The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Something different...

Thats what Ive been thinking over a lot lately. My plans for my COE include a somewhat modified 302 at some point in the future when the old 248 goes kaput, hopefully not any time soon. Ive been thinking over all the those little things that make your truck different and have come up with my own crazy ideas. I lean towards originality most of the time, but I think I want to go a different route when that day finally comes.

Mainly something like this with a pair of matching Zeniths.

I think it would be a cool setup and a fairly one of a kind thing to do. Ive looked at a bunch of manifolds for the 302 and settled on the military as being the easiest to work with, plus its a pretty darn stout manifold, even so its probably gonna need a bracket underneath as those carbs are heavy. The top portion will have to be cut off and a block off plate welded over because I think its to tall to fit under the floor as it sits. A good friend of mine has already volunteered to do the welding work as its definately gonna require some custom pipes due to the limited amount of room and he knows his stuff about welding. The generator might need to be swapped for an alternator as its a little long to fit, but you never know.

Any body have any ideas or advice? Im patient and I see this as being a feasible option even though itll be a little labor intensive.

Thanks, Jeff

That would be different!
What do you hope to gain, other than the different part?
How will the exhaust work around the carbs? Will you have vapor lock problems?
Is there room for plumbing to an air filter for the front carb?

When you start cutting and welding, it may be beneficial to bolt the manifold solidly to a spare/scrap head, and only unbolt it after it's all done, may reduce the warpage.

Will you have glass floor boards to show it off?

Take some pictures,
Grigg

I think the biggest thing I could gain might be a great big grin!

I certainly dont expect a big jump in performance and Im probably considering it more for the fact that I like the idea rather then any actual gains. I plan to use the truck as a truck and I have yet to think through much on the engines rebuild as itll be a few years yet, so long as the 248 stays strong. So until that time its more of a thought then anything. The ideas been beating around in my head over the past year or so.

I think theres just enough room to run a dual exhaust down and around the carbs. I could also drop the throat down like the typical updraft setup is and buy myself enough room to squeak it in. As for air filters I believe I may be able to use two smaller custom units attached directly to the carbs. If not theres still enough room, they can be plumbed into one line. The stock piece attaches to the base and drops the intake down about 3" so it wouldnt be difficult to fabricate another.

My head hurts thinking about it, but I cant help but smile!

Jeff