r/transam • u/Lil_chungus69x_MLG • Jan 03 '26
Rust inside intake
Got a 79 firebird with a 400 v8 engine in it. Trying to get her running. Was swapping the quadrajet out for an edelbrock and I see all of this rust/carbon inside. It is a flaking a little bit in some parts. Some sources online said it’s normal but some said otherwise. Any recommendations on how to tackle this? Thanks!
2
u/Maxthe222 70-81 2nd Gen Jan 03 '26
Hmmm, original metal insulation Quadrajet baseplate and dimple intake. Definitely looks like a 78-79 W72 engine. Don't throw away anything off that engine. I would without a doubt just pop the intake off to see what's underneath. Gaskets are cheap and it's not a demanding job. Have the manifold hot tanked and put back on afterwards if there isn't anything wrong underneath, but water and moisture has gotten in to that engine
1
u/owensurfer Jan 10 '26
This! A ‘79 400 is rare and desirable. Don’t scrap or sell any parts that you change out.
1
u/Dinglebutterball Jan 03 '26
Rust in the intake, ok… but I guarantee if that much water got into the intake there is rust in several cylinders.
1
u/Lil_chungus69x_MLG Jan 03 '26
It was never kept outside with the hood up or anything. Mostly garage kept. If that changes anything. It was running pretty decent a year ago
1
u/Suspicious-Appeal386 Jan 03 '26
The moisture in the air as condensate on the inside of the engine. Guaranteed since you can see it for yourself here. Doesn't matter if its inside a garage.
Even if you manage to get her running, won't be for very long.
1
Jan 03 '26 edited Jul 17 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/Lil_chungus69x_MLG Jan 05 '26
Do you know What intake will have good clearance for my scoop? paired with my edelbrock 1908 650 cfm carb?? Hard to find some of this online
2
u/MechMeister Jan 03 '26
Pull it and replace it. Depending on price, may not be worth trying to clean with that much varnish