the two barrel is unavailable. The use of the adapter will NOT gain performance, and should be considered only for emergency use.

If you are going to install the 4 barrel, best to also install a 4 barrel manifold.

Jon.