Not sure where to put this so I will start here. I installed my intake manifold using felpro gaskets. Should I trim off the part of the gasket that is not under the manifold? Just for appearances, it seems that it would look nicer without exposed gasket. Since they are already installed it is probably too late to trim them.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj28/DaralJ/67%20RS%20SS350/EngineOct09025.jpg

You can trim them, I never have, I would rather have the gasket sticking out and knowing it's sealed, than trim it too thin or just trim it and later down the road a vacuum leak occurs.

If I were to trim them how would you recommend I do it? These gaskets are pretty tough.

If I were to trim them how would you recommend I do it? These gaskets are pretty tough.

http://www.indigo.com/images/product/17.jpg

dab a little chevy orange paint on them???

I would trim them. It would look much better. It will take some time but I think it would be worth it.

If you use a Felpro 1205 (vs. the 1204's you have) the material showing is at least black ...
The heat cross-over is also blocked ;)

Always trim mine. I use a x acto blade and a razor blade. Takes awhile but looks much better.

http://www.indigo.com/images/product/17.jpg

Yep. I tried these and an exacto knife. They would not cut through the metal part of the gaskets. I also tried my dremel. It worked better but I had a hard time getting close to the manifold. Maybe I should try a different tool in my dremel. Any suggestions?

Now this it just me, but if something like that bothered me enough I'd just remove the intake, buy another set of gaskets, trace out the intake on them, trim them, then install. I say that, but more than likely I'd wind up ruining a bunch of stuff first before giving in.

The more you try to get through that metal core, the more likely you are to mark up the intake and the head. I know I would and then I'd wind up having to put new gaskets in and repaint the intake. It looks like you need to hit the port side of the heads with some paint anyway.

I painted mine. If you don't do a stellar job trimming them you might end up with an eyesore.

If you use a Felpro 1205 (vs. the 1204's you have) the material showing is at least black ...
The heat cross-over is also blocked ;)

that sounds like a nice gasket, I would have liked to use them if I knew about them.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think trimming them now that they are on the engine is just going to ruin them. I could buy a new set of gaskets and start over but since this is just a cosmetic issue I think I will hit them with some chevy orange and call it done.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think trimming them now that they are on the engine is just going to ruin them. I could buy a new set of gaskets and start over but since this is just a cosmetic issue I think I will hit them with some chevy orange and call it done.


Agree. I just rebuilt with the Aluminum intake and the blue just stands out. But, with everything put back together I hardly notice or care anymore! I've noticed over time and engine heat, the blue tends to get darker...I could've hit them with some aluminum paint but decided to let it be.

Hey, at least I know they are new :thumbsup:

The non-metallic felpro intake gaskets would be much easier to trim btw. They are called Printo-seal I believe. Mr. Gasket has the non-metallic called ultra-seal too.