Posted By: larrymopar360
Thermo housing for air-gap manifold - 07/10/14 02:25 AM
Now I am looking for a thermostat housing for the intake on my crate engine. It's an Edelbrock Air-Gap. When shopping for one, some indicate "1978 and earlier Chrysler". I thought they were pretty much the same size until maybe fuel injection came in and intakes changed. My cart is filling up and my wallet is emptying, hehe. Thanks.
Will this fit an air gap?
http://www.jegs.com/i/Milodon/697/65735/10002/-1Bolts
http://www.jegs.com/i/ARP/070/623-1000/10002/-1
Posted By: ahy
Re: Thermo housing for air-gap manifold - 07/10/14 04:54 AM
It depends on appearance and weight you are after. A parts store iron T stat housing and some hardware store bolts would work great and set you back less than $10 total. Give that iron housing a coat of paint and it looks fine (to me). That particular joint does not have high torque requirements or loading so just about any bolt that fits will do.
The cheap iron housing actually seals better than others. Billet aluminum seems to work OK but watch out for anything chrome plated. The bolts take "light to moderate" torque. Too much will warp the housing and cause guaranteed leaks.
Posted By: larrymopar360
Re: Thermo housing for air-gap manifold - 07/10/14 05:29 AM
Chrome is not my thing. I had this entire engine sprayed in black (like the stock 318 was in '89), stock LA valve covers instead of the Edelbrocks this engine package came with. Trying to keep it as stock appearing as I can. I have no problem using a parts store thermostat housing and painting it black. Even better for the look. I was going to paint the billet one I linked if you guys thought it was good. My main concern was the size I needed for the Air Gap. Scratchin answered that for me; i need the larger '78 and older size. Thanks to all!
Posted By: mcmopars
Re: Thermo housing for air-gap manifold - 07/11/14 12:35 AM
i got mine from mancini racing,nice billet piece.
Posted By: larrymopar360
Re: Thermo housing for air-gap manifold - 07/11/14 05:32 PM
I ordered the Mancini CNC aluminum one. I was going to go with parts store steel and paint it black, like the rest of the engine, but I remembered that the last couple of parts store ones I have dealt with didn't seem to have a nice flat surface. Since there is more junk coming out of the parts stores these days, I decided to pay the premium and get the CNC alum one. Thanks all.
. How many of those gold plated bolts do you get for $12.88? here's a BTT for ya