Carb and Intake question

[Chryco Psycho]

Most CFM Calculators will end up with a far too small carb , either because the carb doesn't really flow the advertised CFM or engines can actually pull over 100% VE even without a supercharger , 2 x the CFM works best for sure .

[Recovering Cuda]

Thanks for all the info.   I had my manifold for some time now and yesterday I pulled it back out to check what came with it.   Anyway,  now I have a few more questions.   If you please gents:

1.  Do the pipe plugs need any sealer on the threads before installation?  If so, what do you recommend?

2.  Do I need a carb spacer?  If so, what would be the recommended thickness?

3.  Would Stainless steel bolts be Okay to use to bolt the manifold to the heads?  What is the best type of sealer for them?

4.  What sealer do you recommend for the intake gaskets?

And any other tips would be appreciated.

[Chryco Psycho]

1- Yes , Teflon pipe sealer or silicone will work .
2- spacers can be helpful for limiting heat to the carb , 1/2 " or so be careful of hood clearance , I would also recommend blocking the heat crossover in the manifold using a piece of the old gasket cut to fit .
3- Do not use stainless bolts , they will often tear up the threads , gall etc , you need use regular steel bolts .
4- Ultra Grey or Black silicone if the gaskets do not have sealer already on them , use along the bottom of the gaskets where the oil will try to seep up , & around the water ports also use some silicone on the bolts so oil will not come up the bolt threads .

[cudabob496]

1- Yes , Teflon pipe sealer or silicone will work .
2- spacers can be helpful for limiting heat to the carb , 1/2 " or so be careful of hood clearance , I would also recommend blocking the heat crossover in the manifold using a piece of the old gasket cut to fit .
3- Do not use stainless bolts , they will often tear up the threads , gall etc , you need use regular steel bolts .
4- Ultra Grey or Black silicone if the gaskets do not have sealer already on them , use along the bottom of the gaskets where the oil will try to seep up , & around the water ports also use some silicone on the bolts so oil will not come up the bolt threads .

My intake bolts are ARP stainless. I used anti-seize when installing. Hope that will be ok?

[Chryco Psycho]

Generally yes , anti seize definatly will help but oil may wash it away , stainless will usually gall & tear up threads in iron so I try to avoid using stainless bolts .

[cudabob496]

Generally yes , anti seize definatly will help but oil may wash it away , stainless will usually gall & tear up threads in iron so I try to avoid using stainless bolts .

ok, in this case it went into aluminum, so I'm probably ok.

[Recovering Cuda]

Chryco, thanks for the detailed info, but now two more questions.   What were you referring too about the heat cross over?  are you talking about a gasket between the spacer and carb?    As far as the bolts are concerned, what grade is acceptable?  Grade 8?

[Chryco Psycho]

the heat crossover is the heat port in the center of the head
 Grade 5 is normal for an intake grade is overkill but will be fine , they only torque to 30 lbs

[Recovering Cuda]

Got it.  Thanks again. 

[Recovering Cuda]

Sorry Gents, but I'm back again.  Removed the old take and did my clean up work.  Replaced the manifold and carb and she fired right up.  Tuned up the carb, played with the choke and everything was fine.  Then I noticed an oil leak on the driver side.  Oil was running down the side of the engine between the block and bell housing.  Research here told me that the manifold (which I confirmed) was leaking.  Took it all apart gain (I love doing things twice) and found that the amount of RVT I put down was not even close to enough.  The manifold never came into contact with the amount of RTV that I put at the back side of the engine or front for that matter.  Now, this is an Edelbrock intake and they recommend a 1/4 inch bead on the front and rear of the manifold without gaskets.  I evidently did not come close to that amount.......My Fault!.  So, the intake gasket kit comes with cork end gaskets for the manifold.  Given the large gap that has to be filled to prevent leaks, why not use the gaskets along with the RTV?   I have everything disassembled (again) and am ready to reassemble......but before I do I want your advice.  Do I goop the hell out of the RTV or use the cork gaskets and slather them with RTV to ensure a seal.

I feel like an idiot since I have read several responses on this site about this issue.  But still, can I use the cork and if not why?

Any advice is soooooooo welcome.

One more question.   I used Ultra Black as a sealant on front and rear.....Good or should I use the Red RTV?

[Chryco Psycho]

Ultra Black is great , , I always use the Cork , if you look close there is a hole in the center of the rail that you RTV coated , u can put in a piece of nail or roll pin etc to hold the cork in place int he center , there should ba a corresponding hole in the intake & cut the pin / nail / screw to fit .
 I hate doing things tice also !!

[cudabob496]

with things cleaned up, and without gaskets, lay intake in there, and see how big any gaps are, to have a better idea
of what you are dealing with.

[Recovering Cuda]

Chryco,  as a reminder, I'm using a Edelbrock manifold that does not have a pin hole on either end.  The instructions say to remove the pins from the block (on Chrysler) prior to assembly.  PO must have done this already.  Anyway, I think "slippage" is the concern with using the cork but if I put them in place and let them cure prior to placing the manifold on this should reduce /  eliminate this issue......correct?

Thanks for the responses. 

[Strawdawg]

put a paper thin smear of black on the bottom, stick them in place and press down a bit...let sit for about 30 minutes and they will be well glued into place...then check and see if the intake is going to compress the cork a bit when bolted down...if doubtful, put a bead on top as well as in the corners.  I usually let it set for about 20 minutes so that it is skinned over a bit on the surface before putting the intake on...this keeps it from gluing such that it will not want to come off...

[Chryco Psycho]

I have often drilled small holes in the intake but they generally will not slip out  & installed pins to help support the gasket in the middle