Intake Manifold Install
Intake Manifolds
Topping off any custom engine build boils down to your intake manifold. We offer quality intake manifolds from industry-leading brands like Trick Flow, Edelbrock, and Holley. All of which feature different power band performances, custom finishes, and different throttle body openings to match the expectations of your engine build.
When bolting on your new intake manifold, replacement hardware is highly recommended. We carry a complete upper and lower gasket kit for small or large port heads. Depending on your intake manifold combo, most brands require specific upper to lower intake manifold gaskets; which are usually included with any intake manifold kit.
Sometimes, an upper to lower intake manifold spacer is required when running taller valve covers for proper clearance. Of course, that raises the upper intake, which could cause hood clearance issues. So it is vital to keep all of that info in mind when selecting an intake manifold for your build.
Lower Intake Manifold Hardware
Any intake manifold you do decide to go with can be bolted down with our EXCLUSIVE lower intake bolt kit. These bolts are made by ARP exclusively for us here at Late Model Restoration. They are a direct replacement for OEM intake bolts, will feature a black oxide coating for longevity, and will have the stud and nut for use with factory 86-95 heater tubes.
Required Tools
- 3/8" Drive Torque Wrench
- Socket Set
- Cutters
- Black RTV Silicone
- Engine Oil
- Blue Loctite
Removal Procedure
Step 1:
Disconnect your battery's negative cable and drain the cooling system.
Step 2:
Disconnect any electrical connections, control cables, throttle body linkages, vacuum hoses, ventilation tubes, and coolant hoses at throttle body and intake manifold. There is no need to disconnect fuel lines unless it is absolutely necessary.
Step 3:
Remove distributor cap and spark plug wires together. Place a reference mark on distributor for rotor alignment during reassembly. Remove retaining bolt and remove the distributor.
Step 4:
Remove the cover plates, retaining bolts, upper intake manifold and manifold gasket.
Step 5:
Remove accessory brackets attached to lower intake manifold. Remove heater tube assembly from lower manifold. Remove retaining bolts, lower manifold, gaskets, and all seals.
Installation Procedure
Before you begin, it is in your best interest to have a clean working area and clean all of your parts before installation.
-Be sure you’re cylinder head and valve train is assembled.
Step 1:
Start by aligning your cylinder head to lower intake gasket with the tab on the head gasket.
Step 2:
If you notice, when aligned with the tab, the gasket does not align with the intake ports on the cylinder head.
Step 3:
If this happens, simply trim the tabs and apply a small amount of gasket adhesive or RTV to the cylinder heads.
Step 4:
Apply some RTV at the corners where the cylinder head and engine block meet.
Step 5:
Align the gaskets with the intake and coolant ports, then apply pressure to ensure the gasket adhesive holds the gasket.
Step 6:
Run a bead of RTV across the front and rear of the engine block. This bead of RTV will run between the cylinder heads and ideally needs to be about a quarter inch in diameter.
Step 7:
Position the lower intake onto the cylinder heads.
Step 8:
Before installing the lower intake bolts, apply some oil to the threads and underneath the head of the bolt.
Step 9:
Loosely thread all of the lower intake bolts.
Step 10:
For you 86-95 guys, be sure and install the stud into the passenger side, second to last bolt hole on the manifold.
Step 11:
Starting on the inside and working your way out, torque the bolts in two steps. The first step is 15 ft/lbs and the second is 25 ft/lbs.
Step 12:
Position the gasket over the intake ports.
Step 13:
Apply blue Loc-Tite to the upper to lower intake manifold studs and finger tighten.
Step 14:
Lightly apply engine oil to the threads on the upper to lower intake manifold bolts and finger tighten.
Step 15:
Torque the bolts from inside out to 15 ft/lbs.
Step 16:
Double and triple check everything.
Step 17:
Re-attach accessory brackets attached to lower intake manifold. Re-attach heater tube assembly from lower manifold.
Step 18:
Re-attach the cover plates.
Step 19:
Re-attach distributor cap and spark plug wires together. Place the distributor back and attach the retaining bolt.
Step 20:
Re-connect any electrical connections, control cables, throttle body linkages, vacuum hoses, ventilation tubes, and coolant hoses at throttle body and intake manifold.
Step 21:
Connect your battery's negative cable and re-fill the cooling system. Check over the vehicle for any coolant or vacuum leaks and you are all done!
