69 Intake Manifold Heat Crossover Advice

[Macdon221]

Good Day All,

1969 440. Stock intake. Fresh Build. Idles and Runs goods. Just a street fun car. No racing.

Pretty sure the Intake Manifold Heat Cross Over is blocked; using the FelPro Valley Pan with the blocked crossover feature.

I can put my hand on the intake by the crossover and it is not hot at all. Consequently the factory Carter Divorced Choke does not heat up fast enough or even enough after running a while to keep the choke off. The choke spring works fine. Tested with heat. And used another known functioning choke.

The valley pan/intake is installed using the paper gaskets. I can see them. I currently have no intake leaks. Smoke tested. So I currently have no issues there.

My question....

Can I remove the intake, without removing the valley pan, and put a hole in the exhaust crossover port? If so what's the best way to do it? Do I need to do both sides or can I just unblock the choke/passenger side? I do have a new valley pan without the the blocked crossover feature and paper gaskets in my hand to use if needed.

Thanks for your input.

Macdon221

 

[R413]

I'd try it and reuse the gaskets and see how it goes. If it leaks you will know it by the way it runs, then you can replace the gaskets.p if needed.

I'd open both sides.

I don't like blocking the intake heat with a stock choke.

 

[Bird 426]

Yes, you should be able to do that.

 

[Macdon221]

I know the valley pan has been installed with a gasket sealing product....but there is no gasket sealer between the valley pan and paper gasket and then the paper gasket and the intake correct?

What's the best way to cut open the existing valley pan intake crossover ports?

 

[pnora]

I know the valley pan has been installed with a gasket sealing product....but there is no gasket sealer between the valley pan and paper gasket and then the paper gasket and the intake correct?

What's the best way to cut open the existing valley pan intake crossover ports?

If you have paper on the sides it will almost be impossible to do it right. Just get the right gasket and do it right. Do you have a working heat riser?

 

[Macdon221]

Pnora...can you explain a little further? I think the paper gaskets that are there are the correct ones. And I have a full set of new ones.

Heat riser removed from the manifold.

 

[pnora]

Pnora...can you explain a little further? I think the paper gaskets that are there are the correct ones. And I have a full set of new ones.

Heat riser removed from the manifold.

Paper will be stuck on both sides of the metal gasket. Taking the manifold off will most likely cause them to tear. If I was pulling the manifold I will do it once. Replace all the gaskets. Also with no heat riser the choke opening will be somewhat better.

 

[WileE]

I don;t know why you want to disturb a perfectly fit and sealed intake. Choke ? Go electric.

 

[RemCharger]

I would do it as Chrysler intended, without the paper gaskets.

 

[Macdon221]

I was hoping to remove just the intake and the one paper gasket.

 

[RemCharger]

I was hoping to remove just the intake and the one paper gasket.

Absolutely you can. Where the hopeium comes in is will it seal properly. Could always just do it again after that.
The six little 1/4 bolts can't be that stuck.

 

[pnora]

I was hoping to remove just the intake and the one paper gasket.

Have at it then.

 

[Macdon221]

Does anyone use a any sealant between the paper gasket and the intake or the valley pan and paper gasket? Like aviation sealant, or spray?

 

[R413]

I don't use paper gaskets with an iron intake.

You will see what's in there when you take it off. If paper tears then it's not going to work.
If the paper stays intact then try putting it back on the existing gaskets.

 

[RemCharger]

 

[Macdon221]

lol got it!

 

[BSB67]

I usually use an adhesive between the pan and the paper, primarily to hold everything together for assembly. No sealants or adhesives on the intake or head sides.

How do you plan to put the hole in the pan when it’s still on the heads?

 

[Macdon221]

Well that was one of my questions above.

Is that a possibility or do I need to replace the valley pan?

 

[440 PHIXX]

I blocked mine off on the aluminum Edelbrock Six Pack, and installed a manual choke. The old DC manual said it was worth 5HP. I was still able to employ the fast idle cam.

 

[Cranky]

Way up north, you probably need the crossover heat. Me being way down south, I block it but either way, I would like a manual choke....and have always liked them even way down south. Just don't forget it's pulled back once the engine is started.