Pontiac V8 Rebuild, Part 19: How to install an Intake Manifold

[@rogerharrelljr1935]

I was watching you while you were practicing the line up, I’ll give you my .2 cents worth and what helps me greatly! When installing the intake, if you’ll watch hole that the rubber washer goes in for the timing cover to intake bolt, keep your eye on that and keep it in line with the timing cover bolt hole. That method has always given me a perfect lineup! Just a little bit of glue off one my daughters school glue sticks on the backside of the intake gasket so it won’t move when the intake makes initial contact and when the intake is bolted and tightened down the gaskets will sometimes want to be pulled down with the intake. I think they have the plastic keeper like things in the package with the gaskets just for this specific job.

[@FastMonty]

Good stuff! Thanks!

[@travisblymyer9474]

Thanks for your videos! I have been rebuilding the 389 in my 62 Bonneville and your videos have been a big help in the process.

[@FastMonty]

Awesome! Glad I could help... thanks for the comment, and take your time with the build. Thanks for the comment!

[@mrp2561]

Very helpful, first and probably last Pontiac build, thanks Monty!

[@FastMonty]

Ha! Glad it helped!

[@richardalvarez9581]

Thanks for the video. I’m about to install my manifold and this video helped.

[@FastMonty]

Awesome! Here's my Rev 2.0 version, where I painted it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKWco2CujMqAh9E

[@davidwhitman9609]

Thanks! This helped me a lot installing mine. Do you have any warm up issues without the exhaust crossover?

[@FastMonty]

Nope. I now have aluminum heads so warm up takes a little longer. Not an issue. Thanks!

[@vincentanatriello9296]

There is a hole right in the middle of the heads that the gasket covers up. What is that hole for & why is it covered up?

[@FastMonty]

Yeah, I'm not sure, but I'm fairly certain that hole is for an EGV system, for later emission controlled Pontiacs. Not needed. :)

[@tysonewart3862]

In regards to forming the gaskets for right fit and painting. I have a 389 tripower with cast iron heads. Do you HAVE to paint the intake mounting surface where there is no gasket? And why?

[@FastMonty]

Do you have to paint the heads? No, no you do not. :) But, if you want your engine to have that Brilliant Pontiac Blue look, you should. :) Have fun!

[@mcbridjw]

Thanks for these videos, they have been very helpful for me. I have a 72 lemans and wiped out a lobe on the flat tappet cam, so i'm in a similar position. Just broke in my new cam today.

[@FastMonty]

I'm glad I can help... I'm also glad I'm not alone with cam issues. ha, ha... I can't wait to get on the road again! Keep at it!

[@gypsynomad75]

Hello Monty great video iam working on my 68 Tempest I had a quick question where do you find the gasket the donut o ring for intake manifold just wondering

[@FastMonty]

Thanks... I got a few from Butler Performance. They sell them as well as BOP Engineering. Have fun!

[@gypsynomad75]

@@FastMonty Hello Thank you Monty for the info great videos it's been helpful for me working on my Pontiac 350 thank you again! 🤘👍

[@FastMonty]

@@gypsynomad75 Glad it helps!

[@Ayden-wt4xi]

Hey fast montey. I have a 1975 350 Firebird esprit, I recently took off the original intake and put on a old edelbrock aluminum intake on. I went to go start it up and now it smokes a TON of white smoke. Water looks like it is on the dipstick…. Any clue what I messed up? TIA

[@FastMonty]

Ahhh, man... that sucks. Water is getting where it's not supposed to go... maybe the intake isn't sitting flush? Carefully remove it and inspect the gaskets for clues. Let us know.

[@Ayden-wt4xi]

@@FastMonty yea I thought to myself “maybe I should’ve left the old intake on when it was running correctly” hahah. It was all original from 75. But I will most definitely pull the intake and I’ll try to put the factory one back on with new gaskets!

[@FastMonty]

Ha! For sure! If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Hopefully it's just a gasket... let me know. @@Ayden-wt4xi

[@ronfreeman4999]

Thanks. Good video

[@FastMonty]

Thanks Ron!

[@justinsharratt7282]

another good video I am a few steps ahead of you now lol last weekend finally got the 455 in and she runs like a top. I also separated my water crossover from the intake as well. Keep it up buddy can't wait for you to get it back in the car and enjoy it weather is getting nice around here.

[@FastMonty]

I'm jealous! Ha ha. I'm getting there. I'm adding some new upgrades before the engine goes back in. You'll see soon!

[@justinsharratt7282]

@@FastMonty don't be so jealous lol that engine install was a pain in the butt. NEVER will I ever use headers on a pontiac again lol. took me and a buddy 13 ish hours to take the old out and new in lol but in the end and after so many new curse words we slapped that puppy in and boy is that 455 a torque monster lol. I have a muncie 4 speed m21 and I can start the car moving in 4 gear. Insane lol. I kinda still wish I lived in socal to ride with ya but that was back in my military days

[@FastMonty]

@@justinsharratt7282 ha ha. I heard that! Headers are zero fun, for the first install. I'm going to do a video on how I modified mine... Anyway, yeah, we will ride together in spirit! Ohh, and yes, the torque is awesome! See ya!

