68 GT350 Intake questions

[Rcbach302]

I'm putting together my J code and have a few questions on assembly:

1. The AMK bolt kit has 4 studs and 8 bolts. Location of studs? What color are bolts; painted, natural or black phophate (as shipped)?
2. Carb spacer: natural or painted?
3. Valve cover bolts - natural or painted?
4. Tstat housing & bolts -natural or painted?

Thank you,

[Coralsnake]

Which intake and which carburetor are you using?

[Coralsnake]

1.The AMK bolt kit has 4 studs and 8 bolts. Location of studs?
bolt/stud/bolt/bolt/stud/bolt
What color are bolts; painted, natural or black phophate (as shipped)? Painted
2. Carb spacer: natural or painted? Natural for Holley; painted for Autolite
3. Valve cover bolts - natural or painted? Natural with painted wire clips
4. Tstat housing & bolts -natural or painted? Painted

[Rcbach302]

I am using the Holley/S7MS combo.

[Rcbach302]

Perfect thank you!

[CharlesTurner]

I am using the Holley/S7MS combo.

That will have the thinner black phenolic spacer with PCV hose fitting at the back.

[shelbydoug]

Originally my 68 GT350 had the iron manifold and Autolite carb installed in it when purchased in April 1972.

There were four studs installed in the intake in the center most positions. Two on each side.

The picture posted here of the painted manifold does not agree with what I had.

Whether or not there were variations in production, I can't say. Since I am not limited to just this one engine in my experience, it was my thought that on an iron intake the studs were used and on an aluminum bolts in that position.

It may be that the engine assembly plant found it more reliable to accurately locate the intake gaskets with studs when using the much heavier iron intake. Granted that is speculation on my part but that procedure of using studs to hold the gaskets in place is fairly common place now even in the aftermarket.

The valve cover bolts ON MINE were just zinc plated with no head markings, with matching zinc plated split washers.


As pointed out to me I can't testify in court that I had the original factory configuration simply because I was not there to witness the original assembly. I can't deny that.

Be aware though that Defense Attorneys often attempt to prohibit eye witnesses from testifying simply because if they say, " I saw that person sitting there, kill the deceased", it will prejudice the jury against their client. 

[Coralsnake]

Studs might be the center two holes on each side. I will defer to a survivor if available

[shelbydoug]

Aren't there going to be variations in the bolt finishes since some bolts painted blue were reused by the dealer in swapping out the manifolds?

Would Smith have been swapping out intakes also or were the S7MS intakes Ford installed?

The introduction of the aluminum intakes are right around the end production of most 68 GT350's if you look at the build dates. Most were already built by then.

[Coralsnake]

Smith would have installed the aluminum intakes. You are correct there were not many factory installed. Dealers also could have installed them, per the service campaign

[J_Speegle]

Studs might be the center two holes on each side. I will defer to a survivor if available

Wouldn't the arrangement/order of bolts verses stud/nuts be the same on all small blocks not just Shelby's?

[Coralsnake]

I would say yes, intakes are same

[Coralsnake]

Survivor car

[Coralsnake]

Survivor car 2

[Coralsnake]

bolt/stud/bolt/bolt/stud/bolt is correct