I got the new manifold and carb installed, but had to bend back a rigid 1/2" tube system on the back of my '77 302 C4. Apparently its part of the EGR system and connects the back of both heads and comes over the top in a "T" with a hose connection to an aluminum canister. What's it for, and can I remove it and cap off the holes in the back of the heads? I don't have smog emmission law enforcement here in Central Illinois, and I plan on removing most of the other EGR stuff. What do you use to cap off the holes? I can't see how they connect. I suppose I could cut the pipes and plug them, but will that harm anything? Anybody done this before? I'm in un-charted waters! Grant
It's for the air-injection (from the air pump) and yes, you can remove it as long as you don't have emissions testing where you live. You simply plug the holes in the back of the cylinder heads with "pipe plugs". They just have a 3/8" square that fits a 3/8" drive ratchet. Use a gasket sealer on the threads. Can't remember the exact size right now but I'm sure you can figure that part out...
It has been 28 years since I did exactly what you are doing now. As I remember they are threaded and I just put bolts in mine. Where in IL are you, we might be neighbors. Dan
Dan, I'm just outside Springfield in the Village of Rochester. Best known speed trap in the midwest. Where are you? I'll pull the tubes out and plug the holes with plugs. Thanks again for your help! Grant
Grant, I know that speed trap well. The company I work for has 2 accounts in Rochester. I am over on the Mississippi near Quincy. I know Thom Garmers who lives in Sherman. He has some nice cars. Maybe we can hook up at one of the car events this year. Dan
Hey, does that mean I can take off the punny air pump and the rubber band belt too? Is it used for anything else, or expendable? Hot damn, it's gonna start lookin' like a real demon under here! I have a neighbor that's teasing me about my "muscle car". Said something about being a "pulled muscle", rather than a true muscle car. My 'grocery getter's' gettin' no respect. He's got an old 65 Chevelle that's lookin' for a whippin! With all your help, I'll get it done! Now he's given me a goal, and I like goals! You boys just keep feeding me the good info, and I'll get him! Grant
Yeah, take off the air pump and belt. Seems all that ties in and gets taken off. Lots more space in the engine compartment. Cant wait till you get to show the chevelle man what ya got. Dan ps I have a buddy over here with a 65 chevelle that looks meek and mild but runs low 7's in the 8th mile with drag radials and thru the mufflers. We go racing together and people always comment on how his car runs. My goal is to get my 70 Cyclone Spoiler to go just a bit faster than his.
Ford actually sells the plugs over the parts counter. Tell them what you are doing and they can order them for you. They are pretty cheap, and they fit the thread pattern nicely. With the heads installed, it's hard to see back there and it's nice to know you have the right part.
