What it sounds like you have is one of the first types of LAT intake manifold.
These were the same as the Cobra Hi-Rise intake, and can be found with the
letters Cobra, Ford, Shelby, Tiger, Cougar cast into the front runner directly
behind the outlet for the heater.
The reproduction Tiger intakes are the Low-Rise type, which are basically a
stock Ford 4 barrel, but in aluminum with word Tiger cast in the front runner.
Bruce McGuire
Brian Moss wrote:
> Hi group.
>
> I'm hoping that the list can solve something of a mystery for me.
>
> I picked up an F4B manifold to replace what I assumed was the later,
> much-maligned repop Tiger-lettered mainfold for ol' 598. Once I had them
> both in the same room, I realized that I'd I flunked my F4B
> sight-recognition test -- I already had an F4B. There are only three minor
> differences between the two manifolds. The new manifold has the throttle
> linkage boss on the driver's rearmost runner (indicating it is a later
> example, right?) and "Edelbrock F4B" cast into the two "highest-rise"
> runners. The manifold that came off the car has neither of those items, but
> does have "Tiger" cast into the passenger's frontmost runner. Otherwise,
> they're pretty much identical. All I can say in my defense is that I grew
> up in the Performer/ Torker/ Victor era.
>
> This is certainly not the earliest LAT manifold, and I did not understand
> the later repop to be based on the F4B, either. It certainly looks like at
> least the pad for the Tiger lettering is cast into the manifold -- the
> runner on the garden variety F4B slopes toward the edge, while the casting
> on the Tiger manifold is level to support the lettering. It also looks like
> the lettering was machined out of the pad -- no perceptible gap betwen
> lettering "plate" and the rest of the pad.
>
> The lettered one seems to be a better quality casting from visual
> inspection. It also rings when I tap it, while the normal example clinks.
> Hmm.
>
> A couple of clues have been offered up so far. One friend recalls a picture
> of someone holding just such a manifold in a club newsletter, perhaps.
> Another thinks there may have been a CAT-sponsored effort of this sort.
>
> Any info would be much appreciated -- digital pics are available if they'll
> help.
>
> Thanks for your time,
>
> Brian
|