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View Full Version : 429 Big Block / EFI Hood Clearance Issues



Leadbelly
09-23-2020, 03:30 PM
New cobra owner here, having hood clearance issues.

This is a 429 big block (385 series, not a FE) with an Edelbrock Performer RPM Intake Manifold #7166 (carb pad height = 5.48”), with EZ FAST EFI 2.0. I don’t think the EFI will allow a drop base – hits the throttle linkage and fuel line (let me know if someone has gotten this to work somehow). The current 11.5”x8”x3” air cleaner sits about an inch above the body – probably just the wing nut/stud that’s hitting the scoop, and maybe a bit of the edge but I haven’t cut the bolt down to check. The body work is not complete, so the hood scoop isn’t mounted – which makes the car drivable, but need a long term solution. Here’s the list of things I’ve looked at to remedy so far, and my initial thoughts:

- I would love to use the Cobra style black oval (21” x 10” x 2.25”). I thought about going to the non-EGR Edelbrock Intake #2166 (carb pad height = 4.12”). Problem is, lowering the intake means the air cleaner will hit the distributor. The distributor is a dual-sync from FAST. I don’t know much about these, but I don’t think I have many options for distributors for the 429 EFI setup…any ideas? Any options for lowering the overall setup to clear the hood/distributor? Will Holley dual-sync work with a FAST kit? Is the Holley or MSD lower overall?

- 10” wide air cleaners is about all I have room for before it hits either the fuel pressure regulator or the side of the hood scoop cutout. I haven’t found many air cleaners that look decent, are short enough, and I think I can actually pull enough air flow through. If you’ve seen some, let me know!

- Spectre Performance Intake 764 or 765 – I looked at the dual ultra low profile dual plenum kits. I still have serious doubts about this clearing the hood on the sides (basically I don’t get any height advantage from the hood scoop).

- Not interested in a larger hood scoop.

- I’m having some minor issues with the EZ FAST EFI – I think these are probably tunable to get resolved (just haven’t spent any time researching). It’s not out of the question to swap out the EFI for another system though. I know the Holley Sniper can fit a drop base around it to help with clearance issues.

Bottom line – I’m looking for ways to lower overall assembly (short of lowering the entire engine which I don’t think I’m willing to do). If you guys have come across some cool products that might help, or at least make the existing condition look better, I’m all ears.

Cheers,
Ryan

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swwebb
09-23-2020, 04:26 PM
EZ FAST EFI 2.0 has issues and is not really tunable. You'll need the Sportsman upgrade to make it tunable.

See details of my experience here

https://www.ffcars.com/threads/dyno-results-levy-347-with-ez-efi-2-0.639318/

You said you can change out the EFI system. I definitely would if I were you. Probably a Sniper?

Sknh603
09-23-2020, 06:22 PM
I just installed my 502, 460based. Actually had a super snake hood fabricated that I had to epoxy together (came in 2 pieces). Lots of sanding trimming. Plenty of clearance with my carb and filter setup. Not aure how to attach pic..

Gordon Levy
09-23-2020, 06:36 PM
Ported torquer II intakes fits quite well under the hood.

DavidW
09-24-2020, 01:31 PM
Move the scoop back towards the windshield, requires modifying the hood a little but worth it. Try a drop base air cleaner.

Rdone585
09-24-2020, 03:34 PM
I've got a small block but still had to use a lowered air cleaner base, switched from 4" to 3 1/2" air filter, and replaced the wing nut with a bolt. Now it just barely fits. I also run solid engine mounts so the engine won't "torque" when revved.

ej95Cobra
09-25-2020, 03:56 AM
Ditto on the EZ Fast 2.0 being problematic and not being tunable. Like swwebb above, we ended up replacing the EZ FAST 2.0 with the FAST Sportsman. The Sportsman uses the same wiring as the 2.0; otherwise I would have gone to a different system.

rich grsc
09-25-2020, 09:37 AM
Ditto on the EZ Fast 2.0 being problematic and not being tunable. Like swwebb above, we ended up replacing the EZ FAST 2.0 with the FAST Sportsman. The Sportsman uses the same wiring as the 2.0; otherwise I would have gone to a different system.


EZ FAST EFI 2.0 has issues and is not really tunable. You'll need the Sportsman upgrade to make it tunable.

See details of my experience here

https://www.ffcars.com/threads/dyno-results-levy-347-with-ez-efi-2-0.639318/

You said you can change out the EFI system. I definitely would if I were you. Probably a Sniper?

Make me #3 that that had nothing but major problems with the EZ-2 system. IT IS JUNK. Spent a bunch of money trying to get the car drivable, just not possible. Fast finally swapped me the Sportsman computer as it uses the same wiring, now it runs great. I would try convincing them to just exchange computers, as they did for me.

bobl
09-25-2020, 12:32 PM
How about using a drop base air cleaner and cutting the base to clear the linkage and stuff. Then box it back in with some new sheet metal.

Leadbelly
09-29-2020, 03:46 PM
All - thanks for the replies.

I hadn't seen the Torker II before this - so that definitely helps shave about 1.5" off the carb pad height. I'm reluctant to give up the Performer RPM, but might have to go down that road. I'll still have to use a 15" oval to miss the distributor - so can't use the 21" oval cobra one. This still puts the distributor smack in the middle of the air cleaner front. Will this drastically effect air flow? Any way to get around this? I don't see too many options for dual-sync distribution for EFI on a bid block :(

As for the drop base comments, not sure I have the skills to custom fabricate a base to trim around linkage, etc. I'll keep this in mind if it comes to that.

Also, thanks for the insight into the EZ-2.0 system. I plan on driving it as is for a bit. There's way more upgrades that I'd like to do before redoing the EFI (aluminum heads primarily). The Sportsman module might be a decent middle ground later on.

Cheers,
Ryan

Sdonnel
10-02-2020, 07:40 AM
Not sure if this will help, as I'm running a 351. I ran into the air cleaner hitting the distributor as well as the hood. With the Fitech on a Victor Jr. intake, I had to find some hood clearance. I ended up with a 14 inch diameter K&N filter that is two inches tall. I also bought the extreme top as well. In order to get the air cleaner away from the distributor, I bought an offset base air cleaner and modified the carb flange so the air cleaner has a downward tilt to it as it approaches the distributor. Now, I have 1 inch clearance from the hood (without the scoop) and Mr. Kleiner can cut and align to his hearts content. Let me know if you need part numbers. I can dig them up.

Scott

D Stand
10-02-2020, 12:22 PM
Part numbers would be great if you can dig them up. I am trying to figure all of this out with my 351W based 427, ram air intake, and sniper.

Thanks Dale

Sdonnel
10-03-2020, 06:41 AM
For my build, my engine is basically black and "aluminum" color. When I started shopping for K&N filters, I was surprised to find they had filters with gray elements. I ordered the 2 inch tall, 14 inch round filter. Part number KNN-E3032R. Extreme top is KNN66-1400R, and the offset base for the air cleaner is an inexpensive Spectre unit. Part number 4768. Having found the filters with the desired color, I was a little disappointed when I looked at the bottle of filter spray and it is Red. Inquired about oil to preserve the gray color and the guy at K&N said "That's a little odd we would do that". I'll keep looking for an oil that will let me return to the gray color after a simple washing of the filters. I attached a pic below that shows the clearance under the cowl and offset from the distributor.

Scott

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429 SCJ COBRA
12-25-2023, 08:53 PM
Hello Ryan, Question, What headers did you end up using for your 429 ? Please reply thanks Mike

herb427sc
12-26-2023, 03:08 PM
You are looking at posts that are 3 years old.