Intake manifold gasket - Port matching

[omureebe]

Last time I built up a short block was a good 15 years ago, and as I finish up this one, I pause with this question....

Will it be an issue to port match given I'd be cutting away the gasket where there's a depression (I'm assuming) for the RTV to go?

Pictures don't lie...You can see that I'd have to cut off maybe 1/32" on the right side. I can center the gasket a bit but the gasket ports and definitely too small. Heads are Edelbrock E-Street FYI (and yes, I had to clean up residual metal shavings left from the milling process).

And... what about the water jackets? Shouldn't the gasket be a little closer?

Thanks
Omar

 

[Speedrdr]

I can't see that it's going to make any appreciable difference whether you leave that itty bitty sliver of gasket OR trim it off. Don't see much difference in flow either way... but I haven't bench tested a set of heads in over 20 years.
Randy

 

[triracer67]

There are a lot of different size intake gaskets for every application. Check Summit, Jegs, or Edelbrock and have your port measurements handy. I’ve always wondered for most applications if it really makes a difference.

 

[Quick & Dirty]

Fel-Pro makes SBF intake gaskets with 2.00x1.20, 2.10x1.28, and 2.25x1.40 port openings. Get some that clear your ports.

 

[omureebe]

I didn’t think about the 1262s. Always bought the 1250s but stock heads. Summit time...


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[Rightpace]

Did you try flipping the gasket over for a different offset? Just a thought. Otherwise get a different brand of gasket, those complete engine gasket sets are known to be a little off sometimes.

 

[yakelys69]

My 2 cents. RTV shouldn’t be used around intake ports gas will dissolve it. RTV can be used around water ports and Permatex Aircraft grade sealer is good if you need to use anything around intake ports.

 

[omureebe]

Did you try flipping the gasket over for a different offset? Just a thought. Otherwise get a different brand of gasket, those complete engine gasket sets are known to be a little off sometimes.

I did.... all the same. Flipped over, swapped sides, etc. I'm gonna look at the 1250S3 and 1262S3 (slightly bigger) Fel Pro versions. I just don't get how my lil E-street heads need a non-standard (ie 1250) intake gasket and why the water jackets are sssssoooo wide.

Still looking for more input! This is a 351W so didn't think any different than a 302 gasket, fyi.

Thanks all

Omar

 

[jamesroney]

Lots of different gaskets for the small block Ford. Basically the late model 5.0 heads use the same gasket as the 69 351W head, except without the 4 extra Intake bolts. But you can see the ports are higher, and the water passage is closer to the threaded hole.

Aftermarket gaskets are a compromise. I’d take a good look at the Edelbrock gasket that is recommended for your heads.

 

[Rightpace]

Find the date codes on your heads and order the appropriate gaskets.

 

[Rightpace]

If aftermarket heads, order gaskets from manufacturer.

 

[nvrstuk]

Call Cometic for new intake gaskets. You have to call since they aren't listed. I wouldn't use those.

Cometic fit perfect & do NOT degrade/break down like the FelPro's are known and documented to do. I'll never run FelPro again. When you hydro-lock due to an intake gasket distorting and losing shape you lose a little confidence in the gasket manufacturer you've used for 5 decades-never again.

Check out Cometic. More Mustang guys are now that we posted up FelPro disasters and then for some reason some FelPro followers got all huffy and it turned into a "discussion" on gasket failure years ago on Corral. A more racer/serious forum the guys were already using Cometic.

Love mine-perfect fit. If you want to see a pic of the gasket I can go out and take another couple for proof.

 

[omureebe]

Call Cometic for new intake gaskets. You have to call since they aren't listed. I wouldn't use those.

Cometic fit perfect & do NOT degrade/break down like the FelPro's are known and documented to do. I'll never run FelPro again. When you hydro-lock due to an intake gasket distorting and losing shape you lose a little confidence in the gasket manufacturer you've used for 5 decades-never again.

Check out Cometic. More Mustang guys are now that we posted up FelPro disasters and then for some reason some FelPro followers got all huffy and it turned into a "discussion" on gasket failure years ago on Corral. A more racer/serious forum the guys were already using Cometic.

Love mine-perfect fit. If you want to see a pic of the gasket I can go out and take another couple for proof.

Cometic on order! Thanks - forgot about those!