You mentioned using a factory aluminum intake. Would that be the one on the LT1?

 

Oh man! I wish I had an original LT-1 manifold, that would really look sharp, but it's only a '78-'79 L-82 job. It's the same as the cast iron from that era but I figure I might as well use it. I don't know if the LT-1 would be too high for the '78 hood with the stock air cleaner. I talked to a tech advisor at JEG's today, he's supposed to get back to me on a steel oil pan that won't break my bank account. I thought things would be a little slower at work and would give me time to make some phone calls to round up parts but I've been puttin' in some hours lately. I'll just have to plod along as time allows.

 

I guess I forgot (if I ever knew) about the alum. version of the cast iron manifold. I would think the LT1 would work tho as it didn't have a hi-rise hood. But I'll bet that they cost a bunch now. Last time I checked (about ten years ago), they were running about $250. []

Good luck with your project.