Intake gasket replacement

FORENSICS

MEMBER
1978 BUICK REGAL
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
15,000 MILES

So not too long ago my dad got this car it was the turbo 3.8 whoever had it swapped it with either a 305 or a 350 but I have no idea which one it is. But the problem is that the intake is leaking coolant and the gasket obviously needs to be replaced. The only things I could find on the intake were 373598 GM 2E and the firing order is 18436572 I look it up and get many different types of gaskets and I also do not know the procedure in loosening and tightening the bolts since I know there are intakes that require to be loosened or tightened in a specific order.

Thanks any help is appreciated.

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4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,179 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Okay, based on that part number, you are dealing with a 305 ci V8 which was manufactured between 1978 and 1981. At least, that is when the manifold was made.

With that being said, I have to be honest, the best thing to do is purchase a manual specific to one of those model years that lists the 305 ci engine. Since it has an aluminum intake, I would suspect it was from a Camaro or similar high performance vehicle made by GM at that time.

I hope this helps a little. Let me know if you have other questions,

Joe

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Sunday, December 16th, 2018 AT 7:41 PM

FORENSICS

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106 POSTS

Alright so I dug through the trunk of the Buick and found a book with the motor listed that you said it was so whoever owned it knew what book to get. Sadly I've never done an intake before and this book doesn't have many pictures, any tips or tricks for this installation that you know of? The book also says to use gasket sealer along with it and tighten it down starting from the center in a criss cross pattern. I'm going to attempt to uninstall the intake and attempt to get the gasketing as much intact as I can to compare it to the gasket kit I see online tomorrow.

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Sunday, December 16th, 2018 AT 9:56 PM

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106 POSTS

Oh and since I would like things to go back clean, is it safe to use oven cleaner to clean out the inside and outside of the intake?
Thanks Joe.

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Sunday, December 16th, 2018 AT 9:57 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

The small block Chevrolet v-8 in your car can interchange most the gaskets and accessories because of being produced for so many years without change. I believe the gaskets can be used from 1964-1987 when GM switched to center bolt valve covers. The 283,305,327,350, and 400 cubic inch v-8's are all the same. I've attached a few pictures of what they look like. I've also attached a picture of the tightening sequence you wanted.All intake manifold bolts are to be torqued to 30 ft lbs. I've attached a tutorial showing what is involved.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-intake-manifold-gasket

As far as using oven cleaner I think that might work. I would use gasoline and a wire brush or a heavy duty cleaner.Just be sure that all surfaces are clean and old gasket free to helps prevent leaks when installing.As a side note, On the picture of the intake manifold gaskets I circled the end seals in red.I never use those.I personally use RTV instead.Those rubber ones tend to leak so I just use Permatex brand Ultra Copper silicone RTV. Hope this helps and feel free to ask any questions.Thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

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