Dual Quad Resto (still)

[Bwmurph]

Hello All,

I'm still in the proicess of re-building the dual quads on my '59. THis is taking FOREVER !! Doesn't help that I have to go out of town for work for days at a time, but that's another story....

Anyway, the carbs are back together; didn't have too many problems, but want to run a few things by anyone who has done this and may have some helpful hints:

While doing the primary (rear) carb I lost the little spring-type clip that holds the metering rods in place. Couldn't find it anywhere, but am sure it is on the shop floor somewhere. Anyway, the metering rods won't stay in place without and I couldn't (after several hours of trying) fashion a suitable replacement. Got the bright idea of simply crimping (very carefully) the rounded ends of the metering rods tight around the metering rod hangar. Seems to work fine and doesn't bind at all, but am wondering if this is going to give me problems down the road.

Have cleaned the intake manifold with parts cleaner, but it didn't shine up too well. Just now hit it with a soft wire brush on a drill and it shines up nicely (guess I'll have to get a Dremel tool or similar to get in to all the nooks and crannies. Is there a polish you can put on the bare aluminum to keep it nice and shiny ? Afraid that "Mothers" aluminum polish won't hold up to the heat.

THis set-up is going on an early crate motor (350 CID/300 HP) that has the center bolt valve covers. I have a fairly nice set of early aluminum valve covers and saw in the GMPP book that they have an adapter kit so you can use the early style valve covers with the center bolt heads. Has anyone used this adapter kit, and how does it work out ?

Thanks for any and all replys (If I can figure out how to post pictures here I'll put some together and get themon here at some point),

Bernie O.

 

[56 Texas]

I would suggest glass beading the alum intake.. less destructive and will make it look nice.. after that a little clean up maintenance is all that is needed..

 

[JohnZ]

THis set-up is going on an early crate motor (350 CID/300 HP) that has the center bolt valve covers. I have a fairly nice set of early aluminum valve covers and saw in the GMPP book that they have an adapter kit so you can use the early style valve covers with the center bolt heads. Has anyone used this adapter kit, and how does it work out ? Bernie O.

The adapters will let you use early valve covers on centerbolt heads, but then you're left with no hole for crankcase ventilation (the 350 block doesn't have the hole next to the distributor that vents the crankcase). You're going to need a hole in one of the valve covers for a breather; if all you have to vent the crankcase is the oil fill cap, it's going to blow hot oil mist all over the top of the engine through that cap - all it will provide is pressure relief, not ventilation.

 

[Bwmurph]

John Z,

Thanks for the reply; I hadn't thought about that. THese engines do like to "breath"; I'm constantly wiping off the valve covers, steering column, ignition shileding, etc.. as it is. Sure don't need to make it any worse.

Should I run a PCV valve to the back of the primary carburetor ?

Thanks,

Bernie O.

 

[Bwmurph]

56 Texas,

I thought about that, but several people told me this was a bad idea: You can never get all the glass bead out of the intake, particularly the water passages and the steel plate on the under side of the manifold. Glass bead eventually gets in the motor and it's re-build time ! At least that's what I was told and it was enough to scare me away from that idea !

Thanks,

Bernie O.

 

[vintagecorvette]

Have a machine shop boil the intake, it will take off any grime, dirt and filth. The last one I did made the intake look pretty good. If you do glass bead it, definitely boil it, get all the media out our holes.

 

[jose]

GMPP book

Hi
You mentioned GMPP book had a valve cover adapter for the early off set covers I am from Australia and not shure what this book or supplier is , can you help?
Jose

 

[Hrtbeat1]

GMPP + G M Performance Parts

It should be available from any GM dealer.

The adapter is also available from Summitracing.com or Jegs.com seach for vavle covers and accessories.

 

[Bwmurph]

Hi
You mentioned GMPP book had a valve cover adapter for the early off set covers I am from Australia and not shure what this book or supplier is , can you help?
Jose

Hello Jose,

I think Heartbeat 1 answered your question for you; sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, but you got the info you were looking for and thats what counts.

Where in Australia ? I spent a little time in Melbourne and Adelaide a few years back for work. I'll never forget coming out of the hotel I staying in and a beautiful '63 SS Impala came around the corner and I got a nice picture of it.

Good luck with the valve cover adapters, but be sure to read some of the earlier threads on the subject.

Bernie O.

 

[JohnZ]

John Z,

Thanks for the reply; I hadn't thought about that. THese engines do like to "breath"; I'm constantly wiping off the valve covers, steering column, ignition shileding, etc.. as it is. Sure don't need to make it any worse.

Should I run a PCV valve to the back of the primary carburetor ?

Thanks,

Bernie O.

Yup, that's what I'd do - drill a hole in the inboard wall near the rear of either valve cover, use a Moroso baffled PCV grommet, and install a PCV valve with a hose to an elbow fitting in the rear of the rear carb base. Drill the hole between pairs of valves so the end of the grommet is clear of the pushrods. This will make the vented oil fill cap the "intake" side of the crankcase ventilation system, and you should have minimal or no misting from the cap.

 

[jose]

Hi bernie O
I am In Adeliade 5 Min from the city centre, the spacers I saw on those sites made me think about making my own. A lazer cutting firm will cut them out if I make a template out of plastic , plus these will give me more clearence for roller rockers I can either use them to fit my exsisting off set rocker covers or may even use late model Dart heads and drill them to suit.
Buy for now Jose