Designed to channel fuel into the engine, intake manifolds are located under the carburetor, on the top of the engine. Chevrolet intake manifolds all look quite similar and must be identified using a series of different casting numbers stamped directly on them.
There are two sets of numbers to be aware of: model number and the date of manufacture. Chevrolet manufactured aluminum and cast-iron manifolds, and number location differs on each. Both number sets on cast-iron manifolds are normally located near the carburetor mount. On aluminum models, only the model number appears in that location. Date codes on aluminum manifolds are stamped on the underside, making identification impossible without removal.
The model number code will be seven digits long. You'll have to check it against a list of Chevrolet manifold numbers, as there is no method to the numbering. GM, for General Motors, is usually stamped underneath. The date code will appear as a date, for example, 9.24.66.
Many Chevrolet manifolds are interchangeable depending on horsepower and other engine specifics. Identification by using casting numbers becomes important, as manifolds may have been replaced with ones from different engines over the years. People searching for manifolds at swap meets and junkyards should have casting number reference lists for positive identification.
