My block was decked .0010 and my heads were milled .006 in order to achive a new flat straight surface. im goint to be putting on the stock intake with a new vally pan gasket but I dont think that the valley pan gasket is going to compensate for the .0016 taking between the heads and the block. So my idea is to use the valley pan with a intake manifold gasket to compensate for the pitch between the heads and intake but I cant find one anywhere, does anyone know where I can buy one for a 455? Also, has anyone done this like the way i'm doing it? If so any leaks? Thanks ~VIN
TA has one, but it required drilling holes in your intake and attaching it from underneath. AM&P has a beautiful piece that just drops in and hangs from the front and rear rails. I think it was like $35. Automotive Machine and Performance (AM&P) - Philpot, KY [270-729-5556] Their website is: http://www.superflow.com/superflow-it/Auto-machine-perf.html. Charlie Evans is a great Buick supporter.
We fabricate the valley pan from a stock metal intake gasket and then use TA soft intake gaskets for the manifold. Never had any problems.
Better make a dry run. At what point in this reduction (heads shaved, block decked), do the intake manifold bolts refuse to start when the manifold is not compensated (shaved)? I don't think it would be a good idea to use both gaskets on the intake port area at the same time (steel and comp.) to gain allignment. You haven't stated this but it may be your next thought progression. Modify the intake manifold and mark it, the heads and the block for the machining that has been done. If you end up with several 455s then you'll be able to keep track.
i think the buick performance engine books states to remove half of what was taken off of the heads from the intake. maybe someone can quote it foryou though.
Some raceing friends of mine always have the heads shaved on the intake side and that way you can still use any standard intake manifold. Otherwise if you get different parts or block or whatever you dont know what is what anymore. ED
Ed'S RIGHT YOU REMOVE MATERIAL FROM THE HEAD NOT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. I WAS TOLD THAT WHAT EVER YOU REMOVE FROM THE HEAD SERFACE THE SAME AMOUNT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE INTAKE SIDE OF THE HEAD,NOT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD PLUS T/A MAKES DIFFERENT THICKNESS INTAKE GASKETS. CALL DAVE AND HE CAN EXPLINE ALL THIS TO YOU....GOOD LUCK
