Cooler intake manifold
Does the use of exhaust heat block off plate's, lifter valley baffle work? Is there a insulting material that can be applied to the bottom of the intake manifold for a cooler air/ fuel mixture? I'm looking for budget performance modifications. Do carburetor heat shield's, carb spacers help performance.
Yes, the lifter baffle plates work. You’ll need to clearance it before final installation. A die grinder makes short work of this.
There are heat reflective paints. The problem (in my head at least) is finding one that is heat resistant and oil resistant. Glyptol (sp?) comes to mind.
The exhaust heat cross over port can be shut down with a simple metal plate and a solid gasket covering the port from the head to further block the heat.
Use a lower temp thermostat. Take out the stock 180*/190* for a 160* thermostat.
Carb heat shields also work well. Start with a thick crab gasket. These by themselves are very good. There about .300-350 thick depending on the maker. Spacing the carb up can help very well with heat. It can also help with the air/fuel distribution.
Shields are cheap and/or easy to make. For a Holley, there excellent since the fuel bowls run over the intake fire and aft collecting a lot of heat. There also available for the Carter type. And as said above “Phenolic Carb Spacers” do indeed help a bunch.
Make sure your tune is spot on. Carb and distributor.
Use a cold air induction set up. Running an open air cleaner under the hood is just sucking in hot air. Your killing HP this way. What’s better? 90* fresh air in the summer or 250*+ under the hood? While your at it, chill the fuel. Wrapping the lines is one method, using a cool can with ice is another.
