The gaskets on my intake manifold are leaking in the front and back, its going to run me under $300 to replace them, so I think I'm just going to do it myself. Anyone have advice, tips, or cautions I should know and the right gaskets(what website and which package) I should buy for my V8 5L 305.

 

Just go to the auto parts store and pickup a set of gaskets. While your there get a shop manual and a torque wrench. The only 2 good tips i got for you is #1 always torque the intake bolts for the center out in a criss cross pattern.#2 dont use the end gaskets supplied with the intake gaskets they always blow out. Only use high temp RTV sealant on the front and back of the intake.

 

Thanks a lot for the advice. And what do you mean dont use the end gaskets supplied with the intake gaskets?

 

the intake gasket kit comes with two little black gaskets for the front and back of the manifold dont use them they are junk a bead of silicone will work a lot better make sure you get the high temp silicone though

 

You'll need a good torx bit set. I do use the end gaskets with silicone on both sides. I also clean all the surfaces with lacquer thinner first. I've never had them leak.

 

Im still a little confused....should I use the gaskets I buy or not? If I don't I should just use silicone gel?

 

It's a matter of preference. As long as you make sure both surfaces are free of oil, it should be fine either way (silicone alone or with the rubber gaskets).

 

Get the intake gasket set. When you open the box you will see intake gasket left and right,front and back seals,distributor gasket. Keep everything but the front and back seals and use this instead.

http://www.partsamerica.com/productd...egoryCode=2132

 

The factory finally wised up and stopped using them on later model engines and went to a bead of RTV instead. On a side note, I still use the rubber gaskets on engines that I know the intake will be taken off of. It makes manifold swaps easier. Silicone them to the engine block and put a thin layer of grease on the topside. This is the only use left for them. Silicone bead works much better for "permanent" installs.