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I'm in the process of restoring my car to NCRS specifications. The car is a California car with the 427/390 HP engine so it came with the A.I.R. My problem is that, in putting on the exhaust manifolds, I can't seem to get the french locks to fit. They don't seem to fit if I try and install them from the bottom side of the manifold and they block the air injection ports if I try and install them on the top side. I'm pretty sure I have the correct french locks as I've looked at several websites and mine seem to match up pretty well. Anybody know if they made special French Locks for the Smog equipped cars?
i'll post some pics in the morning. Can you tell me if your french locks are below the manifold pipe or above it?
Here's some pics showing it above and below the manifold. Trying to install it on the topside blocks the air ports. The french lock doesn't reach when I try installing them below the manifold pipe.
come to think about it the French locks and manifold would have been installed at Tonawanda so there for the AIM would be of no help. if you have a GM parts book that would show it. but I doubt there was two. also get rid of those exhaust manifold gaskets they are not needed
Since you're doing an NCRS restoration, I'm sure you know that only the front and back cylinders on each side are to have the french locks – the center four do not. Searching Google images, I came across only 2 pics that show the locks with AIR. In both cases, the lock arches are bent downward from vertical.
Since you're doing an NCRS restoration, I'm sure you know that only the front and back cylinders on each side are to have the french locks – the center four do not. Searching Google images, I came across only 2 pics that show the locks with AIR. In both cases, the lock arches are bent downward from vertical.
Thanks for the info. Seems like an odd installation but I agree with the pics as thats the only way I could see them being installed.
Is it possible that the locks you have are incorrect and may be made for the rear axle flange? Just guessing here. Jerry
unfortunately no...thats what I thought at first but I looked at several supplier web sites and they all look like the ones I have. I think "Valve Stem Cap Inspector" is correct in that the french lock needs to be bent forward to avoid the air injector ports.
11-16-2023, 06:28 PM
'67 BB Exhaust Manifolds
