Intake Manifold Question

[V8 Bob]

Originally Posted by Timstruck

Having spent several hours of searching online, I can't seem to find out any definitive reason why some intakes are designated for later years and some for early. I have a 37 block and the link below is the one I would like to purchase. Can anyone tell me why I shouldn't buy it?

The early '32-'48 engines sit level in the torque-tube chassis, so the carb base is also level. Ventilation enters the rear of the intake (fuel pump stand) and exits down the front, under the intake, and out the pan, starting in '35.



The late '49-'53 engines sit at an angle because of the new open drive lines and hypoid rear ends, which requires an angled carb base to level the carb. Ventilation enters toward the front of the intake, along with the oil fill. Fumes exit through a road draft tube out of the front of the intake.



Look carefully at early and late manifolds, as they will bolt to all flathead engines, but carb angles and engine ventilation are two issues that need to be considered.


There are some aftermarket intakes that may vary from the norm, like the Navarro tripple I use that has level carb bases but has the late oil fill and road draft provisions at the front.