Intake Manifold Gasket

[Oldsie]

Getting ready to pull out the 307 (yes it's taken me a while to get to it...too many other things going on), and will be needing to get new gaskets, etc. I know the original intake manifold gasket is metal with a valley tray. I've seen gasket sets recommended by Mondello that are two-piece, with a separate tray that has to be screwed into place (not sure I like the idea of drilling/tapping the block and getting shavings in the block). What would your recommendation be for a good intake gasket. or any other gaskets for that matter?



Thanks,

Oldsie

[88hurstolds]

You do not have to drill and tap the block for that setup, it just bolts in place of the original oil guard over the lifters.
I would not recommend this setup for a 307, I went this route with a 455 once and was a pointless mod.
The stock turkey tray keeps the oil off the bottom of the intake, infact more oil can work it's way onto the gaskets and cause more headaches.
A stock turkey tray will work just fine and I would stick with it so you don't have to worry about gasket matching and thickness issues throwing off the port matching.

[Oldsie]

Thanks for the reply. I'll get the stock turkey tray setup. On another note, one of the tips given in the Mondello book was to use silicone on the manifold end rails instead of the rubber seal. Sounds like it might cause the same issues of mismatched ports. Your thoughts?

[88hurstolds]

Thanks for the reply. I'll get the stock turkey tray setup. On another note, one of the tips given in the Mondello book was to use silicone on the manifold end rails instead of the rubber seal. Sounds like it might cause the same issues of mismatched ports. Your thoughts?

Most use the rubber seal with a coating of silicone.
The only thing good about the Mondello Technical Reference is the references and PN's... if you want advice on how to build an Olds motor correctly get the one by Bill Travato.
612R3tUI2ML._SY300_.jpg

Just got mine last Thursday and haven't put it down...

[Oldsie]

Great, I'll look into it. Getting things removed from the engine right now, so I don't have to try to take them off while on the stand. Working on a seized heater control valve right now...lots of blaster....need a longer wrench. All kinds of rusted bolts and nuts...Did get the heater control valve out...big wrench and a large pipe.

[Oldsie]

BTW, I found videos by Bill Travato on YouTube. Great stuff! I'm in the middle of the series on the S71 buildup.

[88hurstolds]

He know's his stuff, here is his website:

https://www.highperformanceolds.com

[86-blk442]

He know's his stuff, here is his website:

www.highperformanceolds.com

His shop is about an hour from my house. I had him build my #5 heads on the 350 and build my 383 stroker sbc (he does more than Olds stuff). He showed me around the shop and really worked with me on what parts to use for my builds. There are closer shops but I won't go anywhere else.

Before:


After: