How to Install a Big Block Chevy Manifold

For better performance and high efficiency of the vehicle, a right kind of manifold is required. If you do not have a manifold of right type you cannot achieve the desired performance. You can install a manifold on big block easily with just a little effort and dedication.

Required Items

• Oil
• Rags
• Silicone sealant
• Non-hardening sealant
• Metric shop tools (ratchet, torque wrench)
• Protective clothing

Preparation

Examine all the gaskets carefully. They should be properly sealed. Bolts should be checked thoroughly and if needed seal them. Take special care of gasket heads and the water ports.

Before installing the manifold, make sure about the design of the block, if the block head were machined, they might appear little lower than normal. In the case, the intake has cork or rubber gaskets, block will not fix properly to the manifold. In that case, use bead of silicone for airtight seal instead of gaskets.

Installation

Inspect everything carefully, especially the oil splashguard. Once it is cleared, lower the manifold. Take help from your partner and adjust the bolt holes to line up. You need to make some adjustments to get the holes to line up.

Sealing Potential Leaks

You will have to keep this thing in mind that most of the bolts are near the head area that means there must be a chance of oil leak. To avoid this, you can use a non-hardening sealant on the threads of the bolt to prevent leaks.

Sequencing of the Bolts

This is important to remember that there are certain loosening and tightening sequences. These sequences may vary according to the vehicle but in most of the blocks and manifolds the loosening and tightening sequence starts from the middle, close to the assembly and work outwards.

Torque in the Bolts

Torque should be the same for each bolt. You can use torque wrench for this purpose. Sometimes, during installation process it is not possible to reach each bolt with torque wrench. You can use box wrench instead to tighten the bolts. But torque wrench is recommended.

Remember Safety

Safety is always important for you and for your partners or helpers. Make sure that you have done all the precautionary measures required to do the task. You should be careful while working on heavy vehicles or heavy machinery or steel parts of the automobiles.

You should always remember the precautions while working on any part of the automobile. It is important for your safety. Always follow the set path for any task. Don’t try new things.