[Manowar]

Jock

"I called and asked when they first introduced it, and they just weren't interested at the time in making changes They're a real successful company, and I can't say I blame them for their reluctance."

To start at the end of your post: That was true at the time you previously called but my jumping up and down changed that policy. Now, through our new "custom" program, manifolds (as well as carbs, distributors and cams) can be changed to prescribed parts which we alternate. Reason is, Cobra guys have been buying our 427 Hardcores and 460 Limited Editions (Non-Clevors) for Cobras (both 4500's) and now they can substitute Victor JR's, Dual Planes or Air Gaps and 870 4150's which fit Cobras fine. The 460's have consistantly been making 30 +HP more than their 600 rating so the power loss from the swap still makes them near to the "number". Our 495HP World Class series is becoming popular with Cobra guys too-no fit problems in several SPF's we've seen.
For the record, here are some dimensions which I hope will help Cobra guys:
Measured from end rails to carb pads:
Vic Jr.-5.75 Tall
Super Vic- 6.25
Edel. Adapter for 4500- 2.0
World Man O'War (Windsor) and CHI(Cleveland) 7.5
4500 -3.5 to A/C base
4150-3.25 to A/C base
This is all for 9.5 deck blocks.
If memory serves a friends ERA FIA w/ 9.5 deck needed .125 cut from his Super Vic for 4150 to clear comfortably.
Called Kaase this AM since Jon helped John develop and test the CHI head design. Kaas thought possibly Edelbrock made a "Torquer" for the CHI head at that time but a check of the Ede site revealed that they make one for OE Cleveland and Boss heads but not the CHI's.
E-mailed John at CHI to ask if his 225 dual plane (9.5) would work on the 218 3v which is in our build, and what it's dimensions are. Failing that I asked what if any lower manifold would work with our combination. Wacky Australia is 14 hours ahead so don't know when he'll reply. You can probably fly your 767 to Melbourne and get a faster answer.
Our Purchasing guy suggested we could build our 9.2 for you with CHI heads but would need custom pistons (which we get from Manley) and we need to check 4.0 stroke in 9.2 to build it to 427.
Anyway, if I could fit our Clevor in my ERA, (without pro stock scoop) I'd yank my Side Oiler and slide in a 420LB aluminum Clevor. Forget our ratings, 640 is no problem. Plus it looks and sounds like a B**** in person.
If anyone here cares to see our place, please PM me and I'd be glad to show you the shop and dynos.
I hope some of this makes sense or is a help.