Preferred Fasteners for Intake

[DubyaTF]

   I used ARP on everything. For my Streetmaster, I ended up ordering specific lengths and head sizes to sneak passed the runners. 3/8-16 with 1.5 or 2 inch length if memory serves and if you get the 3/8 wrenching size they'll drop right in.

[HTM101]

In the past I've used a lot of the bolts already listed in this thread.  Last year while installing a new intake, I decided to use ARP studs and 12-pt. nuts.

https://www.mcmaster.com/catalog/126/3370

[Gaugster]

Lots of solid advice. The previous owner of my engine had the intake changed and went with ARP 12 pt. No issues there but they kept using 12 pts for the accessory brackets, water pump etc... Standard 6 pt can be checked and snugged up from the side. Whereas a 12pt much like an Allen head are only approached from the top. Several brackets, when layered make top access impossible. Long story short, I had to pull the fan, fan pulley and a bunch of brackets just to snug up "a" bolt and it was totally avoidable. Keep fit, form and function in balance.

[Rory428]

I went out and checked out the old Edelbrock bolt kits that I bought from an early local Speed Shop many years ago. I have 2 different parts numbers, Edelbrock # 9135, which are 3/8"x16 x 2" long, and #9136, which are the same thread, but 1 3/4" long. Both packs have 4 bolts, & have 7/16" 6 point heads, and look like really long header bolts. I also have an Edelbrock FE Streetmaster that came with the 4 Edelbrock bolts, and they are 2" long, so I have to assume that they are the same as the # 9135  bolt kit. Anybody have an older Edelbrock catalog that can confirm this? Other than the 4 positions where the curved runners get in the way, I used the factory Ford intake bolts for the other mounting holes. As for using studs, on a FE, I don`t think thats a viable option, as with the intake bolts angled, there is no way to install the intake manifold with 4 studs installed. I suppose that you could use  studs on one head, but even then I don`t know if you could slide the intake manifold over the other head with the studs installed. And ever if you could, you would still have to install the longer studs into the tight area under the curved Streetmaster runners. Studs work fine on a 221-302 & 351 W engines, which have vertical intake bolt holes, or a 351C, M, or 400, which have some vertical bolt holes, but also have other angled holes. Lots of 302s had 2 studs, one on each side, with bolts for the others.

[thatdarncat]

I have a 1981 Edelbrock catalog that has the Streetmaster listed, but doesn’t mention needing the special bolts in the description. It could have been specified in the instructions. The bolts are listed in the back of the catalog with other miscellaneous parts. They are described as “Special Manifold Cap Screws”.

[ant123]

I used an ARP full engine set. I may have had to use a few washers to fit the performer RPM intake. I used a full engine kit because I was building a complete motor and it was the easiest solution. The intake bolts are really just holding it in place unlike the bolts for the mains and heads that are holding against the engine operating loads. I’d just get SS or chromed bolts from the hardware store if I did it again.

[Rory428]

Kevin, when I bought my first Streetmaster new, in 1976 or so, the 4 special bolts were included in the box. I guess later on Edelbrock decided to make the mounting bosses different heights, so the stock bolts wouldn`t work, and then not include them in the box, so you had to buy them seperately. Then they made it so different manifolds for the same engine family needed different bolts for each model.Rather than waste a bunch of time running around chasing down oddball bolts, I gave up and for my Victor and Performer RPM FE intakes, I just ordered the 2 different Edelbrock bolt kits. Kinda sucks if a guy figures on doing a quicky intake swap, only to find oddball bolts are required, and no local shops stock them.

[HTM101]

I As for using studs, on a FE, I don`t think thats a viable option, as with the intake bolts angled, there is no way to install the intake manifold with 4 studs installed. I suppose that you could use  studs on one head, but even then I don`t know if you could slide the intake manifold over the other head with the studs installed. And ever if you could, you would still have to install the longer studs into the tight area under the curved Streetmaster runners. Studs work fine on a 221-302 & 351 W engines, which have vertical intake bolt holes, or a 351C, M, or 400, which have some vertical bolt holes, but also have other angled holes. Lots of 302s had 2 studs, one on each side, with bolts for the others.

1. Lay intake on heads.
2. After intake is in correct position on heads, thread each stud into head, 1 at a time.
3. Add washer and nut to each stud.