I need a little help. I'm building an 83 'Bird (3.8L V6) for V/SA NHRA dragracing. I have a problem with finding the correct E3SE 9425 DA intake manifold as per Ford bulletin to the NHRA. There were 70,500 six cylinder 'Bird's built in 83 and I can't seem to find this intake on any engines in salvage yards. Has anyone seen one and does anyone have one for sale? Does it even exsist? If I get it running I'll be the only Ford in a field of General Motors racecars, and I want to be a spoiler. Thanks for any information you can give! Fred P.S. Ford when contacted only quoted what was in the bulletin.
I don't know exactly which intake that is, because I don't know par numbers.
This might be a start for places to look.
http://www.moranav6racing.com
dont only look in the Tbirds, also look in the LTD's and other midsized ford cars of that era
why is this specific intake desired?
My '84 LTD had a 2-barrel, if that's the type of manifold you're looking for?
Guys when racing "stock" classes at NHRA/IHRA etc you have to run the factory parts down to the correct casting/part numbers. Unless approved by the sanctioning body, a intake with a '84 casting number ain't gonna cut it for a '83(even though they may flow identical).
Fred I assume you have looked at the small LTD/Marquis, Cougars, Mustang, Capri etc, as they should have had the same intake. BTW the 3.8 was carbed in Canada thru '86, but I dunno if those intakes used the earlier casting numbers...
If you haven't seen it, here's a intersting article on the 3.8s...
http://www.babpen 15s.com/editorial/ar/ar90134.htm
Also maybe you could contact some of the engine rebuilders(recon, Jasper, etc) to see if they might have one laying around.
Thanks for the replys. Yes, I have to have the E3SE 9425 DA manifold to be legit for class, in the hope I go fast enough to be torn down. In fact the 84 up manifold is a better piece and flows well. The 82/83 manifolds have tubes that block the plenum (for EGR transfer, I.E. smog). I dont know what model that I'll find the correct manifold on, but E3SE = 1983 T-bird/Cougar specific. E3ZE = Mustang/Capri, E3OE = LTD/Marquis (Lincoln). I have been thru salvage yards in No. Nevada and a small portion of No. Cal with no luck. Plenty of Fox's (sorry to say that) but no manifold. If you all could keep an eye out I sure would appreciate it. Like I said with 70,500 of them built, there just has to be one out there. By the way, my engine was assembled on Jan 23, 83 and had an 1982 intake on it right from the factory. Thanks again for looking, Fred
http://car-part.com/
Their site will search the salvage yards for you.
Have an intake from an 83 3.8 but it has an e2 casting. The tubes in the manifold are actually heat riser tubes carrying exhaust gases that warm the carb and air flow/ The egr is in the back of the manifold coming in under the carb. You can't do this, but if the tubes are removed and the holes plugged the 3.8 will come to life. Also putting in sbc 305 intakes and exhausts will let you set the valve seat contact and maximize valve life and air flow. Use stock valve springs, retainers off ford 302 valve springs and chevy keepers. Valve spring height will be in specs. A little stemming of the valves will guarantee the lifters do not bottom out. Chevy valves are a hair longer.
quick car-part search shows there may be a few out there
1983
Intake Manifold
Ford Thunderbird 3.8 GOOD MOTOR MORE OUTBACK,UP,STOCK NO. 048588049 A 048588049 $95 ARichner Auto Parts USA-PA(Milesburg) Request_Quote 1-814-355-3851/ 1-888-572-3428 Request_Insurance_Quote
1983
Intake Manifold
Ford Thunderbird (3.8L)- 61983 $45 One Way Auto Salvage USA-CA(Alhambra) Request_Quote 1-626-289-5696 Request_Insurance_Quote
1983
Intake Manifold
Ford Thunderbird 3.8L,PULLED,STOCK NO. #811A329 #811A329 $Call Sisco's R & R Inc USA-IL(Fairbury) E-mail 888-394-4700 / (815) 692-2407
9 years, 4 months, 5 days.
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