Edelbrock 3776 Performer for 360ci Problem
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From: Rancho Santa Margarita
Edelbrock 3776 Performer for 360ci Problem
Hi, I’m new to this forum so forgive me if this issue was already addressed. I have a 1978 Dodge Lil Red Express 5.9l 360ci engine. I removed the original intake manifold and was trying to install an aftermarket Edelbrock Performer 3776 model with EGR. It’s supposed to match this engine but it doesn’t cover the head ports completely. Has anyone run into this problem before? See pics attached.
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From: Rancho Santa Margarita
Thanks RaceHog. I was told by another Mopar expert that this was typical on these engines. These ports don’t lead anywhere and are just for cooling I guess. He says I’m good to go with the intake.
Mopar Lover
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From: Monrovia SO-CAL (USA)
From what i have come cross is that truck had a larger 2 barr. carb. and used the larger port head. What I have experirenced is that when you try to install the small port intake on the larger port head. You have a very small gap between the top of the intake and the top side of the port on the cylinder head.... It's so small that at first glace you dont even see it.. I use to have a photo of it but i think it was on my P.C. that went away. i think it might be on my Photobucket page.????? But they stopped all the sharing stuff.... 
Mopar Lover
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Monrovia SO-CAL (USA)
I looked but I didnt see the photo I was looking for.. But Yes Tom.... You dont wasn't to put the small port car intake on then heads to some extent. I think it you run like the Victor intake it has enough meat to cover whatever you put it on.
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From: North Az
I can't see the pics, but I have a 360 in a 79 truck and had the same issue. If the ports are in the middle of the head right below the carburetor those are for warm air and won't effect the install. It is "normal" for the manifold and the heads, although I don't know why Edelbrock couldn't build/cast it to cover them. These passages are like little half moons and do not flow what or exhaust or air/gas mix. However, in a Hot Rod video that guy Dulcich who is a Mopar guy says it is normal and only bleeds off heat. If it is any consolation, I just ran a bead of gasket around the heads there and haven't had any problems for a year. I had a true Chrysler four barrel intake on it when I got it and there is provisions for those passages. But you remove pounds of weight off the truck when the cast iron intake is removed. Use a spacer for your carb if it is an Edelbrock because heat sink is an issue with these too. A half inch phenolic or wood plate works.
Mopar Lover
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Monrovia SO-CAL (USA)
Good Morning George... 
I agree, The heat crossover should not be an issue.. And thanks for pointing out the fact that the heat transfer moons in the head are supposed to be uncovered.. Very good point.. .
I agree, The heat crossover should not be an issue.. And thanks for pointing out the fact that the heat transfer moons in the head are supposed to be uncovered.. Very good point.. .
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From: Rancho Santa Margarita
Thanks everyone for your feedback! I’m still in the process of installing the engine now that the truck has been painted and still debating if I should stay on the path of using this new Edelbrock intake manifold or go back to the orig manifold. The Edelbrock has a lot of extra ports that aren’t needed and have to be plugged. Anyone have an opinion on which is better?
Mopar Lover
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Posts: 11,070
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From: Monrovia SO-CAL (USA)
If the Intake gaskets matches and seals the ports on the intake and the cylinder? Then your good to go !
Not sure what your plugging off. But if your going to have to do the State smog inspections, I would leave everything in tacked / installed to be on the safe side.
A photo might help if you feel we are misunderstanding your issue...
Not sure what your plugging off. But if your going to have to do the State smog inspections, I would leave everything in tacked / installed to be on the safe side.
A photo might help if you feel we are misunderstanding your issue...
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From: Rancho Santa Margarita
Thanks. I keep trying to upload photos but it doesn’t appear even though I get a confirmation. Anyway, the ports I’m talking about are in the manifold itself — water ports and pressure ports. The stock manifold had 3 ports (one for vacuum for the power brakes, one for heater hose, and one for temp sensor). The Edelbrock manifold has 6 ports. Not a big deal, just have to install plugs. I was just curious if the original manifold was comparable to the Edelbrock in terms of performance. It’s a hell of lot heavier! But is the performance difference really noticeable? Totally agree regarding the SMOG issue!
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From: SoCal
Edelbrock
I’m punningbthe same intake, with EGR, on my 360. I have the same gap you are describing. Was installed by previous owner. However he did away with EGR. To get it to smog here in SoCal just added EGR but Edelbrock 600 carb wouldn’t clear it so added the spacer as suggested above.
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