396/375 manifold question

[Tom Goldman]

I have a question for the more knowlegable of the forum members. . ......I have a 69 Yenko clone in my shop for work and it has an unusual intake manifold, casting #6269318 which is listed as a service replacement part for the #163 or #069 375hp aluminum hi rise manifold.........My question is that there is no water outlet at the top of the coolant crossover for the heater hose. ....The casting is really poor around the thermostat housing,almost like there was a second pour to the casting, but it definatly was cast without the boss for the hose........anybody ever see this? ......Tom

[Fred Lee]

That is a 1990's marine intake manifold. The rough part of the casting by the thermostat is actually a thin covering of aluminum over a brass or bronze insert. Salt water attacks aluminum more than brass or bronze. There should be insert protection at the distributor area as well where the water passage comes out of the cylinder head.
I do have a replacement or superceded #163 intake manifold that was a take off or nearly new. I would sell if it meant making a clone car more correct. Fred Lee 231-740-5534
Cell phone.

[Tom Goldman]

Thanks Fred, That was a suspicion I had about this manifold ,and you confirmed it. ....I do have another manifold ,but this car is basicaly a "poser".that is driven for fun ......The owner does have a real COPO car that never sees the light of day!......Tom