[billybob535]

I am going to install a used Edelbrock performer 2131 non EGR aluminum intake on my stock 304. I am going to re-use the stock 2100 carb with an adapter. My intent to shave weight by swapping the iron intake for the aluminum one. I have never done an intake swap on an AMC V8 before. I understand that I am supposed to use RTV sealant instead of the end gaskets and I am to swap the heat shield from the stock intake to the new one. The oil tube is already installed. I know I need a new thermostat and gasket.

I have a couple of questions:

I know I need a valley pan and gasket set. Which one is best for this application?

The used intake I bought does not have the heat shield screws included. The instructions from edelbrock indicate to use #8 x 3/8" screws to attach it. I have also been told to just re-use the stock screws. Should I re-use the old screws or should I go buy new ones? Anything to know about swapping the heat shield?

Which RTV sealant is the correct one for this application? Do I use the same stuff below the valley pan, on the bolt threads, and on the intake ends?

Anything else to know or watch out for when installing one of these?

I want to paint the intake (and the rest of the engine). Do I need to do any special prep other than clean it?

Thanks

 

[rixcj]

Spend some time forming the valley pan, so that it rests in place properly on its own. Don't rely on the sealant and the intake to locate it.

I tapped 10-32 holes and used stainless screws to secure the oil baffle. I also used red Locktite on these screws.

As far as the ends go...The Right Stuff, by Permatex, works well.

I bead blasted and painted the intake with Eastwoods AlumaBlast paint. It worked out well until I was adjusting the carb bowl floats, and gas spilled onto the manifold. The paint instantly curdled. So, make sure you use a paint that resists fuel.

Rich

 

[davbytrace]

Intake help

I am going to install a used Edelbrock performer 2131 non EGR aluminum intake on my stock 304. I am going to re-use the stock 2100 carb with an adapter. My intent to shave weight by swapping the iron intake for the aluminum one. I have never done an intake swap on an AMC V8 before. I understand that I am supposed to use RTV sealant instead of the end gaskets and I am to swap the heat shield from the stock intake to the new one. The oil tube is already installed. I know I need a new thermostat and gasket.

I have a couple of questions:

I know I need a valley pan and gasket set. Which one is best for this application? Felpro

The used intake I bought does not have the heat shield screws included. The instructions from edelbrock indicate to use #8 x 3/8" screws to attach it. I have also been told to just re-use the stock screws. Should I re-use the old screws or should I go buy new ones? Anything to know about swapping the heat shield? Buy new ones and use red loctite on the threads.

Which RTV sealant is the correct one for this application? Do I use the same stuff below the valley pan, on the bolt threads, and on the intake ends? Black RTV for all applications.

Anything else to know or watch out for when installing one of these? Yes. So pay close attention here.

1. Use as little RTV around the ports as possible. This is essentially a machine fit, so extra RTV will only squeeze out into the ports.

2. Your stock intake hold down bolts will be difficult to use. Go get some intake manifold bolts with the smaller heads.

3. Now, here is the secret to avoid going crazy while doing it: Slightly pre-bend the valley pan to fit. Go purchase some nuts and flat washers to match you intake bolts. Thread the nut onto the intake bolt and the put the washer on. Put the RTV on the head side of the ports. Now, using the intake bolts with the nuts and washers, install the valley pan. The nuts are used to hold the pan in place and create a little squeeze out. After installation, let it cure for 24 hours before removing the bolts.

4. Remove the bolts. Discard the nuts and washers. Now you have a velley pan that is correctly positioned and glued in place. Trim out any RTV squeeze out.

5. Put RTV on the valley pan ports, then set the intake and press down firmly.

6. Align the front two intake bolt holes and put those bolts in with an RTV coating on the bolts.

7. Install the remaining bolts with RTV sealant.

8. Torque in the correct sequence specified by Edelbrock on their website.

I want to paint the intake (and the rest of the engine). Do I need to do any special prep other than clean it? Sand blast it.

Thanks

See above

 

[sanmiam]

I used a FelPro gasket that Edlebrock suggests with a good bit of attention paid to RTV on the ends in addition to around the exhaust/intake/water ports. It was quite a PITA as some of the walls between these ports are quite narrow, but with a good bit of attention it turned out fine w/o leaks (that I am aware of). I did have to set it twice as it moved the first time.

I remember there being small protrusions from the heads that allowed the valley gasket to stay put fairly well while installing the intake.

 

[zillla]

I did this to my 304 last year.. Take your time. Also buy a can of Gaskacinch, even if you have to order it. For the end pieces ditch the rubber that is supplied and as noted above use The Right Stuff, or black RTV.. I bought some long bolts and cut the heads off, cut a screwdriver slot in the stud and screwed 2 into the head one one side to use as a guide during installation. Another set of hands helps too... I also coated the bolt threads that go into the water jacket with a generous amount of black RTV. Finally I spent a bunch of time on the web watching install videos and reading various posts. Oh, a rubber mallet is a big help as well.

I re-used the stock heat shield, and Edlbrock supplied new rivets. I used those.

 

[ASteve]

Here's a good start to look at with prep:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/304-360-valley-pan-vs-intake-gaskets-1395058/#post13893209

I didn't use the rubber gasket though.

Here's a couple of photos of my install a month ago or so...The only thing I left out on the directions was a light coat of RTV around all the ports. I only used gaskasinch and a good amount of RTV around the water ports. Also, not shown is I use RTV around the bolt holes by the water ports as well. On the intake I used the Gaskasinch. I applied 3 coats letting each coat dry a little.

 

[ASteve]

One more thing...

If you are having a hard time finding the PCV grommet this is suppose to be the one that will fit. It's a tight fit but works great from what I read. Lastly, make sure you order the right PCV as it is "tuned" to the 304.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-42056

In the photo below is one I found that fit perfect, but can't find the part number, So, again, try the one above if you need one.

 

[zillla]

Steve, How do you like the thermostat housing? I was looking at one a while back cause mine has been giving me fits getting it to seal. I saw those and they look trick..

 

[ASteve]

They're expensive but pretty darn cool.

http://www.robbmcperformance.com/products/tstat_amc.html

Here's my install of it:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/d...f8/dana-30-bearing-replacement-who-knows-what-1276692/index15.html#post14787454

No leaks!

I also hand polished mine with Mothers aluminum polish. Worked out well.

SC