'65 alum intake manifold missing plate underneath?

[Scott U.]

Does anyone know what the sheet metal plant on the bottom of the intake manifold is for. I just purchase the correct intake for the 365Hp 327 and the plate on the bottom is missing. How important is this?

[John H.]

Re: '65 alum intake manifold missing plate underneath?

Does anyone know what the sheet metal plant on the bottom of the intake manifold is for. I just purchase the correct intake for the 365Hp 327 and the plate on the bottom is missing. How important is this?

Scott -

That oil shield is to keep oil from "coking" on the bottom of the exhaust crossover passage; that intake originally had one, but some other aluminum intakes didn't - it isn't critical.

[Wayne M.]

Re: '65 alum intake manifold missing plate underneath?

But if you do decide to install the steel shield, note the casting date of your manifold beforehand, as I believe it is hidden by the plate on the '3844461'.

[Scott U.]

Re: '65 alum intake manifold missing plate underneath?

The plate is missing. Does anyone know where to get one or if it even necessary. My feeling is it would not have been put there originally if it wasn't needed.

[Rich P.]

Re: '65 alum intake manifold missing plate underneath?

Scott,

as John said it is not needed. But it function is to keep hot oil off the bottom of the intake helping to reduce the temperature of the intake and incoming fuel mixture (thats what my engine builder told me). How much of a difference would it make??? Where to find one..swap meets, old time engine shops or post a wanted add in the Driveline.

Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: '65 alum intake manifold missing plate underneath?

The plate is missing. Does anyone know where to get one or if it even necessary. My feeling is it would not have been put there originally if it wasn't needed.

Scott-----


It's not absolutely necessary, but I would recommend using one. The original shield was GM #3758369. It was discontinued a long time ago. However, it was used for most 1955-67 small block V-8's. So, find most any old 55-67 manifold, even a 2 barrel version that no one wants, buy it and remove the shield. You could probably buy one of these manifolds at a swap meet for 5 or 10 bucks.

The original shields were attached by drive pins. You can pry these out with a sharp chisel. Don't use them to re-attach the shield, though. Instead, drill and tap the holes in the manifold for machine screws. Install these with Loctite 242.

[Clem Z.]

Re: '65 alum intake manifold missing plate underneath?

most all after market aluminum intake come without the shield and the only thing i ever saw on those manifolds was a brown stain where the heat riser passage was BUT every GM intake i ever took the shield off was loaded with thick burnt oil so i am not sure the shield did much except collect the burnt oil.