Move to a MC2100???

I need some advice. I have a '73 CJ5 with a 232. It is bone stock with 10K miles. The carter has never been rebuilt and it's running extremely rich. I have an issue now which points to a replacement of the exhaust manifold gasket. I have been reading a great deal of threads on moving away from the Carter and putting a Motorcraft 2100 on it. My thoughts are that if I have to tear into the engine to replace the manifold gasket, should I just find an intake from a 76-83 with a 258 and install it at the same time. (It's my understanding it's a direct bolth on.) I have heard the newer intakes are much better when it comes to air flow. Right now, if I take off the air cleaner cover, there is a massive sucking sound, even at idle. While I'm not a Mr. Goodwrech, it appears to be starving for air. I'm looking for advice on which direction I should go along with possible pitfalls. My plan is to also install a HEI distributor in the future, if that makes any difference.

Thanks to all in advance.

 

A few comments -
o These engines are very susceptible to leaks between the head and the manifolds. The exhaust manifolds sometimes crack too. Originally there was no gasket between the exhaust manifold and the head, but the service parts include one. However, my 258 had terrible leaks when I bought it, and it still ran fine (except for stalling coming down to idle - but that's a BBD problem).
o The 2100 should work fine on a 232. We have members who have run the 2100 on their 225 V6s and were happy with their performance.
o You want the manifolds from a 81 or later 258. This is the 2V aluminum intake and matching exhaust. Be sure to get the throttle bracket and linkage with the manifolds.

hth!

 

Tim is spot on here.

P.S. The sucking sound is normal, every vehicle does it.
You WANT the engine starving for air at idle. Otherwise, you wouldnt be at idle. THe sucking sound come from the air as it squeezes between the closed butterflies and the carb bores. Its supposed to do that.
-dante

 

Agreed, this seemed like it was more than what I had seen in the past. That was my only concern.