Intake gasket questions

[Mart]

I am severly frustrated at trying to get the right intake gasket for an early 86 (iron heads),

I now have 2 sets of Felpro's that are wrong, what is the difference between the ones with the metal all the way through, and the fiber with the bead of rubber.

I anyone has any insight into this or a part number, it would be great.

Mart

 

[Ken]

I keep coming up with Fel Pro #1034 as the part number for the stock replacement gasket from Felpro, although PN #1033 is good for up to 4.166" bore.

 

[Mart]

Are you talking head or intake gasket Ken?

I think thats a head gasket, I'm lookin fo rthe intake gskets.

Thanks though, I'll use ut as future reference.

Mart

 

[rrubel]

I thought FelPro 1204 was what we wanted. No? I know that with porting, you use a 1205.
[RICHR]

 

[Moonunit 451]

I used the 1204, but I didn't go back on with the Iron heads.

 

[Mart]

I bought the 1205's but they are really thin compared to the ones that came off.

Also the ones that came off have metal all the way through them, whats the difference between them and the all fiber ones?

I am also keeping the iron heads on it.

 

[corvette66]

hmm

Are you looking for head gaskets or intake manifold gaskets? I changed the head and intake gaskets on my 86 about 6 months ago. I had the same questions, All the gaskets I found looked the same, but the funny thing was, they all said "pre 86" So i figured they would not work on mine. But they did, turns out there is no difference. I think someone once told me that the difference was that one type of gasket didn't have the water port holes in the right place or some junk like that.

Ehh, who knows

 

[corvette66]

uhhh

Oh hey you are looking for intake gaskets, well then did you notice that the gaskets you took off had a metal plug over one of the holes? The ones I got new did not have the plug. I don't remeber what I did about it. Can't remember what the plug was even for, if it had something to do with the exhaust recirculation from the EGR or what. Did you see that on yours?

 

[Mart]

I have not looked for the EGR hole, the main problem is the coolant passage holes.

The 1205's have the holes on both ends, but are thinner and are all fiber.

I picked up another set that are thicker and have the metal core, arg, got them home and found out the only have one hole open at each end.

Then I decided to do a search on a gasket for an 85', it seems the 85 gasket and the early 86 are the same, but all the shop I have been to do not show the 86 as having two different configs.

 

[rrubel]

Lucky us... since 86's were a changeover year, you can use different parts depending on your configuration.

You should only have the coolant passage open at one end, from what I recall.
[RICHR]

 

[Mart]

For the most part that is true Rich.

The gaskets that were in it have the pasages open at both ends and in the middle for the EGR.
Really wierd gasket!!! Does not seem to be the standard, but the felpro one from an 85 does look like it.

Any idea about the all fiber vs metal plate inside?

 

[Ken]

Oops! Sorry, that number was for the head gaskets. I mis-read your question.

Are you talking head or intake gasket?

 

[rrubel]

I have no clue on the fiber vs metal debate. I'm using the 1205's, which are fiber with the blue ring, and the car HAD the metal ones on before.

Actually I think I might have a small clue. With aluminum heads, it's supposed to be a bad idea to have different metals touching it - one reason why the HEAD gaskets are composite instead of steel. I would posit that the same reasoning applies to the intake gaskets as well.

If you're staying with iron heads, I would say it doesn't matter which you use - but I'm not speaking from a position of knowledge, only opinion.
[RICHR]

 

[Mart]

Is it a good idea to put RTV (Right stuff) on both sides of the coolant passages on the gasket.

Installing the manifold tonight, so I need an answer quick guys.

Thanks
Mart

 

[rrubel]

I put a *thin* coating of blue RTV around all the passages (both sides) on the gaskets.
[RICHR]

 

[Mart]

Thanks Rich, I have heard of guys putting it on the intake passages as well, is this needed?

Mart

 

[rrubel]

The instructions I was reviewing (http://corvetteforum.com/techtips/viewsubtopic.php?SubTopicID=266&TopicID=5) say to put it around all the passages.
[RICHR]

 

[Mart]

Ahhhh, now I get it, ho well here goes. out to the garage........

Later guys.
Mart

 

[rrubel]

Good luck... I've been sweating this part as well, to the point of disassembling the runners and fuel rails and manifold to re-do it after reading that article. Remember to put thread sealant on the manifold bolts, at least those that go through into the block (should be the middle four on each side).
[RICHR]

 

[Mart]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...........

Well that's done, it went on perfect, used "The right stuff" man that stuff is sticky. Oh well I used a small hammer and punch and put the small dimples all along the intake and block, it does not take much to put the dimples in there.

I just stepped inside the wheel well and lined up the holes and dropped her down, put the screws in and it did not move. take your sweet time and it will go smoothly.

Thanks alot Rich

As well as everybody else who had great advice.

Mart