[sgo70]

So now I'm at the point of installing my Edelbrock air-gap intake onto my AFR heads. I have a set of Felpro blue gaskets and the robber end seals that go with it. I was following my engine build book and got the intake on with the bolts just snug. When looking from each end there is a fair sized gap that the rubber seals don't look like they'll seal up.

So digging through all the Edelbrock paperwork I found the installation directions specific to it:o . I have a few questions about them:

1. Can I use Aviation Form a Gasket on the gasket surfaces instead of the Edelbrock sealant?

2. It says to use RTV sealant on each end, I have red high temp and black RTV, would one of these work and how thick can this be to fill the gap?

3. Should I not use the rubber seals at all?

Thanks again,
Sean

[carsavvycook]

I always take those rubber end seals and throw them away. I use nothing but a 1/4" bead of permatex ultra black silicone.

[Frisco]

The gap you see at the front and rear between the intake and the block is common when using AFR heads.

AFR sells metal spacers (I believe in 1/4" and 5/16" thick) to take up some of the gap.

I also had this occur when installing an Edelbrock Air Gap intake on AFR heads. What I did was use two of the cork gaskets on each end with clear silicone liberally applied as well. Let the silicone set up for about ten minutes before installing the intake. Set the intake straight down onto the engine and try not to slide it around any.

Do not use the rubber gaskets as they will slide out of place easily when tightening down the intake.

If the gap is not too great (less than 1/8") I use the silicone only with no other gasket on the ends.

I also suggest applying some (just a light coating) silicone around the water jacket sections of the intake manifold gaskets.

NOTE:

Here is a link to the AFR site concerning the intake to block spacers. Scroll down to near the bottom of the page to see the available thickness and part numbers. AFR intake to block spacers

You might wish to go to the installation instruction section on the AFR site and print out the info. It is very helpful when using their heads.

[sgo70]

Thanks for the help Frisco and Carsavy, I just put a very thin coating of the Aviation Form a Gasket around the water jackets and I used the red High temp sealer on the ends just cause it's good to 650F instead of 500F. Sure it probably doesn't really need it but hotter is better. The gap only ended up being about 1/16" once I snugged it down to check it so I think it's good the way it is.

Thanks again,
Sean

[carsavvycook]

The heat factor is not important in this application. Red high temp silicones are designed for use on exhaust systems, not for oil, and water applications.

I wish you luck.

[RippinRon]

Permatex makes sealant called the "right "stuff" it works great for this.

[Stroke]

IMO the only stuff to use is the right stuff. I only use silicone as a last resort and never on the intake gaskets.

[carsavvycook]

Originally Posted by RippinRon

Permatex makes sealant called the "right "stuff" it works great for this.

Thanks

I had never heard of, or seen any advertisements for this product. After checking out it property's online, I will definitely give it a try.

I have had great success with their "ultra" series sealants for years, and like the 'you can put it right to use' claims on their website.

Stephen