<VV> 1960 to 1961 Cylinder Head differences

[Tony Underwood]

At 08:28 PM 9/14/2010, peter koehler wrote:

>A final note: 1960's used an aluminum spacer between the
>head and the carb base. This was changed in 1961 to a
>black bakelite piece. Suggest you use the bakelite on the
>Lakewood. - Caveman Pete



This isn't just a suggestion... ;)   It's damned near mandatory.   Do 
NOT use that aluminum spacer.  There's a good reason GM dropped it 
quickly... and with today's somewhat volatile gasoline it's even 
worse for carb boil-overs.  Use the black carb spacer.   with two 
gaskets, not bare, one on each side of the spacer.

The gaskets help insulate the carb more than they actually help seal 
vacuum leaks.   The carb flange and a fresh decent carb base are both 
machined close enough that you'd likely get away with not using any 
base gaskets at all and not have a noticeable gasket leak.   I've 
seen lots of 'Vairs with just the bakelite spacer and no gaskets, 
running just fine.

Still, anything to help prevent carb overheating/heatsoak and the 
accompanying boil-over will help make it restart easier in warm 
weather after it sits for a few minutes.  ...not to mention the 
wasted fuel that drools down the carb throat as it percolates in the 
hot carb bowl.



tony..