hey guys! i know its been a while, but ive gone through a lot of things and i even (like a dumb@$$) sold my 'Bird. thankfully the guy can't afford to pay me so i get her back tomorrow and after a lot of soul searching i have decided to keep my Formie!!! so im back, and this time i plan to stick around!!! so, all that aside, here's my question, im gettin ready to change my intake manifold gaskets out on the 'Bird, whats the proper procedure for this? what do i need to look out for? is it really hard? pretty sure i can figure it out, just wanted to know for sure from some of you guys who have done it a time 'er two...

thanks in advance!
Josh

So far so good. I'm replacing my manifold as we speak and haven't had any problems yet. So far I only have the TB, plenum and runners off though.

Danny T

well, good luck, let me know if ya have any probs. whatcha puttin back on it?

best tool u could ever buy for ur car... haynes manual... or chiltons.. it is my reading choice when its time to hit the head... they tell u everything in that book... im sure people will put there tips in here.. .but u cant go wrong with gettin a haynes manual...

oh yeah, i already have that, just lookin for added input...

I'm checking an intake manifold leak. I have a superram base but that's another story. Not sure if I'm gonna put it back on or not.

Danny T

Some things to consider:

* Since the plenum is coming off, it would be a good time to improve the intake airflow with a little cleanup of the factory castings;

* Presuming that you are not on a strict timetable (you didn't even have the car until a few days ago) you might want to consider having the injectors cleaned and tested instead of just letting them lie around on the bench while the rest of the work proceeds. Check with Cruzin' Performance for options.

* Be very alert to gasket alignment and fit when you reassemble the parts. Every time I've had a TPI apart, the stock GM and FelPro runner gaskets intrude into the flow openings even before porting, requiring some cleanup of the gaskets.

* Plan on getting a small jar of antiseize compound for reassembly, and coat any fastener that threads into the aluminum.

* Consider an AFPR conversion if you've ever even thought about it.

* Clean the EGR and passages in the intake while they are apart.

* Test the EGR temperature switch before you reinstall the valve.

* Remove the lifters and inspect the rollers/axles.

* Inspect the push rods for straightness and cracks, especially at the ends.

* Without removing the heads, you can install screwed rocker studs, and have a very good chance of cleaning up the chips/debris with the intake removed.

* Be sure you have a clean, tight ground connection at the rear of the right head. There should be plenty of room to check it with the intake off (More antiseize).

I'm sure you'll get a few more ideas and tips. The rest of the project is pretty straightforward, and will only require time and patience.

Just to add to what's already been said:

When you get your intake manifold gasket set, make sure you get some red (ultra copper) or ultra black silicone. Run a *THICK* (3/4" high) bead of silicone on the front and rear "china walls" and toss the little rubber or cork end gaskets in the trash. Wait about 20 min before setting the manifold back down to give the silicone a chance to 'gel'. Also make sure you run a THIN bead of silicone around the water ports.

When putting the intake back on, make sure you drop it STRAIGHT down...no front/back or left/right movement, or you will push silicone out of place.

Sounds like good advice, thanks.

Danny T