Aluminum intake on iron heads, are there any cons?

Discussion in 'Technical' started by dmboshkov, Apr 7, 2020.

  1. dmboshkov

    dmboshkov Member

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    hello, I have 302 engine with stock iron heads and stock 2bbl iron intake, I am planning to put a new 4bbl aluminum intake with a new carb, is there any concern with the heat transfer if the heads are iron and the intake is aluminum? is it going to seal fine? should i use a special gasket? should i avoid a special brand of intake? i was planning to use a weiand street warrior but ive been told that intake is prone to warp due to the heat and ive been told that edelbrock is better.
    Please can you share your experience and give me an advice.
    Thank you.
     
  2. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

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    You will not have any issues, they have be doing it about as long as there have been aftermarket parts. Cant speak for the warpage with a Weiand intake but I doubt that's an issue. They have been around a long time and that doesn't happen selling junk.
     
  3. BBMS18

    BBMS18 Member

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  4. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    There's been aluminum intakes since the 50s or earlier. I have a Wieand on my Comet and factory PI alum intake on Cobra is a year older than car, no issues.

    By mid '80s last of factory 5.0/5.8 4bbl and all FI intakes were aluminum. First 4.6 intakes were aluminum, no issue then FORD switched to POS plastic.
     
  5. Acornridgeman

    Acornridgeman MCCI Wisconsin State Rep Moderator Supporting Member

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    All I can add to this thread is make sure to follow the intake manufacturers instructions for torque, not the Ford manual specs. Aluminum intakes are usually a lower final torque and done in a step sequence. I've been running aluminum intakes for years without warping or leak issues.
     
  6. TeeEl

    TeeEl Member

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    My Weiand intake has never warped. Although Weiand is manufactured in China, and Edelbrock is made in USA...
     
  7. William623

    William623 Member Supporting Member

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    I have run edelbrock aluminum intakes for years with absolutely no issues. I like to find the performer 289 ones because of the rear water crossover but that isn’t necessary.
     
  8. RMiller

    RMiller My name is Rick

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    That intake in the video does have a thin flange compared to other intakes. Still the first I have heard of a warpage issue but that right there is first hand experience.
     
  9. baddad457

    baddad457 Member

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    One thing to keep in mind as far as torqueing it down is to do the sequence as many times as it takes till the gaskets are fully compressed. Otherwise you'll end up with leaks over time as the gaskets settle and the bolts loosen up.
     
    Dan Starnes and Earl Branham like this.
  10. Dan Starnes

    Dan Starnes Original owner

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    I’ve been running an aluminum intake on mine since 1974, no problems.
     

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