Intake manifold installation question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
Intake manifold installation question
Just a quick question or two here. I am in the process of putting my motor back together after repainting it and want to know if the surface on the heads where the intake manifold gaskets go can stay painted or do they have to sanded down to the bare metal. I would think once the gasket sealer is on and the bolts are torqued down it should be no problem, however someone told me it has to be down to the metal, is he right? 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,382
Likes: 6,402
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
The painted surface is no problem. Just use the Edelbrock "GaskaCinch" (sp?) sealer on the gasket for a no-leak installation.
Also, make sure you don't use the rubber end gaskets - throw them over the fence into your neighbor's yard. Instead, run a good 1/4" diameter bead of silicone sealant on the front and rear block surfaces and let the manifold squish it upon immediate installation. This will assure a leak-free installation with no hidden manifold vacum leaks or rear oil leaks.
Also, make sure you don't use the rubber end gaskets - throw them over the fence into your neighbor's yard. Instead, run a good 1/4" diameter bead of silicone sealant on the front and rear block surfaces and let the manifold squish it upon immediate installation. This will assure a leak-free installation with no hidden manifold vacum leaks or rear oil leaks.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
Thanks Lars, also I am using the Edelbrock intake manifold gaskets, which way is up on them? The printed side or the non printed side? The printed side has a black outline aroung each port opening. Also the intake gasket set came with 4 little metal squares with a hole drilled in the middle of them, what are they for? When I removed the stock manifold it didn't have those in there. Are these neccessary to install?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 14,382
Likes: 6,402
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
The metal inserts are to restrict the exhaust crossover passage. If you're running the stock choke system on a stock carb, don't use the inserts, or the choke will stay on too long. If you have deleted the hot air choke system or the divorced choke system, you can install the inserts and gain a slight advantage by keeping the manifold cooler with the restricted exhaust.
It really doesn't matter which way the gaskets are installed as long as they're flipped the right way to make sure all the passages line up.
It really doesn't matter which way the gaskets are installed as long as they're flipped the right way to make sure all the passages line up.
