So I was missing the bolt that goes from the waterpump into the front of the intake manifold. Upon inspection, we figured out why...previous owner had broken off an ez out in hole trying to remove a broken bolt from the manifold.
Ended up opting for a new edelbrock manifold as it was cheaper than the estimated machining time it would have taken to remove the ez out/bolt.
So my question: Is it worth ever repairing the oe intake? It looks to be the correct part for my YD code 67 400. I understand many folks think these intakes are better than aftermarket ones. If not, I'm not opposed to a way cool paperweight on my desk!
it's up to you, what it's worth to ya, lot of us think the old cast are better than the aftermarket ones. If it was a stock manifold for my bird's engine than I would have it repaired. that's just my 2 cents
If you have an original engine, I would find an original dated intake. If your car isn't original and you modified it, then go aftermarket. When was your car built? I have a 67 intake. Others here may also.
I'm not sure exactly when my car was built. But I do know the engine isn't original. Its YD code 400, which wasn't ever offered in a Firebird.
I've already installed the edlebrock intake and it runs like a champ.
The question is whether the original intake that came off my YD engine (and is now sitting on a shelf in my garage) is worth repairing, to the tune of several hundred $$$.
You pretty much answered your own question. As you said, the engine could not possiblity be original to the car and preserving a correct numbers-matching part is only important if you are trying to maintain a completely numbers-matching drivetrain. No reason to waste $$$ fixing the original for the YD.
The E-brock manifold is pretty much a copy of the RA IV manifold but in aluminum, so you are good to go.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
If it is a pre 70 intake and all that is wrong is the broken bolt?
Absolutely.
Soak with PB blaster, drill and easy out. Repeat as necessary. Used to repair those intakes weekly. It can be a PITA, laborious, tricky...It is a $25 bill at a machine shop.
If you don't want the intake, I will buy it from you.
Si Vis Pacem Parabellum
1967 Starlight black PMD Engineering 400 Auto 1968 Alpine Blue 400 4 speed 1968 Verdoro Green 400 HO 4 speed 2013 1LE 2SS/RS Inferno Orange Camaro.
Actually the previous owner was trying to remove the broken bolt and broke off the easy out trying to do it. My guy said that made it significantly more complicated to repair. Does that make any sense? I can take a picture of it if that helps.
Trash it...or sell it to someone else that has the time and patience. That's a near impossible job now and not worth the time. Buy another intake if you need one. I bought one the other day for $25. Less money than the time to look it over real good in my opinion.