Posted by Jack Gypin on June 30, 1998 at 16:02:56:
In Reply to: 454 Aftermarket Intake Manifold posted by Chris Ruef on June 13, 1998 at 09:48:57:
: My 76 Chevrolet C-30 PU was in need of a little more towing punch so I purchased a Performer intake manifold and carb and Comp Cams "RV" profile camshaft. The truck ran beautifully, EXCEPT suddenly I'm using a quart of oil every 175 miles. No drips, no visible smoke but #1 plug is almost wet with oil! Must have improperly installed the intake and we're sucking oil from the lifter valley right into the combustion chamber?
: Before my last trip, I had a mechanic re-install the intake manifold and my wet plug moved over to #5 plug!!
: Could my 76 454 have a higher deck height that would cause this intake to never seal properly?
: Anybody else have a similar problem?
: Thanks!
: Chris
An original GM gasket is a good choice. An alternative would be a print o seal from Felpro or any
hi quality aftermarket gasket from say Mr. Gasket. Also a good gasket sealent helps too. Don't
use RTV silicone as it can flake and deteriorate if you choose the wrong type. If this doesn't
do it you may have to machine the head surfaces as they may be warped. Also check the manifold
although this is less likely. C-30's usually didn't come with a truck block in '76 and anyway the
deck height is over a 1/2" taller so the miss fit would be really obvious. I think you are using a
bad gasket or one of the mating surfaces is bad due to warpage, or a bad machine job on an engine
rebuild. Decking and milling the heads and block on the rebuild can really mess up the manifold
engine interface if not done carefully.