Pulling the SRI plenum and runners... Replace or reuse gaskets?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 0
From: Poop land
Pulling the SRI plenum and runners... Replace or reuse gaskets?
I see there are lots of gaskets that could potentially leak if I reuse them. Could I possibly use those cut-a-gasket sheets and "The Right Stuff" to make a good seal? The have them at Autozone for cheap. The reason I'm about to pull my plenum and runners was because I'd like to change the injectors. Hopefully that won't be too hard. It would also be nice to clean up some of the dirt and road grime that has accummulated there for almost 6 months now. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati Oh
if you can get them off in one piece, then I'd reuse them. With proper tightening of the plenum bolts, etc it should still seal. I've reused mine multiple times (until they tear or I damage them). In my experience, the new gaskets compress so much when you assemble the intake that I have to go back and retighten all of the bolts once they've been heat-cycled a few times.
The intake manifold gaskets will need to be replaced each time - but the SR base/runner/plenum gaskets can be reused IMHO.
Edit: I would spend the $30 on NEW gaskets versus the cut-to-fit gaskets at autozone. You'd be surprised at how difficult it will be to replicate the runner-base gaskets. I don't use sealant on the gasket surfaces because it's a bitch to get them apart later, and then you have to scrape all that crap off. If a leak developes after everything is together, then I might use some selective to patch as necessary.
The intake manifold gaskets will need to be replaced each time - but the SR base/runner/plenum gaskets can be reused IMHO.
Edit: I would spend the $30 on NEW gaskets versus the cut-to-fit gaskets at autozone. You'd be surprised at how difficult it will be to replicate the runner-base gaskets. I don't use sealant on the gasket surfaces because it's a bitch to get them apart later, and then you have to scrape all that crap off. If a leak developes after everything is together, then I might use some selective to patch as necessary.
Last edited by Ramanstud; Nov 27, 2005 at 03:37 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
Originally Posted by ski_dwn_it
new ones and the right stuff should get you fixed up. 
Its not worth the hassel trying to re-use/make the gaskets if it doesn't work.
Its not worth the hassel trying to re-use/make the gaskets if it doesn't work.
Second that. It is not worth the risk trying to reuse gaskets. Make that old gaskets. I have reused gaskets that have not been subjected to a heat cycle.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
My Accel SR was installed with DRY gaskets. Its as tight as a drum, with no vacuum leaks.
I was lucky, in that the machining on the parts was good. I've read of some quality control issues on some of the SR intake parts here on forum.
I was lucky, in that the machining on the parts was good. I've read of some quality control issues on some of the SR intake parts here on forum.
Last edited by Red Tornado; Nov 27, 2005 at 08:38 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 13,793
Likes: 0
From: St. Peters MO Sometimes you have to prove yourself by doing alot of killing or alot of dying...
I wouldn't waste my time trying to re-use a gasket... they are cheap and not worth the hassle if things don't seal right. Don't go cheap here.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,730
Likes: 1
From: Atoka Oklahoma
St. Jude Donor 06
Originally Posted by kwik_silver
I wouldn't waste my time trying to re-use a gasket... they are cheap and not worth the hassle if things don't seal right. Don't go cheap here.
