[7dcrzr]

After removing my leaky water neck off my SB350 today, it was obvious why it was leaking! The neck was severely warped in the middle... it was an Autozone chrome water neck and was only on the vehicle for about one year. I have the Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, which leads me to my next couple of questions....

What water neck is the best to use with an aluminum manifold?

Should I use the O-ring or Paper style gasket?

What type of sealer/silicone should I use?

Thanks for helping out a rookie hacker mechanic!

7dcrzr

[techinspector1]

I've had nothing but trouble with any water neck except a stock OEM one. Buy a new one from the dealer and run a very fine tooth bastard file over it lightly to make certain it's flat. Do the same to the thermostat housing on the manifold. Paint the neck silver and install it with a paper gasket and a light coat of clear RTV on each side of the paper. Torque to spec.

[MI2600]

I, after many leaks and much grief, now only use cast iron housings. You might also try studs instead of bolts.

[DHMag]

common to factory aluminum intakes is the water neck bolts becoming seized in the manifold, thats why i recommend studs on the water neck.

[jimfulco]

OEM ones are often made out of pot metal, which just corrodes away. I got a nice cast iron one at Advance for a paltry sum, and I'm quite happy with it. If you need it to be pretty, you'll want to paint it or something, because it will turn a nice rusty color after a while.