I just did the valve to piston clearance test and decided to test fit the headers/ intake.

when I put the Edelbrock Torker II on, I noticed where the exhaust crossover is, that the intake didn't cover the whole port. The heads are standard 66-396 heads and has the crossover with a passage around it. I don't know if the passage around the crossover port is water or what, but the intake leaves it open.

Does the intake gasket cover this opening? Is it a water passage?

I'm also concidering blocking off the exhaust crossover so as to keep the intake cooler, I've done this with other engines with no problems.

Thanks, KarlJay 66 chevelle SS 396.

The part you are seeing is just an air passage,probably to help cool the exhaust crossover. They are always open, nothing to worry about.

i've always wondered about that- why have an exhaust crossover at all- the main purpose of which is to get heat up to the carb for cold weather operation and egr function- and then put a cooling passage around it.
maybe it's function is to keep the oil from caking to the bottom of the head and forming a huge carbon clot that can fall off and get into the oil passages.