Does anyone have a 216 head or manifold that they can measure the bore the alignment rings fit into? Also need the width of the ring. I lost the rings for my 37 Buick and the bore they fit into is 1 3/8", which I'm hoping is the same as a 216. The 235 has a 1 1/2" bore and a different part number but the Classic catalog doesn't give dimensions. I started to make some and I now know why they are split and made of spring steel---the tolerances were terrible, ranging from 1.371 to 1.387. The means each ring, if solid, has to be separately turned which is a time burner. Here is a picture of what I need, it has cardboard stuck in it, and a second one turned to size but not cut to width.
I Don't Ken Even , why can't you take the tube you've made and simply slit it ? they're supposed to have a goodly sized gap , about 1/8" ~ 1/4" and were originally stamped , the ring lands in the head and intake manifold were casted , that's why the spec. is all over the map ~ it isn't critical . These are not sealing rings , they're alignment rings to counteract the manifols's tendency to " crawl " on the head as it goes through thermal cycles... It looks to me like you're almost there .
manifold sleeves The 216 sleeve is 1 13/32 closed x 3/8 wide. The 235 sleeve is 1 17/32 closed x 3/8 wide. As per the GM parts manual. Hope this helps.
Evan ; I have a buddy who's deep into vintage Buicks and I sent him a note , hopefully he'll find you something .
His Reply : try Bob's Automobilia in Atascadero , Ca. They have a website. I hope this works for you .
First off---thanks everyone. The 216 rings would work, I'd have to buy two sets which is no big deal at five bucks a set, but Bob's has them. I had called Egge and Terrill Machine but they seem to specialize in internal rebuild parts. Bob seems like a nice fellow to deal with so that goes in the old memory bank. Thanks again; Evan
