Firebird woes

[formula4speed]

Yes, this has nothing to do with photography at all. Anyway I have a 1990 Firebird Formula which is where my name comes from as she is my baby. I was outside trying to finish up an intake manifold swap when I see this.



Thats a crack in my new Edlebrock intake, and yes I do know how to use a torque wrench. So now I guess I'm gonna have to buy a new intake and start all over again. Sometimes I feel like selling her and buying a 500 f/4 IS but I'd never forgive myself if I did.

[David1943]

Which lens did you take that picture with? It doesn't look at all sharp to me!

[Belmondo]

I have a 500 f/4, and I haven't had a single cracked intake manifold yet. If it makes you feel any better, chances are that if the lens had an intake manifold, and if it actually cracked, it would probably cost a lot more to fix than on a Pontiac.

Sorry for your problems, and I hope they get straightened very quickly.

[Digital Prophet]

I have had 5, count them 5 F-Bodies since I was 16. My last Firebird, Ralph, was a 1998 Formula that met a horrible end. I was on one of the Houston freeways when I was struvk from behind, spun around across a lane of traffic into a concrete barrier, reflected back across two lanes of traffic and into the opposite barrier then back into my original lane.

It was traumatic, I loved that car.

But the funny part was that after 4 years just that afternoon I had my first crack in the windshield. Until then there was not a scratch, not a crack not a single mark on that car. Four hours after the crack happened the car was totaled.

At least I didn't have to worry about replacing the windshield.

- Digital Prophet -

[formula4speed]

I actually took that with my point and shoot and was too close to get good focus, I was tempted to go out there with my 85 1.8 and Bogen tripod and set up the shot but I was too angry at the intake. This car is the first big purchase of my life, bought it about 2 1/2 years ago (March 10th was the actual date) and honestly its been a lot of heartache. I got in an accident with it 1 month after I bought her, spent thousands getting her fixed. Then I re-did the entire interior and have been focused on the go part now and things just never go smoothly. I guess my only option is to buy another intake because the stock one is not going back on and starting all over again. I really love her though, when she works there is pretty much nothing better than cruising around, shifting gears, and listening to the exhaust tone through the open t-tops.

[bikerider]

I'd be surprised if you couldn't have that alloy welded. Depends of course on the availablity of specialist welders in your locale. Older vehicles have always got some issues, I've got a 73 Dodge Power Wagon, a 1978 GMH Holden (Aust'), a 1974 Norton Commando, a 1937 Aerial 500cc single cylinder project bike and a 1982 Suzuki A100! I am truly afflicted and regularly have 'quiet moments in the shed' heh heh.
Roger.

[Moppie]

If its metal you can weld it

If your feeling really cheap, you can grind out a groove along the length of the crack, then fill it with some kind of Metal Epoxy.

But, before you fix it, find out why it cracked in the first place, or any repair won't last long.

[Grampaw]

Doesn't Edelbrock have some kind of warranty ?
If it was defective from the factory, they should replace it. Take some good shots, and a copy of the receipt, and ask...

[formula4speed]

I've got a friend who offered to weld it for me, and the price of just replacing the intake doesn't bother me as much as the fact I have to start over and thats more down time for my car. I don't think I can return it as I ordered it long ago and just took my time before putting it on, I've got headers sitting here that I probably bought a year ago.

[PhotosGuy]

But, before you fix it, find out why it cracked in the first place, or any repair won't last long.

Make sure that the head isn't warped on the manifold surface. You may have to machine it flat.

[formula4speed]

Originally Posted by PhotosGuy

Make sure that the head isn't warped on the manifold surface. You may have to machine it flat.

Don't put such thoughts into my head, no pun intended. If they are warped they are getting replaced with something besides the piece of junk swirl ports that are on there and in which case I would have no choice but to do a cam swap as well.

[PhotosGuy]

You have to stop sometime so you can drive it!
2nd thought: when you get the intake off, check for a casting flaw. Edlebrock might replace it even at this late date if that caused the problem.