232 manifold

[61bone]

[?] I found a 4 bbl manifold for a 59 hawk . I would like to put it on my 54 232. The 59 manifold has 4 bolts on each side in the head while the 232 has 2 bolts on each side with clamps to distribute the load. Can I drill and tap the 232 head to accept the 8 bolt manifold or am I going to drill into something I'm not going to like?

where there's foo there's fire

[Alan]

Don't wory about the end holes on the manifold just use the centered hold downs off the 53, you will have to use shorter bolts but dont try to drill into cast iron without removing the heads and doing it on a mill.

[Mike Van Veghten]

Oh...I don't know. If one take the proper precautions, measurements, has a drill guide on hand...should be pretty easy.

Duct tape (for covering the ports), a drill guide (for drilling a straight hole), a steel shim gasket (for location) and a sharp locating punch are the main ingrediants.

I wouldn't be afraid to do it. BUT you really should have all mentioned above and a steady hand.

If the outer ports don't have the "pad" on the ports for hold down...like the early ones did and you only hold down the manifold with 4 fasteners....I'd figure a way...heads off or in place.

[whacker]

You are both right! The manifold can be drilled, however it isn't really nessessary if you have the center 4 clamps in place. I would try it without the outer clamps and test with propane to see if you are sealed good. If you are, your good to go, otherwise I wouldn't be afraid to drill and tap the outer clamp holes. A little gasket sealer on both sides of the gasket could work wonders here!

[61bone]

Thanks for advice guys.
I think I will try it with just the four bolts and go from there. I'm putting a drawthrough Latham blower on it running 6 lbs boost. I'm a little concerned with leaking a pressurised fuel mix but I guess a short run will tell the story.
Thanks again, Will keep you posted.

where there's foo there's fire

[Alan]

Those heads have 1.45" intakes and 1 1/4" exhausts it has the most hemispherical chamber I have ever seen except for valve and spark plug placement.But the lazzy burning of the design and the small ports I don't see why you dont get a set of 289 heads and put on it with those heads it's like going for a jog and sticking a finger in your nose.

[whacker]

Oh! I didn't realize you were going pressurized! You will need the outer bolts for sure with 6 PSi boost. Alan is right about the heads, the only thing you need to watch out for with the 259 heads is that the valves have enough clearance with the cylinder bores. It isn't too much of a problem with the stock 259 valves, but if you go oversize at all they may touch the edges of the 232 bores - not good! Try a test assembly with modeling clay between the head and the block (head bolts inserted and turned a few turns to hold the heads in place), then tap the valves down to see if they mark the clay. If it looks like interfearance, releave the heads with a die grinder just enough to clear the valves at full extension. I've done this (not with a supercharger) and it works. The best heads to get are the "555" heads.

[Chicken Hawk]

Get a pair of black compositon intake gaskets from Phil Harris and use the two center clamps on each side and will be fine even with the supercharger. Just be sure to retorque them after running them a short time. Heat will let them compress more.

Ted

[Kdancy]

Are the intake ports on the 232 the same size as the 259-289 heads?

53commander HDTP
53 Champion HDTP
61 Cursed Purple Hawk
64 Champ long bed V8
64 GT

[Chicken Hawk]

Intake ports are same but exhaust on 232 are smaller.

Ted

[Alan]

The intake ports are the similar up to the valve pocket then it's constapation time. The later Stude heads had the heart shaped chambers that helps swirl the mix that Chev and others didn't have until the 80's and claimed were revolutionary. Stude was way ahead of their time.At least in some things.

[61bone]

Nice thing about blowers. Jogging with a finger in one nostril and a air hose in the other.
I'm not building a 'go for broke' engine, just a nice streetable one that will turn the tires on occasion. Also one that will leave the troops saying "WTH is that". Quote is from Wed nites Automania meet. One guy thought it was a BBC adapted for Furd valve covers. Another told his 11-12 year old son it was a French motor developed for trucks during WWII.

For my application the restrictive heads aren't a problem. The reason for the 4bbl manifold is the profile. I can lower the blower almost 4" with it.
I've enjoyed reading your advice and observations and thank you for same.


where there's foo there's fire