I am about ready to reinstall the intake manifold. I vacumed the area and cleaned the head with varsol. is there anything else I need to do before I reinstall the intake? My dad told me he was watching a Saturday car show and they advised to use some kind of lubricant on the head before reinstalling the intake (on a new camaro).

also, do the injector seals need anything? prep or lube? the seals looked a bit dirty so I carefully wiped them with a dry, clean rag.

this is the dirtiest part so I didn't think it looked too bad.



here you can see I cleaned one side. does it look clean enough to reinstall?



appreciate any insight and tips

 

 

I'd throw on a new set of intake manifold gaskets if you're not certain how long the present ones have been on there. Now's the time to do it.

 

Check out this post.
http://www.toquez06.com/fast.html

 

Make sure all your vacuum lines are in good shape too! Unless you are planning to switch to the LS6/LS7 valley cover, you should be good to go!! I agree with geezel about the gaskets...better safe than sorry.

 

Thanks guys. i have new intake manifold gaskets to go on. i still need to replace the oil sending unit and remove some of the air system. ive read toques write up but ill go over it again.

no need for any kind of lubricant for the gaskets hey?

 

I coat the new gaskets with engine oil. I think they would be tough to install in the manifold without it.

 

I will lightly oil all of the gaskets...thanks. i was rereading toques write up as you responded.

 

Haven't I seen recommendations to run beads of slicone partially around the knock sensors to protect them from water, etc.?

There must be info re this on the Forum. Maybe a search. . . ?

 

Its a very good idea! I replaced my knock sensors not long ago and couldnt believe the corrosion and gunk that had worked its way into the valley cover. Was advised, and did, run a bead of sealant around each sensor when I re-installed. Wont hurt anything.

 

I seem to recall that the bead(s) should not go completely around to form a circle. An open area is left but I don't remember the alignment. Surely someone will chime in with proper placement or a search would probably turn it up. Never done it myself, just remember what I saw some time ago in a post or two regarding intake manifold removal/replacement.

 

I already posted the TSB in one of the numerous threads going concerning the OP's intake swap.

 

post #6 in this thread, Lucky posted the actual TSB. you are correct not to go all the way around with the RTV.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...d-upgrade.html

 

I would for sure install new intake seals. Regardless of there age. Its cheap insurance. Get a new one for the throttle body seal too.

I would lightly lubricate the new seals with engine oil before you install them into the manifold. Just get them moist and slippery, not soaked. I would also clean the seal surfaces VERY well on the heads. Before you install the intake manifold I would lightly lubricate the seal contact area on your heads where the intake seals make contact. Just lightly coat your finger and make sure the area where the seal makes contact is nice and slippery.

I would also clean the orings on all 8 of your fuel injectors. Like before lightly oil them before you put them back into the new intake manifold. They will slide in really easily. If the orings are dry you run a risk of cutting them...

Make sure you also clean the areas where the fuel injectors go into. You don't want dirt to get in there when you insert the fuel injectors.

Basically clean the heck out of everything, get all new seals, lightly oil all seals/orings, and lightly oil all mating surfaces on the heads and you should be good

It worked for me and my tuner said that I have no leaks, and great pressure in my newly installed intake.

Do it RIGHT the FIRST time and you will thank yourself for it.

Good luck with your install !

Toque

 

Kinda defeats the puprose of "sealing" at all, if you dont complete the circumference doesnt it?? Most of the LS1 engine build manuals do say complete the bead. It hasnt affected my sensors. But each should be comfortable with the way preferred.

 

thanks for the info. are you suggesting I replace the injector o rings as well? if so, do I need to order them from GM? GM wants $100 for a kit that includes the injector o rings.

I have new manifold gaskets already

 

I would just clean and lubricate your injector orings. As long as they look ok visually (no cuts/damage) you should be fine.

PS... my brother is working up at Slave Lake... He says its a bit chilly up there.

Toque

 

that makes sense to me, thanks

yeah, its a bit chilly -32C (-26F) this morning for the commute to work and with the wind chill it was -39C. I think Slave Lake has been even colder

 

-32C = -89.6F cold

 

That's crazy cold...

I told my brother not to go pee outside...

Toque