Intake gasket question 71 SB

[Brad M.]

I have another question regarding the engine items for my 71 Lt-1.

I used Felpro gaskets for the intake manifold. I am sure these are not the same as was originally used when the car was built, but I have no idea what physical differences may exist between these and original gaskets.

There is quite a bit of excess gasket that can be seen near one of the middle runners on each side. Would the original gaskets have had similar excess or were they made differently in this area? Basically, I am wondering if I should consider cutting out some of the excess that can be seen around the intake on these.
The blue gasket being exposed as much as it is honestly does not look to appealing to me, so I am tempted to try to cut some of it out. I am guessing that the original did not have this and therefore, if I cut it out, mine might look more consistent with original also.

Any thoughts?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Intake gasket question 71 SB

Paragon Reproductions makes and sells a correct appearing intake gasket of the right material, shape and color. You may want to consider swapping if you're that worried. Between the blue color and the shape yours will stick out unless you paint them silver to hide them. It's "sort of" what the factory even did with the originals.

Patrick

[Brad M.]

Re: Intake gasket question 71 SB

Thanks Patrick, are you saying that the originals had similar shape but were more of a silver color (or that they often painted silver paint on them (maybe to cover up orange overspray, etc)?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Intake gasket question 71 SB

No, the shape was different too.

Often, the factory hit the area between the head and intake with silver paint to hide any raw iron color from the intake side of the head. That's one way to hide the color of your gasket, but any judge will be able to discern the difference in shape.

See picture below for how I did it on a 1966 350hp motor.

Patrick

[Guest]

Re: Intake gasket question 71 SB

I replaced the intake manifold on my 69 SB with what I thought was the most correct intake gasket. I do not remember if it was from Paragon or Dr. Rebuild, but it did not allow enough heat to come through for the carburetor choke to work properly. I had trouble for a long time until I got the Anderson brothers in Fort Worth to work on my car, and they changed out the intake gasket and now it runs great. I am not sure what gasket they used. Contact me and I will get ahold of the Anderson's if you want to know the brand of gasket they use.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Intake gasket question 71 SB

Allen,

I wonder if someone installed the heat crossover blocking plates when your gasket was installed. If you follow the link below, you'll see the Paragon gasket. The opening of the exhaust heat crossover in this gasket is more than large enough to heat up a choke system. Often small metal plates, or inserts, can be installed which will decrease or block this.

I do not think this will be an issue with the gasket below.

Patrick




Paragon Intake Gasket