Is it ok to reuse the intake manifold gasket when you change intakes? I read an article in one of the magazines where they were testing intakes and camshafts and they reused the same manifold gasket each time. I used a rubber mallet to whack the intake and upon removal of the intake, I noticed that the gakset was perfect. It looked just like it did when I took it out of the package so I left it in place and installed the new intake and called it a day. It's not leaking. I placed a rag over the carb primaries and the engine stalled. I just want to get the input of some of the TC guys. Thanks.

I've reused them after I sprayed them with WD40 before intial usage.

After the third time, I use 2 inch wide masking and run a length over the gasket, cut the ports & bolt holes, and reuse for the gaskets for the last time.

Now, having a wife who "Far exceeds" on her personal evaluation, I can afford to buy new gaskets.

Is it really worth the risk to save a few bucks? You can have a small power robbing vacuum leak and not even realize it.

I never reuse intake gaskets!....My thinking is once their crushed by torquing them down, they would not seal, possibly creating a vacuum leak!

I have read that as long as the blue sealing rings around the ports and coolant passages are ok, then they can be reused. When I pulled it apart the gaskets looked brand new. They weren't even crushed. With only 11ftlbs of torque, I figured they would be ok. I sprayed brake cleaner all around the intake mounting area and I didn't get any change in idle manner at all. I also placed a rag over the primaries and the engine died. Maybe I will change it. I just didn't see the need when they looked brand new.