Port matching, head to manifold templates

[wrogers55]

Having my motor down for a cam change, I want to check/match the ports from the intake to the heads. This was a custom built motor I acquired, so all may be just fine, but this is a good time to check.

What is the best way to construct a template of "what is there now"?

Info. 418w. The heads are AFR 205s and still on the block, valves/springs in place and I really want to leave them that way. Manifold is Victor Jr., EFI over port bungs, off and easily accessible.

The manifold can move forward and back on the heads, until the bolts are snugged and I want to know if it seats too deep or not deep enough on the heads to align the ports, as well as establishing the proper fore aft alignment.

Any super easy or trick ways to make an accurate template or other ways to get the same information easily.

Thanks,

[Rick Parker]

Use the intended gaskets as a guide. Fit them to the manifold runners and verify sizing against the intake port on the head. Often you can (on single plane manifold) peer down the ports with a flashlight and use a long pick to "feel" any gaps or mis alignment when bolting manifold to heads.

[CHANMADD]

Look at the old gaskets like Rick said. The correct way would be to fit the manifold with gaskets, and then drill through the manifiold flange on each corner and install metal dowels. This ensures that no matter what it goes on the same each time and has no movement. Shave the gaskets at the ports with the dowels in place.
John

[blykins]

Originally Posted by wrogers55

Having my motor down for a cam change, I want to check/match the ports from the intake to the heads. This was a custom built motor I acquired, so all may be just fine, but this is a good time to check.

What is the best way to construct a template of "what is there now"?

Info. 418w. The heads are AFR 205s and still on the block, valves/springs in place and I really want to leave them that way. Manifold is Victor Jr., EFI over port bungs, off and easily accessible.

The manifold can move forward and back on the heads, until the bolts are snugged and I want to know if it seats too deep or not deep enough on the heads to align the ports, as well as establishing the proper fore aft alignment.

Any super easy or trick ways to make an accurate template or other ways to get the same information easily.

Thanks,

Use the intake manifold gasket as a template to see how the ports match up. You can then use a set of old gaskets to mock up the intake to the heads. Since you have a Mass Flo, you probably are using a Victor Jr. intake. If that's the case, bolt everything down tight with the gaskets and look down the intake plenum. You can see how well the intake fits to the gasket/head. If the block/heads have been milled, sometimes you need to massage the intake as well so that the ports will match up.