I have an Airgap (7531?) intake and used the valley pan...to keep hot oil off the intake. Edlebrock even sent a 2"x4" baffle plate that goes under the PCV. My builder didn't use it(?). Pm me if you want it. I can throw it in a regular envelope.
Per Edelbrock for Part#7531: Installation Notes: Recommended intake gasket: Edelbrock #7213 or Fel-Pro #MS96011. #7531 must use factory metal valley tray gasket and has two center bolt holes offset.
Check out the PVC baffle plate in figure 1.
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/misc/tech_center/install/7000/7531.pdf

 

I have an Edelbrock performer on my 304, and the installation states that the valley pan MUST be used. As far as purpose... I suppose it keeps oil splash from the lifters from getting into the PCV system... :dunno:

 

It should also be noted that you CANNOT use the recommended intake gasket with the 304 (304 and 306 must have some slight head difference :dunno. If you try to use the gasket and the valley pan, the intake WILL NOT fit. Ask how I know. I called Edelbrock to tell them it wouldn't fit, and they said, "We know, we actually recommend just using the valley pan for the 304. It doesn't fit otherwise." :brickwall:

 

you do need it, also, when installing the intake dont use the thick rubber end seals. instead, use a thick bead of RTV or 'the right stuff'.

 

X2 on the RTV end seal^^^

 

Lots of valley pan discussion in this forum. Just do a search.

 

Yep, gotta have the valley pan, and the splash guard on the bottom of the intake.

And, I went against the grain, and used the end seals with 3M adhesive to hold them in place.

Matt

 

Yep, gotta have the valley pan, and the splash guard on the bottom of the intake. And, I went against the grain, and used the end seals with 3M adhesive to hold them in place. Matt

Matt, I was looking at the last pic you posted of your 304 assembled of it sure looks pretty! Where did you get the aluminum pulleys and serpentine system for it? I want to clean mine up like that! Mario

 

^^^ I did the exact same thing. ^^^ The above is just a LOT neater then when I did mine...

 

How bad am I screw for using the valley gasket, RTV, no gaskets, but no little baffle plate? I really DON'T wanna pull the intake, again, after making all the gaket mistakes to find the correct way to install the intake. Although I could likely do it in my sleep NOW!
Will I have an oil Geyser w/o that little baffle, even w/the v-pan?

 

Hutch,

It was item #1 on my Edelbrock manifold instructions:

• LIFTER VALLEY HEAT SHIELD:

1. Remove the tin lifter valley heat shield from the bottom of the stock intake manifold and reinstall it on the new intake manifold with the supplied #8 x 3/8"drive screws (See Figure 1). THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! THE LIFTER VALLEY HEAT SHIELD PREVENTS OIL FROM BEING DRAWN THROUGH THE PCV VALVE!

Matt

 

Yeah, i always use the rubber gaskets WITH rtv on both sides and ive never had an issue. But thats what I thought was it was to keep oil off something so now I know what it is. I've rebuilt 3 different amc v8s 2 with valley pans 1 without and never had issues with either but at least now I know the reason for it!

Hutch on one of the 360s I built I didnt use that heat shield with the regular manifold gaskets and I had 0 problems. Not saying its the right thing to do and I probably just got lucky but you wont have a stream of oil shooting out of the intake :cheers2:

 

Matt, That motor is gorgeous!! WOW!!

 

Dada,

Thanks, man. It's been a long and trying project, but she's slowing coming together.

Here's what she looks like as of last night. Can you tell I'm kinda proud of her?

Sorry for the minor hijack.

Matt

 

What a pain. First I had my mechanic install the intake and truck avenger. He chose not to use the valley pan and I encountered all kinds of problems. Been over a month now battling this. Sucking oil fouling out my plugs and he was able to move the pcv valve to prevent it from sucking oil but then developed an oil leak out the front. I figured it needed tore apart again so
I picked it up myself and did it with the pan and didn't use rtv around water ports and sure enough it leaked antifreeze (very small). Then I tore it all apart and did it just like the pictures shown above and........problem solved.

Thanks for this thread and the amazing pics posted on how to apply the rtv. This was all a big head ache for me and a nightmare that is all over.