68 L-79 Intake Manifold Gasket Recommendation

[Richard D.]

Hello Everyone -

Need to replace my intake manifold gasket on my L-79.

Stock block and heads with an old Edelbrock high rise Aluminum manifold on it.

What do you guys like, Felpro?

Also -

1. use stock torque settings on the bolts?
2. put in new, replacement bolts when I do the change?
3. I get a little bit of oil seepage on the manifold bolts onto the manifold, do I put a little pipe dope on the upper parts of the threads when I put them back in?

Been about 30 years since I last did this, so I thought I'd double check with you all.

Thanks for your advise,

Rich

[Norris W.]

Re: 68 L-79 Intake Manifold Gasket Recommendation

I've had good luck with Felpro stuff, but the only ones the local Warehouse stocks are blue, and I don't like blue intake gaskets showing on my old stuff. (I don't know if Felpro offers other ones)

I got a set of Victors from the same warehouse last week and thought they looked a lot closer to original than some other brands I've used.

You'll probably get some better advice on the bolts, but I always go all the way around mine at the BOTTOM of the threads with red RTV silicon. The reason I use the red is that if any sees daylight it looks a little like the overspray virus that's now so popular on intakes.

[Richard D.]

Re: 68 L-79 Intake Manifold Gasket Recommendation

Thanks Norris, appreciate your feedback.

Forgot to ask in the original post if I should use any Loctite (medium, blue I think) on the bolts when I put 'em back in.

If I put the sealant on the bolts, do I need to adjust the torque a bit to account for the use of it?

Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 L-79 Intake Manifold Gasket Recommendation

Rich-----

Just about any of the major gasket manufacturer's products will work well. I prefer an embossed gasket, as was originally used. I don't know if Fel-Pro makes these anymore. However, I think that Victor or Detroit Gasket (Corteco) still make this type. I don't like any gasket for which you have to cut out the center, heta crossover passage. The reproduction gaskets from Paragon are exactly what you will find best in all regards.

Use GM-specified torque setting on all bolts (as I recall, it's 30-35 lb/ft).

You don't need to change the bolts if all are in good condition. You DO NEED to THOROUGHLY CLEAN and chase the threads for all bolts, though.

After THOROUGHLY CLEANING all of the bolt hole threads in the heads and chasing the threads with a thread leaner tap, apply Lock-Tite pipe thread sealer with Teflon to all of the bolts that go through to the lifter valley. You don't need to do this for the blind-tapped bolt holes.

[Richard D.]

Re: 68 L-79 Intake Manifold Gasket Recommendation

Thanks Joe, will do.

Rich