Valve cover & Intake gasket

[Richard Pressley]

I am trying to get my '67, 327/350, ready for NCRS judging. The valve covers are clean but not "showroom". What is the best method for detailing? Also, the motor has been rebuilt and the gasket under the intake manifold is blue. Is this correct, or what color should it be?
Many thanks.

[Robert C.]

Re: Valve cover & Intake gasket

Clean is better than "showroom" for judging. The gasket problem is typical on most cars that are judged.(Usually two point deduction) You can paint the gasket area orange.

[Richard Pressley]

Re: Valve cover & Intake gasket

How much of the area would be painted orange? Would it be all of the exposed area from the edge of the exhaust manifold, including the gasket itself, to the edge of the valve cover? With it painted orange, is it still a point deduction?

[Robert C.]

Re: Valve cover & Intake gasket

You got it as far as the painted area goes, but it would still be a deduction for the gasket itself. You can get correct gaskets at Paragon.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Valve cover & Intake gasket

Be careful with the reproduction gaskets, though. If there is any increase in gap between the head and intake compared to the day the car was made, there is an increased chance of leaking. These gaskets are NOT as thick as the Fel-Pro high performance gaskets, and may leak more. Guess how I know this.

If you are, ah, tricky you can cut a Fel-Pro gasket to look like the original in shape, and then install it and paint it blue. Guess how I know this.

Patrick

[Robert W.]

Re: Valve cover & Intake gasket

My Paragon gasket still had the Fel Pro number stamped in it so it should seal as well as complete gasket since what they cut out is in a non contact area. If the engine is a 327/350 with aluminum manifold I don't think orange paint is the way to go.

[Patrick H.]