Duncan_GT

I just got my lower intake manifold in today. I've got Fel-Pro gaskets. The intake-to-head gaskets look good, but the front and rear gaskets (the ones that connect the cylinder heads together) are made of cork.

Should I go ahead and use the cork gaskets or use the black RTV stuff to seal it? Or both?

mattdel

RTV only, pencil thick bead.

Duncan_GT

Cork is no good?

tinman

Use the cork but sort of glue it to the engine with RTV.
I prefer the silicon type end seals found in many Fel-Pro gasket sets.
Ford built the car with end seals on the intake, not just a gob of RTV, that should tell you something........

reldla1996

I haven't used the cork in many years, just using Ultra Blue, or equal, gives a better seal assuming you clean everything with brake cleaner first. It also makes assembly easier to get it right, and leak free.

Duncan_GT

One more quick question. It looks like part of the gasket is blocking the water passages, do I need to trim the gasket or is that done on purpose to restrict water flow?

javila2468

do you have pictures? could be that they aren't aligned properly. my felpro gaskets were a direct fit and no need for mods.

Duncan_GT

Ill post pics when I get home

javila2468

Should look like this and fit like this

Duncan_GT

Oh ok well im good then. Im talking about on the water passage, yours has it to where there a curved section on gasket right in the middle