HELP! Intake Manifold gasket restrictor

[VetteAtv]

It is Sunday afternoon and I am ready to seat the intake manifold gaskets, but I can't figure out if I need to put in the restrictors. Chiltons doesn't reference them, the old gaskets had them and the chart with the new gaskets says it doesn't need them. Finally I only got one set with the new gaskets. I am confused and wanting to finish. What to do??? The engine is the L81 from an 81 corvette.

 

[Stallion]

I similiarly have to do this and change my intake manifold gasket, but I don't really know what you are referencing when you are talking about a "restrictor" of some sort. I looked around and I couldn't find a definition as to what this part is. Could you give me an explanation? Does it just lay on the gasket maybe?

As far as I'm concerned for a gasket change all we need is the new gasket and some sealant (not sure which brand I'm going with yet, though).

Good luck and tell me how it goes!! I have to change mine very soon because my anti-freeze is leaking right out of the intake.

 

[panhead]

It is my understanding that the restrictor is supposed limit the exhaust gases traveling between the heads which primary function is to help the engine reach it's operating temp. sooner.

 

[panhead]

It is my understanding that the restrictor is supposed limit the exhaust gases traveling between the heads which primary function is to help the engine reach it's operating temp. sooner. I personally use high performance intake gaskets with crossover blockoffs to keep the air charge in my intake cooler,it warms up a little slower,bbut since I don't drive it in the winter, no biggie!

 

[panhead]

sorry, enter key happy tonite!!!

 

[MaineShark]

As far as I'm concerned for a gasket change all we need is the new gasket and some sealant (not sure which brand I'm going with yet, though).

Good luck and tell me how it goes!! I have to change mine very soon because my anti-freeze is leaking right out of the intake.

And some oil and a filter. At least, I always change my oil if I open any part of the engine.

Oh, and mark every vacuum line that you remove - and check the one that goes down to the tranny, where it connects down there. If it pulls loose at the bottom, the transmission will not upshift correctly.

Ask me how I know this...

Joe

 

[Stallion]

And some oil and a filter. At least, I always change my oil if I open any part of the engine.

Oh, and mark every vacuum line that you remove - and check the one that goes down to the tranny, where it connects down there. If it pulls loose at the bottom, the transmission will not upshift correctly.

Ask me how I know this...

Joe

Thanks for those tips, Joe. Yes, I will change my oil after I change the gasket. Not just because I'll be in the engine, but because I haven't done that yet and this is the same oil in her and I would just like to have it all, you know? Not that it has been driven extensively from them, but I should change the oil. And of course I need anti-freeze.

Thanks!!

 

[Dave L.]

No restriction used on those center ports on an L81. I just did my intake 3 weeks ago.

Dave

 

[Dave L.]

TR - Your car doesn't use them either.GM gasket set #10147994.

Dave

 

[Jack]

SBC's center ports are used to transfer exhaust heat into intake manifold ... to warm the heat riser (choke) and the carb base.

High Performance enthusiasts that DO NOT depend on hot air chokes NOR mind a bit slower warm up often block those center ports entirely ... preventing warming of intake-carb base ... cool carb & cool air is better for hi-po. BTW, most mid-thru-high rise aftermarket intakes do not have the center ports.

FYI, edelbrock performer 2101 is a low rise intake with center ports. We run performer 2101 intake in many restricted circle track classes ... we cover the center ports with a patch made from a soda can (sliconed in place) when using a gasket with open center ports. They're race cars & have no desire to warm intake-carb base.

I dunno what is correct for L81.
JACK:gap

 

[Dave L.]

L81 uses open ports as stated above.

Dave

 

[Stallion]

Okay, I so I won't need to worry about that restrictor. And now that I have that part number of the gasket I need, I think I'm set. Thanks!

 

[VetteAtv]

Thanks for all the good information on the restrictors. I took a gamble on Sunday and left them out. The warm up period seems about the same and the engine is running great. I was nervous about not using the front and rear valley gaskets but that also worked out very good.