Say, has anyone installed a set of Needswings intake gaskets? I am repairing a intake leak and I saw cork/rubberized gaskets on either side of a 1/4 inch plastic spacer on the intake manifold. I know the srt stock gaskets are metal, so adding a spacer and two cork gaskets have rendered the rear bolt too short so it doesn't catch the threads. Since that one bolt wasn't tight it compromized the gasket set up.
On one hand it was interesting finding my intake 0505 code problem, but now I have to find a longer bolt to catch the threads. I cut new gasket material and replaced the set up as it was.

I think this set up is Needswings as the previous owner had Needswing dual air intake tubes installed.
HELP
Any opinions?

 

I think the general opinion is to use the OEM gaskets. The cork ones are just not reliable, remember the old cork gaskets in valve covers back in the old days? Those little round gaskets crush up to much if you ask me, as the pressure on them is too great.

 

Onehundred80, I don't know much about the cork gaskets from the old days but the cork gaskets I have used on the Crossfire hold up well. The one issue I had was related to my lack of use of Loctite on my initial install so over about 3 years the bolts backed out.

Also, I thought the cork gaskets were rated for a higher pressure over the OEM, so if you have any mods that increase boost, you needed something better than OEM.

Brandoni, if you replace the gaskets back to the way they should be installed, the bolt will be long enough. Are you going to leave the plastic spacer?

 

It sounds like he has one of those spacers to isolate the heat from the manifolds that Code3 or TVT sold way back in the beginning. Get a longer bolt is the answer. Measure what you have and add a 1/4 inch and go shopping. Needswings sells longer than stock bolts for their manifolds. Rob may have exactly what you need if you can't find it at the local "Casa de Tornillos".

Les

 

Thank you for that info. Yes the previous owner had a code 3 pull installed and did have TVT do some performance work on the car.
Do you have the contact number for the bolts from needswings? I will keep the spacers for the reason installed. The gasket replacement is so easy I don't mind cutting the cork every few years. You guys are a godsend , thanks again.

 

NeedsWings Performance Products. Intake Manifold Bolt Kit

Here's his website. Send an email or call Rob (Needswings) when you know the length you need. 1-586-531-1413 10am-5pm EST

Les

 

Les, do you run cork gaskets? I thought that you ran OEM gaskets and the copper anti-seize product.

My opinion on why screws back out is because of excessive vibration and in this case because the cork based material gets crushed, this lessens the torque on the screws and they back out because they are looser and the vibration turns them, or more probably they are noticed to be looser

Back in the day cork valve cover required to be tightened regularly to keep them from leaking until finally they got hard, uneven in thickness and leaked all the time. At which point you tpreplaced the gasket and started all over again. It did not help that the covers were thin sheet metal and got distorted as well. That was the good old days.

 

Thanks Les, good info all around from both you guys.
Went to Ned's wings Web and got the phone. I'll call after ten east time. Blue thread lock all bolts a must for sure.

 

No cork for me. I gave up on the stuff. But the OP may need it to seal the Phenolic insulator he has.

Les

 

I run as much boost as anyone and am still using the stock gaskets with no problem. Since the stock or modified manis have assorted length bolts, make sure that you have the longest in the back.

 

I run the cork gaskets along with the larger intake manifolds, as does ThumperSRT, and we track ours regularly. I went to the track the same night I installed them and had no problems to speak of. Car ran a 12.283 with me backing off early.

 

To clarify a bit, the gaskets aren't just cork. They're Viton rubber with cork particles.

 

I wouldn't ever use plain old style cork gaskets,but haven't ever had a leak with rubberized cork gaskets. Spray only one side of the intake gaskets with 3M contact glue. Then massage the gasket onto your intake manifold so that the gasket fits the intake ports. Once the glue firms,your ready to bolt down and not worry about the gaskets sliding around while tighening bolts. I always retork once more after the engine has heated and cooled several times. Be sure you use the 4 cork O-rings that come with the gaskets. Squirrel Crusher

 

All good , the job is done.Runs great. Contacted Rob and he told me to loose the spacers and go with rubberized cork. Perfect.
To think that Mb indie shop was going to charge me $850. for the fix.
Did it myself for 6 bucks of gasket material, with plenty to spare for more fixes down the road if needed.
You guys helped me all along the way. Thanks again.
By the way Chuk, I'll say hi to Don m3pig for you. He's a great guy.

 

I run into him often still. Shame we never got to line up at the track!

 

Congrats on the install! It's a great feeling... :-). And to clarify - when I said cork I meant the rubberized cork - did not specify that.

 

I was an early adopter of the Needswings gaskets. I believe they were improved after I gave up on them. I'm not sure about this but if they were it would explain the divergent views on the gaskets. Any who ha ha, I'm happy to hear the OP is all set and chillin.

Les

 

When I changed to 550cc injectors I reused the stock steel gaskets with copper spray with no problems though I do use the stock intakes also, about 21psi. the motor loves the cool winter temps here in SW Florida. Sweet

 

Yes I am chillin, now I'm grillin. What does OP mean?

 

Original poster (boy) heheh.

Les