5.7 Intake front seal leak

[AZSenza]

I've had a slight oil leak for about 2 months and it looked like it was coming from the dip stick tube. I washed it down and same thing although I started to suspect the front intake seal, well this past weekend I found it! Front intake seal. Any suggestions for intake manifold gaskets, its a 97 but pre Vortec. I've changed many a manifold on Mustangs but any chevy suggestions would be great. I'm also considering an aluminum manifold. Its EFI but sits on an adapter to a 4 bbl cast iron Mercruiser manifold. I'm thinking Edl Performer, or Summit Street.

 

[John_S]

Re: 5.7 Intake front seal leak

For the front and rear seals along the oil galley, use RTV not the rubber or cork gaskets that come with the intake maifold. Merc recommends this "higher" strenth RTV (not the blue stuff). I can get you the name this evening. Most people seem to favor the felpro gaskets.

Is there something wrong with the cast-iron manifold? If not, outside of slight weight saving, probably not going to feel any noticable improvement.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 5.7 Intake front seal leak

I believe black RTV is used to seal the front of a SBC intake.

Also regarding your aluminum intake............not a good idea if it's raw water cooled in salt water..........

 

[AZSenza]

Re: 5.7 Intake front seal leak

Im a firm believer in felpro gaskets and RTV for the front and rear seals, I'm fresh water only and weight is the only concern! I'll be going to aluminum exhaust next season. I'd love aluminum heads but that scares me on a raw water cooled boat.

 

[Volphin]

Re: 5.7 Intake front seal leak

Fel-Pro kit. Comes with black RTV. Permatex Ultra black is also great.
Edelbrock Performer manifolds rock. Owned 2.

V