To all Olds gurus...

I have heared many ways to install a manifold gasket now I'm ready to hear it from some true 455 Olds Jet boat gurus.

Purchased a tunnel ram for my 455 so I have to replace the intake manifold gasket...silicone the water ports in the front and back but what about the rubber gaskets??? I heared those are infamous for leaking. Some guys say silicone the crap out of them, some guys say no silicone at all but on the edges of the rubber gasket cause silicone under pressure get slippery and will push the gaskets out causing them to piss oil hehe.

What's true, what's a myth? Getting ready to tear into it today.

Yessir I did do my research and you are correct the olds doesn't play well with high rpm ranges. The TR is good between 2500-up rpm range. I really don't take her over 4500rpm and usually putter around at about 2500 to 3500 which is healthy for the 455. For the price I got the TR I just couldn't pass it up I'll need it a couple of seasons from now when I decide to build my 455. As of now it'll look pretty hehehe.

Thank you for the advice I'll get on the gasket tomorrow. I'll use your method. I'll report back and let you guys know how it went.

One engine builder told me to take some sandpaper and roughen up the manifold and block a little, any thought on that?

and remember to put "all" the bolts back in

Redid my manifold gasket yesterday, she's all buttoned up and ready for the test run to elsinore this weekend. Wish me luck, I'll report back with the end results.