TBI small block intake gasket replacement (PIC HEAVY)

[Taz069]

Why did you go with that set up??

 

[Taz069]

Mine to use a 4 barrel intake, adaptor plate and riser.

 

[someotherguy]

What is the manufacture's name on the upper radiator hose. I can make out the part number but not the manufacturer. Thank you.

That's a Goodyear "Hi Miler" set of radiator and heater hoses; Summit was blowing them out a long time ago. They're still available today under the Continental brand. Someone was posting about them not long ago but they shouldn't be difficult to find.

Why did you go with that set up??

Which setup are you asking about?

Richard

 

[NMNorsse]

Just about to do this to my '88 5.7 because Ive got a little oil weeping between 4 & 6 and Im slowly losing a little coolant.

Thank you for the great write up and pictures!

Did you notice any improvements in performance with the new gasket?

 

[someotherguy]

Just about to do this to my '88 5.7 because Ive got a little oil weeping between 4 & 6 and Im slowly losing a little coolant.

Thank you for the great write up and pictures!

Did you notice any improvements in performance with the new gasket?

No difference at all. The oil wicking up the center bolt threads is normal, and the coolant leaking is almost always erosion of just the portion of the gasket around the coolant passages. It's not like your typical intake gasket failure on these engines is causing problems with the air/fuel portion of the picture. You'll want to go ahead and take care of it though before you have a "sudden coolant loss" event when the leak gets worse.

Richard

 

[95OBSMan]

Thanks Richard for this in depth write up!!! I will be doing this as the OEM 114k 28yr old gaskets have tapped out!! I noticed that I didn't see the heater core coolant outlet hose going to your water pump? I have the 95 TBI 5.7, I was wondering if that coolant hose for my application could be moved to the "large" nipple that is on my radiator? Or will that adversely affect the way the coolant flow is in this system? I have done some digging into the quick connects that GM used and they're not well like!! I'm not a total nut and bolt guy as far as keeping it totally stock looking in the engine bay, but those coolant line did last 114k and 28yrs, I'm just thinking that the new parts today aren't as they where back then, I did find "OEM" inlet and outlet heater core lines as well as QD fittings, I was just thinking out loud. Here's a pic of my engine and as you can see by the date code on those coolant lines, they've been hanging in there, but are really soft and like the intake gasket are at the end of there service life! Thanks again for taking the time to do this write-up, I know I will be using it!!

 

[NMNorsse]

No difference at all. The oil wicking up the center bolt threads is normal, and the coolant leaking is almost always erosion of just the portion of the gasket around the coolant passages. It's not like your typical intake gasket failure on these engines is causing problems with the air/fuel portion of the picture. You'll want to go ahead and take care of it though before you have a "sudden coolant loss" event when the leak gets worse.

Richard

Thanks!

That was exactly what I was wondering, if coolant was getting into cylinders 1 & 2 and impeding combustion so that when you change the gasket you see a slight performance bump. I won't be worried about that not happening now.

I'll put thread sealer on all the bolts to address the wicking.

Thank you again for the response.

 

[topcat0129]

Do you have to re time the motor if the distributor was put back exactly as it came out?

 

[evilunclegrimace]

Do you have to re time the motor if the distributor was put back exactly as it came out?

Yes. It is a very good idea to retime the engine.

 

[95OBSMan]

Yes. It is a very good idea to retime the engine.

^^^^x2 Since I was taking the intake off, I just went ahead and did a complete rebuild of my distributor, I put the engine at TDC as instructed in the service manual, completed all upper engine needs, dropped distributor in and buttoned everything back up, starts and runs like brand new!

Pic is after completing all engine needs including all new A/C parts...