I think I’m going to pull the performer manifold and go back to the original cast iron manifold that was on my 1972 cutlass . I doubt I’m getting much if any performance out of it anyway and would like to get back to original, since the car has its matching numbers motor. My question: what numbers can I look at to determine if this is in fact the original manifold? Or does it even matter? Thank you

 

If it weighs over 50+ lbs..it's likely original.

I don't honestly know the correct answer to your valid question; I'm indoors dodging the cold weather.

 

Not sure if this pic will help but here is the intake manifold in question

 

my hernia guage tells me it’s 50 pounds 😂.Been digging out here in upstate ny from our latest visit from Mother Nature .

 

404520 '70
398583 '70-'71 350 2V. Iron.
407564 '71 350 2V. Iron.
12 407565 '71 350 4V. Iron.
4085520 '71 350 4V. Iron.
13 410670 2V. Iron.
14 410446 '72

 

looks like the original !4 for 72

 

perfect ! That’s what I needed thank you

 

A tad more information than you most likely want to consume. I employed this article when evaluating my own intake manifold (1971 CS 350). Co-Authored by CO Member Joe Padavano...

Intake Manifolds 1964 - 1990

 

5th digit - Engine code - H = 350-2bbl V8 160hp
J = 350-2bbl V8 175 hp (dual exh.)
K = 350-4bbl V8 180 hp
M = 350-4bbl V8 200 hp (dual exh.)
U = 455-4bbl V8 250 hp (dual exh.)
V = 455-4bbl V8 270 hp (dual exh.)
X = 455-4bbl V8 300 hp (W30)
More info...if your cars vin in 5th digit has a K or an M you know it was born with that 4 barrel intake and not the 350 2 barrel.

 

yes has the k vin 180 hp variety

 

There is nothing on the intake that will prove it's the original. The best you can do is verify that it is the correct casting number and has a casting date within the range appropriate for the build date of your car. 410446 is the correct casting number for a 1972 4bbl 350 motor. That 246 casting date corresponds to Friday, Sept 3, 1971. That would be a reasonable casting date for a car built between mid-Oct 1971 and early Jan 1972. What's the assembly date on your cowl tag?

 

 

So if if my cowl tag memory serves me this car was built forth week of September?

 

Fourth week

 

thanks for the correction fourth weak👍🍺

 

That's actually within the range. Usually components are expected to have date codes 1-3 months prior to the car's assembly date. Given that this is early in the model year, late Sept is also within the boundaries.

 

Thank you

 

I would keep the performer if anything just for the weight savings and the ability to cool faster after shutdown. It's probably a tad better over stock for performance. Put the cast iron back in storage for the next owner or sell it.