Formula For Hood ClearanceI have a Pontiac '71 Esprit with a Formula hood, and I'm having a problem with the hood clearance. It has a 350 with an Edelbrock Performer and a Holley carburetor, and it won't let the hood shut all the way. Is there anything else I can do? Can I put on the original air intake and use the Edelbrock air filter? What are my other options?OzzyDallas, TX
Rocky Rotella responds:The Edelbrock Performer is very similar in design to Pontiac's cast-iron four-barrel intake manifold. It can be used as a stock replacement in any application and locates the carburetor in its original position. However, unlike Pontiac's casting, which only accepts spread bore-type carburetors like the Quadrajet, the Performer is designed to also accept a square bore-type (Holley). But I don't believe the intake manifold is the source of your hood clearance problems.
We have found that the Edelbrock filter assemblies are not the best choice when hood clearance is a concern. I suggest that you return to a factory-style setup that includes a recessed base and round filter. You could certainly reinstall your original assembly. But because it was not designed to clear certain Holley design features, it may not work unless you return to a Quadrajet. If you prefer keeping the Holley, consider a generic drop-base air-filter assembly, available from most mail-order suppliers. These typically retail for $50 or less and include a recessed lower base, a lid, and a 14-inch-diameter filter available in a few heights.
Putting A 400 GA In The 13sI own a '73 Grand Am with a 400, four-speed. It's registered with the Grand Am Registry and has been PHS documented. The rear still has the factory 3.23s, and the engine has the unitized ignition. I have owned this car for over 20 years now, and it is ready for some restification.
My goal is to get into the mid-to-low 13s. While it won't be a daily driver, I still want A/C and power brakes. I need help with my setup. I have a good set of ported 6X heads and plan on having the factory carb professionally rebuilt. Though I have a non-EGR intake, after reading your article on Pontiac manifolds, I was planning on going with the factory EGR manifold.
Are 13s too optimistic? Other than a roller, which cam would you recommend? Would a set of 3.42 gears be of much help, or would you even recommend a gear change? Is there a set of Ram Air exhaust manifolds that will fit the '73 chassis, and how much do you lose by going with those over a pair of headers? I would appreciate any help you can give me.Christopher AusdenmooreVia Internet
Jeff Kauffman responds:Your goal of low 13s can be achieved. It's going to take a good combo to get it there, so let's start with the intake. The stock intake is fine for your combo. Either EGR or non-EGR intakes will work. I prefer a non-EGR intake just for the better plenum design.
For a hydraulic cam, consider the Crower 60916 (221/229-deg duration at .050, .455/.470 lift) as the upper limit. With this cam, I recommend you step-up the rear gears to a 3.55 or even a 3.73 for best e.t.'s at the track. If you stay with the 3.23 gear that's in the car, consider a cam like the Crower 60918 (214/224-deg, .444/.467 lift). Either way, you won't have any problems with the A/C or power brakes.
Ram Air Restorations Inc. (www.ramairrestoration.com) makes exhaust manifolds that fit this setup in stock H.O./Ram Air size or oversized, and they should work well work your proposed combo.
Paint: Old And NewI have a '68 350 Firebird with the original teal blue paint. Over the past 38 years, the paint has faded on the trunk and just above the windshield on the roof. The car has 19,000 original miles and is in immaculate condition. Should I have the entire car sanded down and repainted with enamel paint, or should I try to find someone in my area who can attempt to blend in a paint job to cover the peel?Tim KittsPanama City, FL
Melvin Benzaquen responds:It's best to sand down the body, either to bare metal or as far as needed to get past the defective paint. Once down to a smooth surface, the body should be epoxy primed if no bare metal has been exposed. If there is bare metal, apply a zinc chromate (metal-etch) primer followed by the epoxy primer.
After the epoxy primer has been applied, then the color can be sprayed. Paint is only a reflection of what was done in the preparation. If you spray over the peel, it will show and allow the old paint to continue to degrade underneath the fresh paint. If you only redo the troubled areas, remember that the new paint will have to be blended into the original paint so that the new color appears to match the old-not an easy task. Hope this helps.
Peekaboo HeadlightsI have a '69 GTO with hideaways that, to say the least, have a mind of their own. Before I go to the trouble of rebuilding them, I recall someone mentioning an aftermarket kit that replaces the vacuum system with a small electric-servo-type motor. Do you know who make this kit or where I could look for more info?Jim NanosVia Internet
Quint Stires responds:The famous '68-'69 hideaway headlight sagging syndrome. First let me say that the hideaways help the value of your car. I have always thought the hideaway lights to be very attractive, except when they don't work properly.