I have a 350 chevy with the L-31 votec cylinder heads. I also have an Edelbrock performer rpm vortec intake manifold. I have been having some trouble trying to get the intake to seal good. As you probably know if they're not sealed good they can suck oil and make the car smoke and that is what i am sure is happening in my case, being the motor is all new with less than 500 miles on it so i don't think its rings or valves- they are all new. I have heard that it can be a tricky thing at times to get them to seal and would like to know if anyone out there has any trick or type of gasket that would work better. I am using the Felpro 1255 vortec gaskets and have had good luck with them before but not now. I would appreciate some imput on this subject, I hate it when a new motor smokes, it runs real strong just a little smoke at idle out of one bank and a puff when you nail it. Hope to hear from someone soon. Thanks. NORT.

 

Check the length of the 8 intake to head attaching bolts.
If they are a little too long they will bottom out in some holes and not torque down right. Check your PCV valve in the valve cover.
be sure the valve cover has a good baffle in it, or it can suck oil from the rockers. Be sure the other valve cover is vented either
to the airfilter or to atmosphere, so that the motor can breath.

 

I used a Victor Rienz gasket (i think). It is made of hard plastic and has rubber around all of the things that need to be sealed. I torqued it to 17lbs, and it runs great.

 

I would go to a Chevy dealership and get the factory gaskets. They won't give you any problems.

 

I agree with bigl350, Use the gm factory gaskets (#12529094) and get the gm bolts(#12550027).

Lonnie