Hi all members owning 3rd Gens

I have been looking for a source of improved manifold gaskets to suit 3rd Gens

The problem with the standard gasket is that it allows excessive heat to transfer from the engine, reducing the efficiency of cold air intakes
They also do not seal well between between inlet runners

I have been offered a professionally made laser - cut manifold gasket that helps solve these problems

The specs are: - Made from compressed aramid fibre, mineral fibre and NBR elastomer
Max continuous temp rating 250DegC, peak 400DegC

The same applies for the TB gasket where the coolant also heats the manifold through the TB warm-up idle circuit - so you can get a better, sooner idle and a cooler manifold

The member cost for single quantity is Manifold $45 incl. delivery, TB $25

For quantities of 100 it would be $35 and $20 respect. incl. delivery

AMC would carry stock if there is sufficient interest, so let us know your views

As a first suggestion we could have a draw where the winner gets his/her gasket/s free if the 100 orders are reached

Cheers, Barry

I'd be interested in the inlet manifold gasket.
Just received the TB gasket etc thanks.
What about sourcing the EGR gasket as well to complete the set ?

Def interested dude. Your mods rock!

Max continuous temp rating 250DegC, peak 400DegC


Just out of curiosiy here, what temp do our engines normally operate at? From just idling to hammering the crap out of it. Any ideas?

after i get tax back i'll be up for all u'r items barry

I'd be interested in the inlet manifold gasket.
Just received the TB gasket etc thanks.
What about sourcing the EGR gasket as well to complete the set ?

Hi Scorpion
Good suggestion - I will have an EGR gasket made available with every order for an EGR type engine

Cheers, Barry

im interested...when can i get it?

I'm in. Details???

I'm keen.

Always interested in the little things that make my car run that little bit better.

im interested...when can i get it?

Hi SYNRGY and all those currently with posts below

We will need another week to give all members a chance to see this thread and post their intention to order

Then there is about 21 days lead time required for the manufacturer, to send drawings, delivery, etc. so all up it will be about 33 days

So, if all members can POST IN THIS THREAD their order for the gaskets they need, then AMC can decide if there are sufficient numbers to carry the gaskets in stock

Remember that whenever you need to replace your rear spark plugs ( or if you want to upgrade them all soon ), that NOW is a good opportunity to order the manifold gasket as well

Thanks, Barry

yeh im definitely interested in both!

ok ill wait! let me know when they are ready!!

Yes I'm interested.

Hi Barry,

How, if at all, are these different from the gaskets we've seen on here before? (http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20522) (apart from apparently being half the price)

with gasket, do you mean the rocket cover gasket? If so, i am in need for one.
Also would love to have a TB gasket

Im an engine noob ;)

Also need o-rings, but i guess i will get them from Mitsi

nah i take it is the plenum and throttle body gasket to reduce the heat transferred from these components...by using these gaskets it will reduce the plenum temperature by a noticeable amount of degrees.

Very interested

with gasket, do you mean the rocket cover gasket? If so, i am in need for one.
Also would love to have a TB gasket

Im an engine noob ;)

Also need o-rings, but i guess i will get them from Mitsi


Hi El3ment
SYNRGY is correct - the rocker cover gasket is for sealing against oil leaks, although it could also be interesting to come up with a replacement with better specs and sealing qualities - one to look at for the future

Cheers, Barry

On a stock engine with no intake or exhaust mods, what will be the advantage?

Sounds like a cool idea (hahaha pardon the pun :P ) but just wondering if its worth me getting them or not...

Hi Barry,

How, if at all, are these different from the gaskets we've seen on here before? (http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20522) (apart from apparently being half the price)

Hi cthulhu

The phenolic ones are spacers that usually require longer bolts and some careful fitting, whereas the AMC ones fit exactly without any modification - and have an improved seal against air leaks too

Cheers, Barry

another question barry

i take it that your ones are alot thinner than the rpw phenolic spacers

will it reduce the heat by as much as the phenolic ones?

On a stock engine with no intake or exhaust mods, what will be the advantage?

Sounds like a cool idea (hahaha pardon the pun :P ) but just wondering if its worth me getting them or not...


Hi Poita

The TB gasket will help you to reach correct idle sooner, and won't transfer as much heat to the upper inlet manifold from the coolant, seals better

The inlet manifold, with gasket fitted, will remain cooler for longer from a cold start and helps reduce hot air entering the engine - even better if you also get a CAI, and seals better

Cheers, Barry

so what do i have to do to gets one man

another question barry

i take it that your ones are alot thinner than the rpw phenolic spacers

will it reduce the heat by as much as the phenolic ones?

