tbi manifold on aftermarket heads

**Chevy1500z71** · 01-02-2009, 07:53 PM

is it possible to make a stock tbi intake manifold fit on aftermarket heads with a diferent bolt patern than a tbi head? reason i ask is becasue i need to re use my stock intake in order to make my blower fit up with all my serpentine belt brackets and such for the blower. im going to be buying a 383s short block, maybe even a long black in the near future and id like to know what my options are with heads. i could swear iv read that you can drill new holes in the stock manifold and make it work that way.

**bwood** · 01-02-2009, 08:15 PM

As long as you stick with non Vortec heads and with traditional Chevy heads your tbi manifold will bolt up.

**Colin B** · 01-02-2009, 08:17 PM

yes the inner intake bolts are just at a different angle on the older heads. I have it done on my truck

**Chevy1500z71** · 01-02-2009, 08:22 PM

so basicaly, im not limited in any way, preferably id want older style heads, but if it comes down to it, i can make any head i want work. right?

**bwood** · 01-02-2009, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by Colin B

yes the inner intake bolts are just at a different angle on the older heads. I have it done on my truck

I forgot about that. The center bolt holes on the 87-95 heads are at 72 degrees. I don't know how you manifold is constructed, so I don't know if the holes can be modified to work with the older style heads (pre 87 with 12 straight bolts). Check with the manufacturer of the intake to see if it would work. You might also check with summit to see what aftermarket heads are available to utilize your TBI intake without modifying it.

**Chevy1500z71** · 01-02-2009, 09:07 PM

ok, all i needed to know is that im not limited. i can make anything work, im pretty handy like that, i just wanted to know if it was common to re drill an intake manifold for different heads.

thanks alot for the fast replies.

**Colin B** · 01-02-2009, 09:13 PM

you should be fine,i have them drilled out and then used some threaded rod with a nut and washer

**papa_smurf49319** · 01-02-2009, 11:29 PM

yes wobbling the holes on the intake to make the manifolds interchange is a common practice!

**Chevy1500z71** · 01-03-2009, 07:02 PM

cool, thanks alot guys. so i posted a wanted add on craigslist for a 383. iv got a guy with a gm 4 bolt block, fresh from the machine shop with a balanced stroker crank installed and it will come with forged pistons and rods. what do you think i should offer him, i have no idea what its worth. 800$, 1000$, more? iv only got 900$ to my name that i could spend for now, it would be nice if i could get started with that setup.

**nobrand** · 01-04-2009, 10:33 AM

need more info, what kind of cam? heads? **** like that man, give more info and we can get u a better price. sounds like it could be a good deal, depends on the cam though really.

**Chevy1500z71** · 01-04-2009, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by nobrand

need more info, what kind of cam? heads? **** like that man, give more info and we can get u a better price. sounds like it could be a good deal, depends on the cam though really.

i gave all specs right there. its just a shortblock. no cam, no heads. just a shortblock. i dont know what to offer him being that the rods and pistons aren't installed, which technically makes it not a short block and worth less, its got a cast crank and the rods are forged i-beams, and as already said, forged pistons.