There is a branching device on my '68 289 between the brass vacuum distribution block and the manifold. It provides an additional 5 vacuum ports, but none of them are in use. Actually, one of them was being used for the line that goes to that temperature sensing one mounted above the thermostat (I'm sure many of you know what I mean), but I moved it to the available one on the brass block, which is where I assume it was originally routed. Is this junction there for a reason? Is it a leftover from some funky PO project, or is it stock? Can I remove it and just connect the brass one right into the manifold? I don't see the reason to have an extra five capped ports. I'm getting good vacuum, but it sure seems like those extra ports are begging for a leak. If you look closely, you can see that the one in the back is capped by a short hose with a screw in it. [&:]



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If it ain't in use...yank it!.

 

My engine has just that one on the bottom and its original.

 

I don't have any need for it, so mine is just plugged. Take a look.


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Yank it, the 68 289 has so many un-needed vacum crap. Like mine has that switch on top of the thermostat housing and a dual diaphragm dizzy. its all just a pain in the neck.

 

OK thanks all! I'll try to pull it this weekend. My only concern is that the two junctions almost look like different thread diameters. But I'll just try it anyway.

In response to the post about the lower one being original stock, I think that the upper one is only there because of the need for a 3/8" hookup for the brake booster. I'm still not sure if the car originally had power brakes or not. Perhaps that might be a good clue that they were an add-on?

 

Mine still has the threaded hole in the top of it, but there is a threaded plug in it. Thats how it left the factory. My engines never had anything done to it. Carbs never even bee rebuilt, so thats definatley how it was.

 

What's that bolt doing laying under your spring?