Important not to jump immediately to the maximum torque spec (in this case 40 ft lbs). Start lower following the correct torque pattern and then increase incrementally up to 40.
Several things I noticed you did that you might want to change. 1st, when you put the gaskets on the heads, be sure to put a light coat of RTV around the water ports. I also use the alignment plastic plugs that come with most of the gasket sets to hold the gasket securely in place. No need to use a screwdriver to move the gasket around. Then be sure to use RTV on the new "O" ring seal to the water pump housing. Put the intake bolts in place finger tight, then install the housing to intake bolt and tighten it to pull the intake forward before torqueing down the intake bolts. Start with the bolts in the middle of the intake and work your way out towards the ends. 40 ft lbs. works well.
I did this same job today had vacuumed issues with the intake well who ever put intake on left them lil orange pieces on the intake gasket no wonder it was pulling vacuume from around the intake ports when ya sprayed carb cleaner on it engine idel would chang big time and almost die
There IS a specific tightening sequence for the manifold bolts. It’s clearly found on the bottom of page 3 of the instructions. It is a center to outside progression. Exactly opposite of what you did. Just sayin’
There were no instructions sent with this manifold as it was purchased second hand. Thank you for the information though, that will come in handy in future intake manifold installs.
Was there no exhaust leak from the center ports between the intake and passenger side head? I mistakenly used that same Felpro gasket set on my '73 400 with '77 6X-8 heads off a 350, Performer manifold, and there was an exhaust leak near the EGR block off plate. I could feel and hear it coming up from the port in the head. Had to switch to the Mr. Gasket 502G gasket set with exhaust crossover block-off plates. Maybe this happened to me because I have later model heads and your heads are earlier?
Actually they weren't the wrong intake gaskets. These are identical to the ones I pulled off it before installing new seals and a fresh coat of paint. Thanks for the comment though :)
