Im trying to bolt up my lower TPI intake but have run into problems. The block was 'lightly decked' and my aluminum L98s are stock. The intake 4 center holes have been ground to fit the corvette heads, but when we were trying to put it on with the gasket, the holes were way off, should the gasket have caused this? Also, the intake sits about 1/8in off the the lifter valley end seals, should it sit flat all around before any bolts are tightened? Thanks

 

PP in Valpo,

You should have contact at the end seals (China walls) before you start to torque the intake into position.

0.125" is not what I would expect after a "light decking". Exactly how "light" did they go with the mill? If it was more than a few thousandths, you probably are going to need head intake flange machining to match the block deck height. Your machinist should have explained that to you. If the deck machining was only 0.010" or so, you shouldn't have any real problems unless you are using extra thin head gaskets, and any machining differences can generally be made up with head gasket thickness selection.