Below is a pic of the passenger side (US) of my SPFI manifold.  On the left of the pic is a blocked off bolt.  Can anyone tell me what this is for?

 

Going to install it within the week.

 

 

 

I believe that is the EGR.

Thanks Mr_Loyale.   Yeh, been reading up some.  Seems the latter manifolds might have been blocked off like this one from new.  If that is the case that's ok, but as I'm installing this soon I'm just concerned that if it has been blocked off by the previous owner of the manifold in the states it might effect the smooth running of the engine. any thoughts on this guys?

A properly functioning EGR system won't effect engine operation.

 

EGR system that's been blocked off, won't effect engine operation, provided it's all sealed correctly.

 

A faulty EGR valve that doesn't seal/close, will cause idle issues.

 

The port on the pictured manifold is where the tube from the head attaches. Carded/SPFI EA82 engines use the same tube from head to manifold, and that tube will fit the EA81 engine with an EA82 intake mounted.

 

Test fit the EA82 manifold to your engine first, you may find that it hits the mating area of the engine case halves. It will want to rock side to side, and it won't seal at the gaskets correctly.

Depends on the actual casting really, but it does happen with some engines. A little grinding of the seam is the fix, and it doesn't effect engine any.

TomRhere thankyou very much.  I have indeed sat the SPFI manifold onto my spare ea81 and it did rock a little. Wondering how and where it was doing this and now it all makes sense.  All questions answered.

 

This site is great!