Jim Shepard

Didn’t really like the pushrods that came with the Asche linkage - much too modern looking. So I’m making my own and trying for a more original look/design.

I got the stock intake manifold off today. Held up the log and it looks like it’ll match up pretty good. The only clearance issue was the hand brake cable, which I removed. I’ll have to figure out another way to activate the park brake…

My understanding is that there are some 3.73 pumpkins from MOPAR cars of the same era. Should be a direct bolt-in. Don’t know which makes/models. One side benefit is that you get to keep the hand brake…

Got some more welding done. Also mounted George Asche’s linkage and finally found after market air cleaners that fit. As it turns out, I’ll have to modify the linkage some, but the main parts (rod, levers, flange bases…) should work. Gettin’ close to removing the stock intake and carb. Gotta be done by April 5 so I can show it off at Tim’s BBQ…

Well I got some welding done on the manifold. Welded the three carb intake runners to the log. Next is the intake runners between the log and the block. Having the carb runners welded allows me to dial in George’s linkage.

I’ll probably just tack weld and then take the plate steel off. I decided to have the machine shop drill my holes. I needed an exact size that I couldn’t find bits for. Won’t be long now before the welding starts.

I’ve made my first jig. This will ensure the carb intake flanges and runners are welded to the log in the correct orientation and position.

Latest mock up photo. Almost ready to start welding

I found an article that discussed old school logs made back in the day. Although most of these were crafted without much scientific basis, the article did quote the work of some engineer who came up with a formula for determining log diameter and length. Among other things, factors such as engine displacement, number of cylinders, distance between outside intake ports, etc., were part of the calculation.

I did the same as Merle and for the same reason.

When you use the Wilwood proportioning valve the brake light switch is built in.

Well I thought I should start documenting this little adventure. Here’s a photo of the first mockup. Those are the three carburetor mounting flanges. They’re sitting on top of the “log,” which serves as a plenum chamber. Each carburetor sits slightly forward of lining up directly with its intake runner so as to clear the firewall.

Got three carbs all ready to be installed. George Asche is assembling a linkage setup. Should get it in the next several days.

Yea, it might be worth coming back out next year (in case you were thinking of staying home…).

I do always have a certain trepidation when posting on the car side since I know nothing about them. My first car was a 1951 Chrysler, but I basically knew how to fill it with gas and nothing else…