In an FC will the stock 20b manifold clear the NA hood. I dont really like the TII hoods and Id probally end up modifying or replacing the 20bs manifold before Id pay for a TII hood. Hope some of you guys have experience with this.
Sky

 

No, the stock 20B intake will not clear the NA hood. I tried it on mine, and even with the engine 1/8" above the steering knuckle, the NA hood missed closing by about 1". Actually, the TII hood doesn't clear either, unless you cut out some of the inside. The clearance problem is due to the fact that a Cosmo has a relatively level hood line, while the FC's hood is tapered towards the front of the car. Therefore, the 20B intake manifold portion which is over the front rotor contacts the FC hood. The back portion of the manifold clears just fine, which is why a 2-rotor Cosmo engine will clear the FC hood. If you really want to use the NA hood, you could modify the stock intake manifold (which is vaulted several inches above the block), or make your own custom manifold.

Also, the stock 20B intake elbow doesn't clear (at least it doesn't on my car), so it needs to be modified or replaced. IMO the custom elbow on this 3Gen is especially nice.

 

I got the NA hood on my car and it worked fine and now I have the tII hood on it to make the car a little lighter and it also works fine. I guess it depens on the engine mounts. I made my own mounts so my engine is sitting lower than most peoples. And i didn't change anything The only thing i removed from the engine is the AC pump and Air pump.

 

Do you have pictures of your engine install; particularly your custom engine mounts?

Nevermind. Checked out your website. Great work!

 

Yes you did; you moved the steering rack, which is why your engine can sit lower than others. The engine cannot be lowered by simply redesigning the engine mounts because the stock steering rack will be in the way. Additional methods I have seen to allow for a lower engine are to use a custom low-profile oil pan or dry sump system, or move the engine closer to the firewall.

Nice car.

BTW, it just goes to show that there are many ways to perform this conversion.

 

on mine the intake manifold is about 1/2" away from the inside of the hood scoop, and the alternator pokes out a little bit

mike