Intake manifold gasket replacent question
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 24
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From: Sandpoint Idaho
Intake manifold gasket replacent question
I'm replacing the intake manifold gaskets on the 327 in my '68, and it's the first time I've ever done this. I got it apart with no problems and now have all the surfaces ready for re-assembly. First question is, holy crap that thing is heavy. Has anyone done this solo? What is the safest way to keep everything aligned while struggling to hold the manifold and to smoothly set it in place w/o moving the gaskets? I've watched multiple videos on the technique and it's made to look so simple. Has anyone ever tried mounting the gaskets to the manifold instead of on the heads first? Possibly even inserting the bolts through the manifold and gaskets to hold them in place before dropping into place? I know this probably sounds backwards but would very much appreciate comments. Thanks in advance.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Orange County Ca
You're right, you should drop it straight down for best results. Get someone to help and stand on both sides of the car. A bar/pipe/2x4, could be attached to help control it. You could rig some kind of a come a long, block and tackle, etc. above the car to lower it down. Or crawl up in the engine bay and straddle the engine to get some leverage and drop it between your legs.
I don't think you can drop it straight down over a bolt/stud, as they are angled.
I don't think you can drop it straight down over a bolt/stud, as they are angled.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 24
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From: Sandpoint Idaho
Ah..good point about the bolts being angled. Definitely finding a friend to help man-handle that manifold smoothly into place is a good suggestion, too. I had no idea that thing was that heavy until lifting it out of the engine compartment. If I had rafters in the garage I could hang a come-along, but I don't. Maybe by removing the hood both people could walk it back in place. I really don't wanna drop that thing on a fender..argh. The engine was rebuilt 35 years ago, and even though a friend and I installed it, the intake and heads were already bolted on. I had never lifted one until yesterday. :P
Thanks for your input Sayfoo.
Thanks for your input Sayfoo.
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Edelbrock gasgacinch is a gasket sealant that kind of glues your gasket in place so it wont move when installing the intake,but you have to be careful not to gouge the gasket. You can use a 2x4 that reaches from head to head to support the manifold so you can center it. Then have a buddy help you lower it one end at a time or have a third person pull the wood and you can lower it straight down. I remember way back how heavy cast iron is. Heads are really heavy! Good luck!
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Apr 25, 2016 at 08:06 AM.
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I have; several times.
Work slowly and watch what you're doing. Allow the gasket cement to tack up.
I've always put the gaskets on the heads.
...What is the safest way to keep everything aligned while struggling to hold the manifold and to smoothly set it in place w/o moving the gaskets?...
...Has anyone ever tried mounting the gaskets to the manifold instead of on the heads first?...
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: Sandpoint Idaho
Thanks for the input, guys. I appreciate it very much. Allowing the sealant on the heads and gaskets to set up awhile before dropping the manifold into place was another one of the questions I had. Most people have mentioned that to me, so that helps. I'll also be using beads of the same heat resistant RTV silicon on the fore and aft instead of the rubber gaskets that came with the kit, too. Everyone has said to toss them aside because they invariably leak. I just want to make sure I get it right the first time. I sure as hell don't want leaks and having to do it a second time.
