1971 GTX Hood Clearance Question

[crahill39]

I may have screwed up and need some information. I let my engine builder choose my intake and didn't think about hood clearance. I have a 440 with Edelbrock Heads and Victor intake. I have an aftermarket air grabber hood setup and after seeing the height of the setup, I am thinking I need to swap out to a different setup for the intake. Can anyone with an air grabber setup comment on the clearance?

 

[drobertson]

From what I've heard about the air-grabber/ramcharger hoods is that you need to have a factory height intake, with the correct air cleaner. At least without some fab work, that is.

 

[Northwest]

As you probably know - that setup won't fit.

I have a 71 with a 440, Stealth heads, performer RPM, and factory air grabber. and I did make it work with modification to the air cleaner.

I used a fiberglass reproduction air grabber base - removed the middle part and fabricated in a drop-element air cleaner base in its place. 13 inch Ford Motorsports has one. Wouldn't fool anyone and that isn't my intent. But I do like to be able to restore the function of the grabber and get back to a stock-like look.

There is not much clearance between the base and the stock lid - maybe 3/4 inch where it dips. I could probably shave a little off the horn to get more clearance. Another project for another time.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Without some type of hand-made air cleaner like Northwest is using, your only choice is a stock OEM cast-iron intake manifold. Also, to keep that Holley you will need to do a little grinding (just a little) along the side of the intake next to the carburetor flange & a little bit off the bottom of the Holley (one of the throttle shaft end pieces). It's really, really tight up under those air grabber hoods.

 

[crahill39]

Without some type of hand-made air cleaner like Northwest is using, your only choice is a stock OEM cast-iron intake manifold. Also, to keep that Holley you will need to do a little grinding (just a little) along the side of the intake next to the carburetor flange & a little bit off the bottom of the Holley (one of the throttle shaft end pieces). It's really, really tight up under those air grabber hoods.

I talked to my engine builder. He is going to swap it out for the Performer RPM manifold and since my Air Grabber is all aftermarket, I have no issues modifying the setup to make it work. I would have loved to kept the Victor manifold, but I have too much into the Hood to turn back. Thanks for the feedback!!

 

[Bruzilla]

You're also going to have throttle bracket issues, and possibly kickdown as well.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I talked to my engine builder. He is going to swap it out for the Performer RPM manifold and since my Air Grabber is all aftermarket, I have no issues modifying the setup to make it work. I would have loved to kept the Victor manifold, but I have too much into the Hood to turn back. Thanks for the feedback!!

I don't believe the Performer RPM will fit either.

 

[crahill39]

I don't believe the Performer RPM will fit either.

I really hope that is not the case. I found this guy's build and he has was able to modify an aftermarket air grabber base plate to fit with this Performer RPM intake using RPM heads like I am doing.

http://www.protouringmopar.com/showthread.php?796-1971-Speedipus-Rex/page8&highlight=speedipus

 

[Northwest]

I don't believe the Performer RPM will fit either.

Re read my earlier post. I have a performer rpm. It can be done with mods to air cleaner.

 

[crahill39]

Without some type of hand-made air cleaner like Northwest is using, your only choice is a stock OEM cast-iron intake manifold. Also, to keep that Holley you will need to do a little grinding (just a little) along the side of the intake next to the carburetor flange & a little bit off the bottom of the Holley (one of the throttle shaft end pieces). It's really, really tight up under those air grabber hoods.

I am using a pro-form carb, I know it is essentially the same, so I will be on the lookout for this, thanks!

 

[PurpleBeeper]

Re read my earlier post. I have a performer rpm. It can be done with mods to air cleaner.

I know you can make a drop-base....I'm just saying it won't fit with a stock OEM base.