Hello, i'm building a 383 with AFR 195 heads. I have a gap between the block and mainfold. I bought some spacers from AFR. Has anyone ever used anything like this? Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks for your time

 

Normally spacers are only required if you're running a tall deck block.

 

There si supposed to be a gap there on an ordinaryl SBC. It is normally filled with rubber or cork end gaskets, or RTV if you don't go nuts with it.

 

yes i know there is suppose to be a gap there normally but its 2 big for a cork gasket/rubber or a small amount of RTV to fill. Its about a 3/16in gap, block is standard height not a tall deck. The guy i spoke with at AFR seemed to act like that was normal with AFR heads thats why i posted hoping someone else has run into this. I'm suppose to drill holes and tap to mount the spacers to the block according to him. the angle on the manifold to head
surface is correct tho so i see nothing wrong as far as that goes. i'd rather not drill into the block now that i have the longblock assembled for the possibility of metal shavings getting into the motor but seems like thats my only option.

 

3/16" sounds about normal.

 

RTV is your friend . I'd give the RTV a try first, shouldn't have any problems, just make sure the surfaces are clean and dry, and wait a day before you crank it up. Is that 3/16 with the manifold bolts loose, that sounds about normal, just RTV it you'll be fine .