Problems, problems -- part 2

[Huckleberry]

After looking at all of the options, I have decided to keep my 93 Ruby. My last post indicated that I was thinking of selling it.
But with all of the things wrong with it, and my wanting to be honest about it with prospective buyers, I realized I probably wouldn't get what I wanted for it.

So I have decided to try and fix some of these problems myself, even though I am quite ignorant about car repair. The first thing I want to tackle is the intake manifold gasket leak, since it is messing up my driveway and garage floor.

First of all, what tools do I need for this undertaking?

Secondly, is there just one gasket?
Can I get it from an auto parts place or do I have to go through a dealer?

Thirdly, someone wrote last time that since I had to replace the gasket, I might as well get an Edelbrock intake plenum and adjustable fuel regulator.
What do these do, what is the benefit, how hard are they to install, how many $$ are they and is there a horsepower gain?

Lastly, for now anyway, I bought a Haynes Repair Manual for 84-96 Corvettes. It tells how to remove and install an intake manifold. It has a couple of pictures to go along with it. But I think I will need more instruction than what the book gives.

Is there someone out there with infinite patience that will take me through this step-by-step?

Thanks

 

[vigman]

Are you going to do it in 1 day

Or is this a piece by piece project...over the span of DAYS.....

I would be happy to quote the factory shop manual... but it's best you buy one.

Try E-bay

or the other guys have tout's for book stores in their area..

I use Auto Books in Burbank ( do a search for Auto books )

And get BOTH books
1) car
2) electrical suppliment

And do you have some Killer tools.....

This isn't that tough of a job ...but if you have NEVER done this kind of thing before.. I advise against it....


Vig!

 

[Huckleberry]

Wha????

The last time I posted, everybody was cheering me on to try it myself.

Ok, well then about how much should it cost me if I take it to a shop?

 

[vigman]

That's a tough one

If you just need re sealing/gasket..... $600.00ish

Start adding EGR/Injectors/ etc...More $$$$$

Buy the books... read up on it... make the call!


Vig!

 

[tyrel]

Huckleberry, a few years ago I knew nothing about cars. I've driven Corvettes for twelve years, but always had the mechanic do the work. Well, I got curious about just how certain things work, bought a service manual, started doing my own brakes, oil changes, I pulled the radiator and cleaned it, cleaned the intake, and gradually started tinkering with the car more and more.

A lot of things really aren't that difficult, you just need the right tools and take your time. I'm a real dummy, so if I can figure it out then anyone can do it. I do think that you should probably get the service manual, it pretty much walks you through everything, and it will pay for itself when you find out how much save on labor.

Good luck.

 

[BigRed]

May I ask how you know your Intake is leaking? Im just curious here. That thing is buried under alot of stuff. And I don't think there's real pressure there to leak oil.

Are you leaking Coolant? Oil? Hear a Vacuum leak?

And aren't Intake Manifold gaskets usually in four pieces on standard 8's?

Anywho if your going to do it yourself. PLEASE have it checked out by a mechanic or have a mechanicly inclined friend help you here. This isn't a MAJOR problem but after you start diggin in there its going to be a big job!. Theres Injectors/Fuel Rail, Electrical harnesses (You really don't want to hurt) Plenum, Coolant, Thermostat housing/Thermo....Its a mess man. And if you hook it all back up its likely you are going to have to replace all the upper gaskets. (Ive been taught never to reuse Intake gaskets) Just to buy a upper engine gasket kit.

Just have it checked out I'd think it being a 93 there shouldn't be a leak here. (But who really knows right)

 

[compyelc4]

Just a hunch, but I'll bet your intake manifold is leaking from the rear. Late model C4's are notorious for oil leaks there. It probably is not the gasket, but a silicone bead that is leaking. Gaskets are used under each side of the intake manifold. Silicone goop is used to seal the front and rear of the manifold and all four corners where the manifold and block meet. From the block and manifold sealing surfaces I have seen, GM used the goop because of the lousy machining in those areas. I am sure it was a cost-saving move, but how simple it would have been to work those sealing surfaces and mating molded neoprene gaskets like the other GM divisions, such as with the venerable 3800cc Bonneville I have. I've been working on GM's for years and while replacing the gasket and seals on my '95 C4 was not difficult, I believe you will find that it is way over your head because you may lack the tools, experience and PATIENCE. I'd leave this to a local, either a friend who is good with engines or a trusted auto garage.

I strongly recommend that you begin your hands-on training with less technical things first, such as brakes, plugs, etc. Cars are much more technologically engineered now than when I got started. These days you have to be very careful and read, read, read. Learning do-it-yourself on a Vette may prove to be a painful experience.

Best of luck.

 

[Edmond]

Learning about cars is just like learning a martial art. It's great to watch movies and read books, etc... But the thing is to get hands on and it's taken one step at a time. You just don't jump into black belt material on the first day of class. If your car isn't needed as a daily driver, I say be patient and try some of the simpler things yourself.

Not only do you have to deal with the actual repair of the car, but you also have to deal with your own self-confidence in your ability to make those repairs!