6-Pack Manifold Identity Crisis

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Fri Dec 17, 04 8:54 am

Hi All,
I have a little problem at I know one, some or all of you may be able to help with.

I have recently acquired a complete, original 6-pack setup from manifold to aircleaner and although it all looks good, there are some strange things on the manifold I dont understand and confuse me a little.

The casting number on the manifold is 2946276 which is correct for a 70-71 cast iron 440 manifold.

But, on the front vertical face, there are two cast holes about 8mm in diameter, one above each other, and both slightly to the right of centre. The lower hole has a pipefitting in it, the upper has nothing, just open. I have checked all my books and I cannot find a photo of a maniflod with these holes in.

Second thing is, how does the coil fit? Is it a special bracket that uses the main fixing bolts? There are no holes anywhere lese in the correct position (passenger side rear end of manifold) to fix the bracket.

Lastly, the manifold has a triangle next to the casting number with the letter "A" in it. What does this mean?

The two holes are the biggest issue because I cant see them in any pictures I have.

Many thanks chaps.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Dec 17, 04 9:01 am

Sell it on and buy a MUCH lighter Edelbrock version.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Fri Dec 17, 04 9:01 am

"how does the coil fit? Is it a special bracket that uses the main fixing bolts? There are no holes anywhere lese in the correct position (passenger side rear end of manifold) to fix the bracket."

There is a specific Bracket for Coils on 6 Pack manifolds - this is obtainable from Year One if you want it to look original.

I have never seen a manifold with cast holes on the front vertical face.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Dec 17, 04 9:08 am

I am trying to remember where the manifold vacuum is taken off? I think there is a hole in the BACK of the manifold for a pipe fitting to go to the power brakes etc?

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Fri Dec 17, 04 9:11 am

Many thanks Guys.

Dave,
going to be a bit sad but as far as I have read, ally manifolds werent available 1970-71. I am going to restore my 70 RT charger as a 6-p clone so originallity is key. I have chums in US sourcing a ganuine "70" date coded 6-p engine.

Pete,
as far as you know, does the coil bracket use the bolts that fix the manifold to the head for securing?

I am now a little worried about the holes. They look like they are there for a purpose without doubt, but why, I do not know.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Fri Dec 17, 04 9:17 am

Yep, about between 6 & 8 cylindes, ish....

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Dec 17, 04 9:22 am

Actually some very early 1970 models got the 1969 ally Edelbrock manifold...

If you grind off the Edelbrock name on the #1 runner and paint it it looks just like tha iron one anyway apart from the numbers of course.

But I understand where you are coming from.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Fri Dec 17, 04 9:30 am

Sorry to keep bothering you both with more silly questions, but if I find those two holes I am on about are not needed (I am starting to assume they arent because you havent seen them before and I cant see them in pictures) can they be filled in anyway permanently, like building them up with weld and grinding back?

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Dec 17, 04 10:02 am

I would tap them with a tapered pipe thread, screw in blanking plugs, then grind weld those flush.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Fri Dec 17, 04 10:05 am

Having had both types of manifold; I would vote for 40lbs of weight off the nose every time!!

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Fri Dec 17, 04 12:00 pm

Blimey Pete, 40lbs!!!

thats a lot . BTW, Nice spread in Classic Car - the only reason I bought the mag (apart from the Aston article he he) Plymmy is a real beauty.

Thanks for the advice Dave, I think I will take that route.

FINALLY. I am going to re-build all three carbs. Year One do all the hardware. Is it a difficult / tricky job for the uninitiated (although I am more than capable of wielding a spanner)? Should the carbs be that gold type finish and if so, Where would I get that done?

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Fri Dec 17, 04 12:18 pm

Blimey, you are keen!
Gold is correct, but if you are going to those lengths, buy new ones.

The re-build kits from Holley (Gaskets & Float Valves, not other "Hardware") are ?120 each list price for the 2300 series carbs....now you know why the bidding was not that fierce on ebay recently for such a set up.

Oh. that does not include the outer carb diaphragms either - they are about ?20 each.....

Year One do kits for the 6 pack throttle spring Bracket and Spring (6 pack only items) and also the unique fuel lines to the carbs.

You are about to give your credit card a good thrashing

Setting up a SP initially is one of those life-changing experiences, especially if you have a big cam with lots of overlap.

I STILL like them though as I have had 5 cars with Six Packs (440+6 '71 Cuda; 440+6 Superbird; "A12" 440+6 Roadrunner; 340+6 AAR Cuda, 340+6 Challenger T/A), of which I still have two......

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Dec 17, 04 1:50 pm

Clivey wrote:Blimey Pete, 40lbs!!! thats a lot .

This is why I said get rid and get the Eddy version. You try holding the iron version at arms length to lower it onto the engine and see how long your back holds out.

I think I paid ?60 for my complete 6-pack system. Plus;

?120 for the Eddy manifold.
?400 for the conversion to manual secondaries (included gaskets and rebuilds - pity because I had already rebuilt them with the kits Pete mentioned).
?1000 in man hours getting the thing working right.

If you want a cheap way to get the colour of the carbs right check out Frost products http://www.frost.co.uk/ as they do a spray paint that looks the same.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Fri Dec 17, 04 2:07 pm

I have always climbed into the Engine bay using steps to avoid the "long reach" bad back syndrome that Dave has rightly mentioned.

The use of a willing assistant in this Process is to be recommended

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Dec 17, 04 2:19 pm

The mental image you just gave me Pete, of you climbing up steps to be able to reach over the fender, has reminded me to order my box set of "The Lord of the Rings". Thanks mate.