[@MrPONCHO467]

@@FastMonty I will be going through that painful process soon on my 69 gto.any helpful advice

[@FastMonty]

@@MrPONCHO467 you mean, installing headers? If so, be prepared for them not to fit. I suggest getting the raw steel versions, dimple them with a hammer. Then get them ceramic coated. I also customized the collectors and cut the flanges off, for ball ends.

[@chrisgleeson6346]

Do you trust that lift plate on the intake??

[@FastMonty]

Absolutely!

[@theoriginalehombre]

Thank you very much for such a detailed video. I am about to replace the intake manifold gaskets on our 69 GTO. We have a 0.03 over 400 with 068 cam and #62 heads. My dad decided to use The Parts Place reproduction Ram Air IV aluminum intake manifold as he loved the way they look. I am planning to block the exhaust crossover as it is leaking now and the noise is horrible. Per your video I plan to use black RTV for the water jacket and will buy the Locktite Stick you use as well. I read to use copper RTV for the exhaust crossover as well. My question to you is what brand of anti-seize do you recommend? I won't need it for the bolts into my heads, but I will for the water pump bolt into the manifold. Also, you state to torque the manifold bolts to 40ft-lbs, but I read to use 25ft-lbs for aluminum manifolds. Which torque would you recommend for my application?

[@FastMonty]

Congrats on your awesome project... good questions. I like the LocTite Stick AntiSieze. Check out my latest intake video, which might give you some more ideas. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKWco2CujMqAh9E

[@FastMonty]

Ohhh, and yeah, 25 foot lbs is good.

[@theoriginalehombre]

@@FastMonty Hello, I am in progress and have a tech question. I have removed the intake and cleaned it up very nice. I am cleaning the heads, but can’t get them shiny. I also see fine lines or bits of rust. Is it OK to use steel wool or ??? to make them really clean? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have stuffed small rags in the cylinder openings to help reduce the chance of introducing any debris. Thanks!

[@FastMonty]

@@theoriginalehombre Steel wool works fine... BUT, make sure all openings are sealed or taped off, because it creates a very fine dust. If you're referring to the gasketed areas... as long as those surfaces are smooth to the touch, you're good. They don't have to be shiny. Keep it up!

[@theoriginalehombre]

OK, I am all set for reassembly and want to clarify the torques. For the long bolt from the water pump to the aluminum intake, I’ll use anti-seaze and torque to 25 lb-ft. For the bolts holding the aluminum intake to the iron heads, I don’t need the anti-seaze and can torque those bolts to 40 lb-ft, correct? Thank you again for all of your help, I truly appreciate it.

[@frekkledipped]

why do you put RTV around the water gasket, I mean did someone tell you to or is it just something you want to do?

[@FastMonty]

Pretty sure I read it in Rocky Rotella's book about building Performance Pontiac engines. Here's a couple links. www.amazon.com/dp/1613254741?ref=exp_fastmontysgarage_dp_vv_d and www.amazon.com/dp/1613250355?ref=exp_fastmontysgarage_dp_vv_d

[@kenwitzell6899]

Monty, have you ever considered seperating the water crossover from the intake, I did this with my stock intake and have now performed the mod on my Performer RPM. This will allow you to pull the intake without draining the rad. Just a thought!

[@FastMonty]

Hey Ken... you mean, like this one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6iTfoyPj9ejg7M

[@80sTransAm]

What intake and valley plate should or could I use I have a Pontiac 400 in a Trans-am ? Also does valley plate come with intake when purchased ? Thanks.

[@FastMonty]

You can use mine. Literally, I'll sell it to you. It's an Edelbrock RPM Performer. Look it up on their site. It's a little taller than your current manifold, so make sure it fits. No, the Valley Pan does not come with it. That said, I'd get the one I used in this video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYKniI1nqN9pZ8k Thanks for the comment!

[@BrokePremiere]

Niceeee hook!!! I love it. I’m finally figuring out how to do mine. I can’t wait to watch more! Also a heads up if you download Audacity and use “noise reduction” it’ll clear up the background noise it should help with some of that reverb or echo in the mic. Well I hope that helps! Looks awesome! I hope to colab in the future!

[@FastMonty]

Thanks! And thanks for the mic tip... might have something to do with my cheap ass camera. Ha, ha...

[@robertspadaro4329]

These videos have been so helpful when it comes to working on my Poncho! Thank you. I have a real quick question pertaining to the intake-to-timing cover o-ring... Where exactly is the RTV applied? All around the o-ring itself, or just along the machined mating surfaces? ... ...Or both? Lol I haven't reached the point of reinstalling my stock intake yet, but I'm picturing the o-ring not staying in place unless there is some RTV around it but you would know better than I do.

