I'm planning on changing the intake manifold gaskets on my 87 in about 2 weeks. I'm going to do a total clean up on the intake, but was wondering if there is anything I should do/replace while I have the intake off. Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

Are you cleaning it up yourself or will you be bringing the intake to a shop to have them hot tank it ? Thats what I did with mine, Cost me $60 to have them clean it and make it look brand new before I painted it. They cleaned the intake manifold, runners, and plenum. Much better than having to spray it with chemicals then later try and wash it all off and take a risk of the paint flaking due to chemical reaction. Also I would recommend using Felpro for the gasket.

 

I ran my intake, plenum, and runners through the dishwasher about a half-dozen times and they cleaned up nicely (nice being single!). I would take the above advice and use Felpro gaskets and 'the Right Stuff' gasket sealer to make sure you don't have to do this twice. Now would be a good time to clean the throttle body and replace the thermostat too. Not too bad a job just take your time.

 

I planned on cleaning it up myslef, but your idea appears much better. I have a friend with a repair shop, but don't know if he has a hot tank. I will be sure to find out. I dont mind spending the money, I just want the best possible results. A couple of intake bolts had a very small amount of coolant around them, so I decided to change the gaskets. I know it is about 6 hours work, but we will make it last a few days to do anything else we find while we have it apart. Thanks for the fast response

 

Get some new vacumn lines ahead of time.

 

I changed some of the Torx bolts out for Hex. This way you can use a ball headed Hex style tool to take off the runners. This allows you to remove the runners without removing the valve covers, A/C bracket, etc. Tear down time is so much nicer.

 

Gaskets, Right Stuff, vacume lines, vacume connectors, Hoses, belts, thermostat, drain and fill radiator (don't forget to burp her if you do). I did the same, took to a machine shop and had them Hot Tank them, best bet, then you can sand, wash, prime, and paint if you wish and it should work

 

Thanks for all the input, I am adding on to my list as the replies show up. I am checking into a local machine shop for the hot tank treatment. What type/color paint should I use? I want to keep that stock look, but want the new appearance.

 

DON'T PAINT! 10 years ago, i took my plenum, runners, alternator, smog pump etc off and cleaned and glass bead blasted all the aluminum components. i then got some PPG "chem film" solution from my local auto paint store (part number dx533 aluminum cleaner, dx501 aluminum conditioner (clear)) its for cleaning and sealing the pores in aluminum and comes in either gold tint (dx503) or clear (dx501). after the cleaning step, i soaked the parts in the "clear" solution and after 10 years, zero corrosion. best of all, i didn't have to paint anything (except my valve covers), and it looks factory new. this winter, i'm going thru the same thing. i need to replace injectors, valve stem seals, and pull my intake (slight oil leak). anyway, i will have the intake hot tanked, and i will chem film before installation.


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Still looks great

 

I'm still using all of my original bolts and replaced my intake gaskets without removing the A/C bracket or the valve covers, wasn't necessary on my '89. Don't know if an '87 would be different.