1970 Nova L78 Intake '569' - perfomance!!

Bahnz70 · #1 05-01-2009, 07:21 PM

Thanks a bunch for all of your input - it is interesting on the article on the L78 Chevelle. Like I said I am kind of making the 'Day 2' street car and I want to keep an 'original' type look but want as much performance as I can get. With these responses you guys have answered my questions...I think I will look into the air gap - will this affect any of my stock choke applications or radiator hose fittings?
Thanks again

**WILMASBOYL78** · #2 05-01-2009, 07:43 PM

Mike, I have used all of these manifolds on big block engines....here is my .03 cents (inflation):

most guys back in the day switched out the low-rise for the 163 to gain some extra performance...I think the gains were more noticeable at the track than on the street. I have recently dynoed a 1970 402 witht he flat intake, stock cam, stock car...a little over 430hp...another friend had similar results in the upper 420 range. I'm sure there are another 15-20 ponies in the hi-rise...but, doubt you will feel or see the difference on the street. For a day 2 look the 163 would be my choice over the air gap, since the AG was not available back then....or find one of the older Edelbrock or Weiand units for an aftermarket day 2 style. I have attached a photo of our 70 day 2 with the 163 and the 68 car with airgap and aluminum heads...hope this helps. Let me know if I can help further.

wilma

**WILMASBOYL78** · #3 05-01-2009, 07:45 PM

68 w/airgap...

mfchassisworks · #4 05-01-2009, 07:53 PM

Could you post the article on the Chevelle?

Bahnz70 · #5 05-01-2009, 08:51 PM

That is nice to see the pics Tom, thanks. Kind of Ironic I have a set of those valve covers that I was thinking of using - good to see how they will look. I am kind of torn - I may try the 163 first - was there any issues with that air gap as far as hooking hoses/choke/etc.

**WILMASBOYL78** · #6 05-01-2009, 09:12 PM

Mike, hose connections on the 68 are easier because the alternator is on the driver's side...163 connections were fine...I can send some detailed photos if you need them...you will need longer choke arm (1969) if you have the factory setup...70 air cleaner base is different for hose outlet position...fuel lines (pump to carb) and block are also different...basically you just have to use all 1969 stuff and it will work perfect. If your 70 has a throttle cable...there is no issue...it works fine.

**Salvatore** · #7 05-01-2009, 09:16 PM

A Tarantula (angle mounted carb) intake.

Bahnz70 · #8 05-01-2009, 09:19 PM

I think it might have the throttle cable - it was built 10B of 69 so i could almost get away with a 69 intake, no? Detailed pics would be extremely helpful.
Thanks
Mike

**WILMASBOYL78** · #9 05-01-2009, 11:50 PM

October 69 car will have a mechanical throttle...change over took place in late December/early January....as for the intake...all 1970 model year L78 cars had the low-profile intake manifold. The L-34 used a low profile cast iron intake...I'll get you some photos...

wilma

Chevy454 · #10 05-02-2009, 10:28 PM

Something worth mentioning is that on the factory intakes, milling down the plenum divider & a little port matching will help the combo quite a bit, especially those engines with headers. That's the setup we're running on Red Alert...

And here's a good read about carb & intake work from our very own Eric Jackson: click

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