[QUOTE=cthulhu]

one suggestion i will make is not to use the front and rear gaskets that come in the box..  they suck.. and almost always leak..

just use a layer of silicone for the front and rear.

 

[/QUOTE]

I strongly agree with Ben on this one...as does any engine builder that's assembled a small block chevy.

Do not use the rubber gaskets for the front and rear of the manifold. You will develop a leak in this area, no matter how careful you are.

Use a good quality silicone, and be sure to fully cover the joints where the heads meet the block. The drying time will be you putting the rest of the engine back together. Just fire it up when you're done, and you're good to go.

Good luck, and have fun doing it.

Alan

  I would say the best advice I could give you is: RTDB. Read The Dam Book. It will give you all the information you need for a particular job. The only difference between a novice and a mechanic is we know the procedures and the little tricks, learned from experience, and you don't. Don't be afraid to takle any job because you don't know how to do it. There are plenty of people and places you can get the information to help you out and all are willing to help. The more you do, the better you get. The better you get the more you'll do. I've been doing this stuff for years and I am still learning. Formulat a plan in your mind and follow that plan, keep the work area clean and try to be organized because it help you to keep track of your parts and your progress. Good luck. Don't worry-you'll be just fine.

Jim

78SEvette

Sounds like you've got some good info there, one point I didn't notice might be the reinstallation of the distributor. If it happens to hang up, slightly above it's seat( within a 1/2" or so),with the dist. that close to seat, it sometimes hangs on the oil drive rod and may be corrected by lightly clicking the key until the dist. sets down.The drive gear has already contacted the cam gear and won't lose timing.Hope you won't need that but when it happens a rubber mallet WON'T DO.      Good  Luck  Partner. Keep us informed.      aceinthehole4938778.927974537

I agree with the silicone instead of the rubber.  Just make sure the area that contacts the silicone is clean.  That will ensure a good seal free of leaks.     The best thing to use is brake parts cleaner.  It will not leave a residue, carb cleaner does leave a residue.

and dont forget the silicone on the manifold bolts either...

Did this job get done yet?

So Larry, did you do the work yourself or did you take it to someone?