Actually, the manifold was already on the engine... I just removed and resealed it due to a coolant leak. That being said, when it went back together I replaced some cracked vacuumed lines and eliminated some that were no longer necessary... I cleaned and adjusted my Edelbrock performer carb... I adjusted the ignition timing to specs (it appears it was a bit retarded)... and installed new spark plugs & wires. So, to answer your question, the performance is noticeably improved... my Old's runs fantastic now!

 

The bolts are supposed to be torqued from the outside in if it's a Performer manifold. This may be your problem.

 

Thats great to hear Mak!! Engine looks great,Thanks for the pic!! You got that engine compartment looking good and glad to hear you got her running good!!

 

Darn... I wish I'd known that a couple weeks ago. I did go back & retorque the manifold bolts after a couple drives, and so far no leaks... but I did torque the bolts from the inside out.

 

Thanks... She's a runner!

 

Mac that is one beautiful photo!! I bet you get the looks driving around the Bay!!! Great looking car!! Not many out there anymore!

 

As of today the intake is NOT leaking and I used the valley pan and rubber end links. While I was at it I added an aluminum radiator.
Had to wait 3 days for a lower hose!?
Anyway I'll check over everything Tuesday evening and if its all OK then Im going to the next step of new exhaust which consist of a new 2.5 mandrel PYPES header back X setup with my favorite mufflers................... No not Flowmasters but Thrush welded mufflers because they are louder! First it will be just to the rear end until I can get to the muffler shop and get the pipes through the cut out bumper with the trumpets.

 

Glad to see you got it. I wasn't trying to **** you off, I really was trying to help. Sorry if you took it the wrong way.

 

Glad it worked out for you!! Engine looks good, remember dont get pissed off, just get your frustration redirected at the task at hand we all want to see you get your Olds running good!

 

Did you have to file down the holes on the valley pan gasket? Which one did you use? Felpro makes two.

What sealant did you use on the rubber end links?

 

I asked for the 1 for a 68 442.
I coated the all the water ports with the tube that came with the gasket and used the "stuff" (better word, help me out) with the brush for both sides of the intake/exhaust ports.

 

Sounds like the permatex stuff in the can. Gasket maker. Did you put a coating on the end seals? The whole way or just on the corners?

 

I put a light coat of the brush stuff on the block to hold the rubbers in place and then made a bead at the ends where they meet the gasket and head.

 

Glad you got it-looks great. I got mine back together also and seems ok. This was my 3rd time also so I understand the frustration!!. I have a thread under small blocks if you want to see what I did.

 

still leak free?