[DeTomaso] Intake installation tips?

[Thomas Tornblom]

redvobra at aol.com wrote:
>  No sealant huh? I used a very thin layer of it but it doesn't appear to have helped. I also have a little hint of water coming out from the sides of the gaskets as well. I tried retorqing, but it didn't seem to matter.
>  
>  I was not happy at all with the way my intake went on. It was the biggest PITA ever. I absolutely dread doing it again. I recently rebuilt a '93 302 HO and the intake was a piece of cake. This 351C made me want to run home to momma!
>  
>  Biggest problem I had was that since the bolt holes are at an angle, I couldn't get the holes lined up. Holes wouldn't line up because the intake wasn't down all the way, and I couldn't get it down all the way because I couldn't get the bolts in to tighten it!
>  
>  I also went with a brand new set of ARP stainless bolts. They didn't want to go in. Some of the threads actually came apart and I wound up putting the old regular steel bolts back in instead. Seems like the old bolts were a little sloppy, and that gave me the tolerence to get them in there.
>  
>  I normally use the cork stuff on the ends, but it was recently suggested to me that I use a bead of silicon instead, so I tried it on the 351C. Seemed to work fine.
>  
>  I just got my new gaskets today so I'll be taking apart the motor this weekend and trying again.
>  
>  Anyone have any more install tips?

I start with the center four bolts, which actually go straight down. By 
loosely tightening these, the intake will be pulled down so that the 
other bolts can be properly installed. I also use a soft mallet to 
carefully drive the intake down while tightening the bolts just finger 
tight and eliminate any binding.

Thomas

>  
>  -Chris
>