85' 2.3 emissions ports?

[Dustinicus]

The stock cast manifold broke in half while i was replace the exhaust system;
I found a steel tube header on a 93',
I made a plate from sheet metal to block the smog pump holes that run underneath each of the exhaust ports to the atmosphere;

it seemed to work, but now i get the feeling that it may still be leaking under one of the ports. there is a clicking noise at 1/2 or more throttle but only at high speeds. It sounds like something is going to rattle apart inside the engine

I would like to figure this out so I can play with things like porting, bigger injectors, and a little more power

Can anyone give any advice for a better blocking plate idea?
Or suggestions for this issue?
Truck runs great otherwise

thanks
Dustin

 

[Mark_88]

Hmmm...I thought those holes only came with the 2.0 head...but, then again, I don't know everything...

I remember seeing them for the first time when I upgraded to the stock header from a 93...and if I recall correctly, the gasket actually covered them...but that could be poor memory on my part...I do remember thinking of stuffing them with liquid metal...since they were open and I wanted to close them...liquid metal would work though...just push some into each hole from the top inside the exhaust port and pack it down...heat up the engine and it will harden...if you don't want to pull the manifold off you can push it into the holes from the bottom...heat hardens it either way...