11 replies to this topic

[LXCHEV]

Hey all.... I was hoping for maybe a quick run-down from some of the Holden V8 guru's around here.... what's involved in installing an intake manifold onto a red 253/308.

I am about to upgrade the intake on my stock 253 in my LX Hatchback. It's time to ditch the factory 2 barrel manifold and WW Stromberg, and replace it with a factory 4 barrel manifold and Quaddy. At the same time I'll be replacing the points dizzy with my freshly rebuilt and recurved Bosch HEI dizzy. Can't wait!

So what things do I need to look out for?

* What's the best brand of intake manifold gaskets to use?

* Should I fit these gaskets dry or use some sealer - if so, what brand?

* I assume it's best not to use gaskets at the front and rear of the manifold, just use a good thick bead of sealer... once again, what's the best stuff to use here?

* Should all the bolts be the same from my current 2 barrel manifold or am I likely to need different lengths etc?

* Do the bolts go in dry or do I need thread sealant, such as GM Sealer?

I know, I know, it's about time I bought a decent Holden manual! But I'd just like to get a good feel for everything I need to know before I attack the job (aiming for this weekend!).

I will also be doing a "before and after" comparison on the dyno with only these mods. I already have the before graph. And we found by watching the manifold vacuum that this engine is absolutely screaming for more air!! So I'm hoping for a decent improvement. I'll be sure to post up the results too.

Cheers,
Brett.

[Struggler]

Before doing anything crank it around to 15 degrees before TDC No. 1 and check the rotor is pointing at the No. 1 teminal on the cap. Check that you have the right manifold to refit before yanking the old one.

Drain coolant. Pull dizzy. the rest is fairly straight forward.

I use Ezifit gaskets (ACL home brand) from Repco. Glue them to the heads with contact cement (Kwik Grip etc) and silicon around the water outlets. Allow the contact cement to go off before fitting manifold.

Use the silicon bead front and rear.

Bolts will be the same, some may be corroded, have a good look before refitting them.

Don't forget to rewire the ignition circuit for 12V and fit the appropriate coil.

Hope this helps.

[Struggler]

On a HQ headed Holden V8 the manifold bolt holes in the head are blind, using thread sealer MAY cause the bolt to hydraulic lock before it is truly tight (if it is enthusiastically applied). It is a good idea to lubricate the thread with something, perhaps a couple of drops of oil.

[LXCHEV]

Silly question, but when people refer to "HQ" style headed Holden V8's... what exactly does this cover?

Torana's?
Obviously HQ series Holdens

I've always wondered if the term is used to simply distinguish early heads from the later model VN heads, or if there are actually many varieties of early heads?

PS. Thanks for all the great advice from all involved.

[Struggler]

I use the term to distinguish between early and injected type heads.

There are 3 types of early head, HQ pre pollution or red pre pollution, red pollution and blue/black.

[LXCHEV]

Bewdy!