63 Torqing intake manifold bolts

[Steve D.]

Manifold PN 3844461

Because of the angle of the bolts and the rise of the carburetor mount, I can't get a socket and torque wrench on the 4 (2 each side) middle bolts. I have tried to find a box end wrench adaptor (NAPA, Craftsman, Northern Tool) but unsucessfully. Snap-on has a torque wrench body with removable box ends, but the wrench body is $280 and the individual box ends are $70+ apiece. Any suggestions?

[Larry M.]

Re: 63 Torqing intake manifold bolts

Steve:

Make the part yourself. That's what I did. Go buy a box end wrench and a 3/8 or 1/2 drive, 1/2 inch socket. Cut the wrench in half and weld the socket to it. If you do not have a welder, you can go to one of the local welding shops and pay a few $....should not be too much. About 2 minutes work.

When torquing the bolts, reduce the torque value a few ft-lbs due to the longer moment arm length of the adaptor.

Larry

EDIT: The nice thing about making an adapter is that you will always have it in your toolbox. Mine has been used for about 35 years, on too many engines to count, and still going strong.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 Torqing intake manifold bolts

Steve,

I believe the torque is 35ftlbs, you can do this by feel. Start on one of the four bolts and go around in a circle until you get them all. After the car has been run a few times check them again with a wrench.

Make sure you put some #2 sealer on the bolt threads as this will keep oil from wicking up the bolt.

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 Torqing intake manifold bolts

I like Tim's suggestion. Hand tighten a couple of accessable bolts with your end wrench and then then check the torgue value with the torque wrench. You will very quickly end up with the correct "feel" and know when to stop.

Any kind of an adapter with an extended moment arm will drastically alter the resultant torque value. Granted, it could be calculated using the right equation, but it's been 30 years since I took Physics and I'd have to go look it up. While it isn't particually complicated, it wouldn't be my first choice as a solution.

tc