[@FastMonty]

Great question Robert! at the 10:35 mark I mentioned it... but, I did say it really quick. So, in essence the whole O ring would be covered in RTV. The way I did it was, I RTV'd the hole in the intake, put the o ring in that. So, it's basically "sticking" to the RTV in the hole. I then added RTV to the machined surface on the timing chain cover. You could also add RTV to the o ring, after you put it into the intake. Either way, the whole thing is covered in RTV. Hope that makes more sense! Thanks for the comment!

[@cody-joe1030]

Thankyou for not playing any stupid techno music

[@FastMonty]

You're welcome? ha!

[@josiahg2]

Where did you get the rubber washer/gasket that connects the intake to the water pump?

[@FastMonty]

Good question. It comes with the gasket kit. Or, you can buy them separately. Here... butlerperformance.com/i-24453800-butler-performance-pontiac-o-ring-timing-cover-to-intake-seal-spm-13562.html?ref=category:1234761

[@advancedoutdoortechnology6992]

Love the background

[@FastMonty]

Ha! Me too!

[@therockandrollcreeps5804]

i thought you worked at butler performance

[@FastMonty]

I wish! But, I love their stuff...

[@davecalvo6418]

Hey Monty, excellent content here. I'm about to replace an Edelbrock manifold with a stock spread bore on my 1968 400 , my question is would you recommend porting and some polishing of the stock manifold before I install it or don't even bother? Also, where do I source that little o ring gasket for the water jacket on the front of the manifold? please advise and thanx!

[@FastMonty]

Thanks Brother... You port your intake manifold, only if your heads are ported. (You would take a gasket that matches your ported heads, and transfer that template to the intake manifold.) OR, if the head gasket openings are wider than the intake, you could remove some material. But, typically not worth it, unless your heads had been opened up drastically. And, here's that little O ring... butlerperformance.com/i-24453800-butler-performance-pontiac-o-ring-timing-cover-to-intake-seal-spm-13562.html

[@davecalvo6418]

@@FastMonty Thanks for the quick response Monty, I'm going to buy the gasket set this week from Summit for the OEM intake and then I will check the fitment against the intake itself. If there's quite a bit of steel exposed I may remove it and then polish. I'm going with a stage 2 Q-jet 800 CFM carb. I want this car for a daily driver or at least when the weather is nice.

[@FastMonty]

@@davecalvo6418 Good plan... not sure about the 800 CFM carb... might be too much. You're welcome to buy my Barry Grant 750, which has road racing floats, and mechanical secondaries. You can also buy my Chrome Edelbrock RPM Performer intake manifold, which is already ported. :)

[@davecalvo6418]

@@FastMonty My engine has the "62" heads and an aftermarket cam (not sure of the specs) Butler Q-jet stage 2 should work well I would think. I have a Holley 750 dbl pumper on it right now but thats just way too much carb for this car here the carb do you think I should go with the 750? butlerperformance.com/i-30790510-butler-performance-stage-2-quadrajet-carburetor-800-cfm-bpi-335008.html?ref=category:1234876

[@FastMonty]

@@davecalvo6418 That's really interesting... I actually wasn't aware Butler sold those. I'm not a carb expert, so I would actually discuss it with someone at Butler, as a sanity check.

[@anthonyvinole8249]

What is your complete setup from your manifold to air cleaner?

[@FastMonty]

Are you asking what parts am I using? If so, it's an Edelbrock RPM Performer intake manifold, and Barry Grant 750 Speed Demon. The air cleaner is a standard 3" K&N. Hope that helps.

[@anthonyvinole8249]

@@FastMonty Thank you

[@gregschultz2029]

Good Job !!!

[@FastMonty]

Thanks Greg!

[@clintkopshinsky2076]

Oh yeah!

[@FastMonty]

Ha! Thanks Clint!

[@FastMonty]

Be sure to subscribe for more, click here; kzbin.info Then get your FMG hat here; three color combos www.etsy.com/shop/fastmontysgarage

[@tonedeafist]

This for the valley pan, kzbin.infoGx0Kl2EFBrc

[@FastMonty]

That's awesome! Thanks!

[@joshbrekke6374]

Why not separate your water crossover if you’re that concerned with intake runner matchup. I will

[@FastMonty]

Josh, I don't see how separating the water crossover helps with lining up the intake ports? Please explain.

[@R0yL33]

@@FastMonty Possibly because that front timing cover bolt might pull the intake forward.??

[@FastMonty]

@@R0yL33 Yeah, I see your point. That front bolt definitely pulls the entire intake forward. I think my next time in that area of the motor, I'm going to stick my bore scope down the intake and see if it's offset from the head openings. I like it! Thanks Roy!

[@gibsonexplorer8777]

@@FastMonty It just sounds like a bad idea to me I like to keep the engine the way it was designed but that's me

[@FastMonty]

@@gibsonexplorer8777 Yup, nothing wrong with that. Thanks!