Here is a ECZ-B with stock flow figures and ported.  This intake made 439 hp on the 303Y and the ported Mummert made 454hp.  Joe-JDC

JDC

In this case, the answer would be NO.  To be able to move or clock the wires one hole from where they were so the distributor would rest at the point you would like the timing to be, you would ideally need at least 22½° of available distributor movement.  The low-profile TSP/CRT distributors for the Y when used with an unmodified Blue Thunder intake has much less than 5° of movement when installing when the vacuum advance chamber is pointing to the left bank of cylinders.  Modifying or machining the BT intake where the clearance issue resides is a potential fix but that clearance problem typically shows up only after the intake manifold is fully bolted in place.

The clearance issue with the low-profile TSP/CRT distributors when used with the BT intakes originates with the placement of the distributor cap hold down clamps.  If they were clocked similar to the Ford or MSD distributors in relation to the vacuum advance chamber, those particular distributors would work okay with the BT intake manifolds.  In looking at the low-profile TSP/CRT distributors, it is possible to re-clock the distributor cap with just a little bit of machine work to the distributor housing.  My work around for that particular clearance issue when not using an OEM or MSD distributor with the BT intake has been to just use the Thunderbird TSP/CRT distributors which have the distributor caps in a higher position.

Another consideration when selecting the intake manifold is if there is a slot in the plenum divider or not.  While the slotted plenum dividers do help the top end horsepower numbers, they do cost you some low-end torque numbers.  The carburetor signal is also reduced when that slotted divider is present and you can figure on at least a 1½” Hg reduction of manifold vacuum at idle when that slot is present.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I just re-read the description on ebay for the Blue Thunder intake. I'm not sure which intake they're referring to, but they mention seeing other intakes leaking. They mention quality control issues among other aftermarket manufacturers. They note this as being the reason why their intake is so much more expensive. Theirs are shot peened and pressure tested up to 60psi. They state their intakes are free of any kind of casting marks and are inspected by multiple people before being shipped. Has anyone ever noted any quality control issue with a mummert intake?

My Mummert intake is great - I have had 0 issues...

https://www.hotrodreverend.com/post/update-on-the-55-ford-fast-fords-and-the-hot-rod-reverend


Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

I have never had an issue with either the fit or finish with the Blue Thunder or Mummert manifolds.  Each has its own advantages depending on the exact engine combination they are being used on.  Both are U.S.A. made and machined.

Having talked with the owner of Blue Thunder, material, foundry, and machining costs have all increased significantly over the last couple of years.  Conversations with some of the other aluminum parts suppliers indicates that this is a problem that is industry wide.  I suspect the quality issues being referred to are in reference to the influx of offshore manifolds that are coming into the U.S...  Porosity issues would appear to be at the top of the list for those.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I got impatient and ordered the BT. Haha. Thanks everyone for your time.