Intake Manifold Gasket Woes

**97BurbanSLT** · 04-18-2009, 07:42 AM

Hey guys my 454 has 140,xxx miles on it and needs and Intake manifold gasket. I was really concerned scince I just bought it however it looks like according to quite a few posts on the forum that its a pretty common issue with these vortecs. I'm going to change my valve cover gaskets while im tearin things apart. I was wondering is there anything that I can or should do while i'm replacing the Intake manifold gaskets to make the repair more effective or a better quality repair or last longer? It just makes me leary such a big engine having plastic or what seems to be plastic intake gaskets. Anyone ever tried to make their own??? Howd it go if youi did??? Thanks guys

**MrShorty** · 04-18-2009, 10:36 AM

Reportedly, GM has redesigned the gasket, so, if you get it from them, be sure you get the new design.

However, it seems most people prefer Fel-Pros gasket kit for this application.

**97BurbanSLT** · 04-18-2009, 05:02 PM

fel-pro is what i have I work part-time for advance autoparts when im not at my full time job or school and used my discount to my advantage. I try to steer away from their parts most of the time, i've had way too many bad experiences with their rebuilds and even longevity issues with some new one. I reckon the little korean kid left his bubble gum in the brushes during reman of that last starter i tried.

Any who thanks for the advice and heads up about the updated gm version. any other advice on any additional measures to take to go above and beyond on this repair would be awesome thanks guys lovin the forum already.

**Dr_Zero** · 04-18-2009, 05:56 PM

I have the 350 vortec in both trucks and just had both done and went with the Fel pro they have a set for the 350 that comes with the improved gaskets and also all the other gaskets you might need including the distributor and comes with sealant.
GM also re did the bolts since people were over torquing them and causing leaks the new ones are a tad longer and bottom out in the head so you cant overtighten and bust the gasket.

I got the new bolts from Pace for about $2 aqnd some change each.
http://www.paceparts.com/

**97BurbanSLT** · 04-19-2009, 01:34 PM

Now should I really have a problem with damaging the gasket tho? I am planning to reassemble in a routine fashion torquing the bolts in an alternating pattern in equal incraments leading up to the 30ft-lb mark which is where all of them need to be according to the spec manual i looked up the torque spec in. If i am wrong please correct me. This whole plastic and aluminum combination is somewhat new to me guys thanks.

**Dr_Zero** · 04-19-2009, 04:08 PM

Check your gasket set and see if there are some new specs in there mine had a slip with some minor updates.

If you do it to spec and in the right pattern you will probably be fine.

**97BurbanSLT** · 04-20-2009, 08:02 AM

I didnt see any in there but ill just use the standar pattern of crossing from the center to straight across on the ends.. Thanks for your advice i appreciate it.

**97BurbanSLT** · 04-20-2009, 06:22 PM

I know you have to remove the distributor on 5.7s, is that neccassary on the 7.4?? it looks like the manifold with clear i could be wrong tho just wondering. thanks guys