74 Bb Air Manifolds

[Todd L.]

When I purchased my car it came with headers and the AIR system. While I am trying to find some BB manifolds with AIR, I have removed the AIR system. There are now 8 holes in my headers that need to be filled. I noticed in Ecklers catalog they sell plugs for the manifolds. Can I just purchase 8 bolts and be done with it? I don't care about the headers, like I said they will come off once I find the correct manifolds. Does any one know of a source for the correct diverter for my car?

Thanks

Todd

[Joe L.]

Re: 74 Bb Air Manifolds

When I purchased my car it came with headers and the AIR system. While I am trying to find some BB manifolds with AIR, I have removed the AIR system. There are now 8 holes in my headers that need to be filled. I noticed in Ecklers catalog they sell plugs for the manifolds. Can I just purchase 8 bolts and be done with it? I don't care about the headers, like I said they will come off once I find the correct manifolds. Does any one know of a source for the correct diverter for my car?

Thanks

Todd

Todd----


Don't use bolts for the plugs. These fittings were actually a special STRAIGHT pipe thread. However, you can use regular, standard 1/4" NPT pipe plugs to plug the holes in the headers. I like the recessed allen head type and these are available at Orchard Supply Hardware if you have any of them in your area. Otherwise, just use regular external hex or square head 1/4" NPT pipe plugs.

The manifolds are available in reproduction. They are not cheap but they sell for the same or less than used manifo;ds sell on eBay.

A diverter valve for your application may be available from Bill Hodel, Greenhoes Corvettes, or Cranes Corvette. Count on it being EXPENSIVE.

By the way, the correct valve for your application was GM #7040361. This valve may be stamped "40361". Unfortunately, this was a Corvette-only valve, applicable only to the 1974 model year and applicable only to LS-4 engines. It was discontinued from SERVICE in July, 1980 and replaced by GM #17052766 which is a differently-configured, but functional valve. The latter valve was discontinued in August, 1986 and replaced by GM #17084844 which is a black, plastic valve. Even that valve is gone now, having been discontinued without supercession in June, 1993.

[Donald S.]

Re: 74 Bb Air Manifolds

hi Todd i have a matched dated pair of bb air manifolds if your interested drop me an e mail and i will send you a couple pics of the dates and part## they came off a burnt 73-74 i parted out years ago Don.

donsmith@xplornet.com

[Todd L.]

Re: 74 Bb Air Manifolds

I am in the Denver Colorado area, and have never heard of Orchard Supply hardware, will a Lowes or Home Depot carry these plugs? Do you have contacts for Bill Hodel, Greenhoes Corvettes, or Cranes Corvette? Where are they located? Thanks for the help.

Todd

[Joe L.]

Re: 74 Bb Air Manifolds

I am in the Denver Colorado area, and have never heard of Orchard Supply hardware, will a Lowes or Home Depot carry these plugs? Do you have contacts for Bill Hodel, Greenhoes Corvettes, or Cranes Corvette? Where are they located? Thanks for the help.

Todd

Todd----


I doubt that Lowes or Home Depot will have the INTERNAL hex head pipe plugs. They will have the external hex head or square head, though. Attached is a photo of the internal heex head that I prefer. You'll need to find a GOOD hardware store for these. Or, you can get them from McMaster-Carr (www.mcmaster.com).

Bill Hodel-----(330)832-0871

Greenhoes-----(330) 723-0899 (I think; otherwise look in Driveline)

Cranes-----www.cranescorvette.com

[Todd L.]

Re: 74 Bb Air Manifolds

Thanks for the response I will try to locate someplace in Denver and I'll give these guys a call about the diverter.

Todd

[Todd L.]

Re: 74 BB Air Manifolds

I found a place that sells them, they had to be ordered and will be in tomorrow. Can I use anti-seize on these?

Thanks for the help.

Todd

[Joe L.]

Re: 74 BB Air Manifolds

I found a place that sells them, they had to be ordered and will be in tomorrow. Can I use anti-seize on these?

Thanks for the help.

Todd

ABSOLUTELY! In fact, if you (or anyone else) EVER hopes to be able to remove them, you'd better us anti-seize on them. I use a special "high nickel" anti-seize for everything that I use anti-seize compound on. However, the main advantage of it is high temperature capability to 2400 degrees F. This is especially important for the manifold plugs and similar exhaust-related items. This product is much more expensive than regular anti-seize but one container will last a hobbyist for YEARS.

[Todd L.]

Re: 74 Bb Air Manifolds

Thanks for the advice, can I get the high temp anti-seize at NAPA or an other automotive parts store? Thanks for the help. You helped me save about $12.00. Which helps me get the car finished that much sooner.



Todd

[Joe L.]

Re: 74 Bb Air Manifolds

Thanks for the advice, can I get the high temp anti-seize at NAPA or an other automotive parts store? Thanks for the help. You helped me save about $12.00. Which helps me get the car finished that much sooner.



Todd

Todd-----


Better automotive parts stores should have this product, but I don't think you'll find it at the "discount chains". A good NAPA store should have it, though. Some NAPA stores are rather small and don't carry a full line of items because they just don't have room for it.