We are getting ready to change out the stock intake for a new Weiand 8124. I noticed that the intake has an opening between the center ports. It looks like it may be for coolant circulation thru the intake.

The problem is that the gaskets don't have a cut-out for these openings.

I'm wondering if there is a matching hole in the head, or if the gaskets will work as they are.

Anybody know?

 

if there is a matching hole in the heads then just cut an opening in gasket with a straight edge blade. thats what i had to do with my gasket last time

 

If you mean the small, ratehr dark hole in the center on the right, it is the exhaust crossover for the intake stove under the carb.

 

aye. must be the exhaust crossover. felpro gaskets have that cutout with another part that you can stick in if you need to block the hole.

 

You don't need the exhaust crossover on an aluminum intake with a decent carb. The aluminum absorbs heat from the engine(oil splash from the lifter valley) more quickly, and a decent carb won't have the atomization problems of older carbs.

 

Do not cut the gasket, block those holes for your set up!

 

Thanks, that's the hole.
So, it lets exhaust circulate thru the intake to warm it, and transfer the heat to the carb? Sounds like older carbs needed the heat.

We're switching to an Edelbrock 1405 so we should be OK without the passage. Any drawback to cutting out the holes? Too much heat?

 

I wouldn't block the holes. The crossover aids in fuel atomization during warmup. While aluminum does absorb and transfer heat better than cast iron, it's hard to transfer heat that isn't there. The only thing warm on a cold engine is the exhaust.

 

Yeh, but what does it to the the air/fuel charge when it is 150*+ under the hood and your exhaust is 850-900*? I always try to do everything I can to keep the intake and carb as cool as possible.

 

Why would you be driving your car when it's cold anyway? Let it warm up, once the coolant is up to around 170-180 the oil is also warm, and no problems. Driving the engine when cold is bad for numerous reason. I have plugs in my crossovers and have 0 issues in the winter, ever when it's 15* F outside. A crappy old carb would pretty much need it, as well as an inefficient engine.