Hi SYNRGY

I havn't done a direct comparison, but for cost-effectiveness the AMC type would be hard to beat
Also I have made sure that they can be fitted simply and no problems for DIY's

Cheers, Barry

Sounds like a worthwhile mod. Consider this my EOI :)

so what do i have to do to gets one man

Hi Twunka
In a couple of weeks when we know the gaskets are on their way, Flava will ask for money to be sent in, and we will have a draw, the winner getting his/her purchase refunded

Thanks, Barry

Hi Twunka
In a couple of weeks when we know the gaskets are on their way, Flava will ask for money to be sent in, and we will have a draw, the winner getting his/her purchase refunded

Thanks, Barry

you sir are a king amongst men, most ppl would just be like "yeah here it is $40.00 plz" but atleast u support the club man

well done on being a good person :D

What about the 2.4 litre 3rd gens???
im tipping they will be diff for V6's, not sure so excuse my ignorance!! lol

What about the 2.4 litre 3rd gens???
im tipping they will be diff for V6's, not sure so excuse my ignorance!! lol

Hi Matty
Thanks for pointing that out
They would be different but I have yet to do one for a 2.4L

When I get time I will do one and post the info in this thread

I'm guessing that there wouldn't be 100 in the club to qualify for the quantity buy, so I will probably do them on request

Thanks, Barry

Hi Matty
Thanks for pointing that out
They would be different but I have yet to do one for a 2.4L

When I get time I will do one and post the info in this thread

I'm guessing that there wouldn't be 100 in the club to qualify for the quantity buy, so I will probably do them on request

Thanks, Barry


Yeh no worrys mate, thought that was the case!!
Oh well ill see how the V6 boyz go with it, but would be great if u could do them on request!!

Cheers :thumbsup:

Just a quick Q.

I was thinking of getting the fuel rail mod as well, but as this uses the heat transfer from the manifold to heat the fuel wouldn't this mod not work with these spacers that keep the manifold cooler??? :think:

Just a quick Q.

I was thinking of getting the fuel rail mod as well, but as this uses the heat transfer from the manifold to heat the fuel wouldn't this mod not work with these spacers that keep the manifold cooler??? :think:

Hi Craig - good to see you have it up there for thinking :thumbsup:

It's OK though because the fuel rail is mounted to the LOWER manifold which is under the UPPER inlet manifold

The gasket goes in-between the two

(A-a-a-and he can spell and articulate, too) :bouncin:

Cheers, Barry

Ah. If only I took the engine cover off. :redface:

After years of pulling my old v8 commodore apart, I look at the magna engine bay, shake my head, then close the bonnet. :D


It's OK though because the fuel rail is mounted to the LOWER manifold which is under the UPPER inlet manifold

Any progress on the insulating manifold gaskets Barry ?
Very intersted.

While I'm here I fitted the earthing kit over a week ago (with a small amount of scepticism) and noticed that the car is much more "willing" to drive. Good torque off the mark and no hesitation while accelerating. (standard TJ2 auto)
Looking forward to putting on the other "Barry" mods.

These gaskets are 'almost' confirmed as on the way so we will be calling for those interested to help out the Club a little by pre paying for their order. I wish that Merchandise was a bottomless pit of money and that we could stock everything for you guys but that just isnt the case. Watch this space...

hmm ok, Im up for one of each!

Is there a link somewhere with all Barry's products? Im interested in this earthing kit and someone mentioned a fuel rail mod?

Cheers
Pete

Any progress on the insulating manifold gaskets Barry ?
Very intersted.

While I'm here I fitted the earthing kit over a week ago (with a small amount of scepticism) and noticed that the car is much more "willing" to drive. Good torque off the mark and no hesitation while accelerating. (standard TJ2 auto)
Looking forward to putting on the other "Barry" mods.


Hi Scorpion
The sample gaskets have been sent to the manufacturer, so it's all looking good
I will post up as soon as I hear more

Thanks for letting us know about the kit
Cheers, Barry

Ah. If only I took the engine cover off. :redface:

After years of pulling my old v8 commodore apart, I look at the magna engine bay, shake my head, then close the bonnet. :D
hahahah. My fiances dad did that. I had a problem with my alternator, and he's opeded up the bonnet (all holden fan boy, knows everything about holden engines so assumes he knows about all engines) and you can just see this absolute puzzled look on his face followed by "That's stupid" and walks off lol.
When i first got my TR all my mates couldn't work out why my motor was around the wrong way, some didn't even know it was FWD lol.

Im assuming the TB gasket isnt hard to fit, but whats involved in fitting the other one? Is it a faily easy DIY?

Cheers
Pete

hmm ok, Im up for one of each!

Is there a link somewhere with all Barry's products? Im interested in this earthing kit and someone mentioned a fuel rail mod?

Cheers
Pete


Hi Pete

I have listed the kits in tech torque http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showpost.php?p=559963&postcount=192

Cheers, Barry

Im assuming the TB gasket isnt hard to fit, but whats involved in fitting the other one? Is it a faily easy DIY?

Cheers
Pete


Hi Pete

The TB gasket has 5 bolts and you only have to remove the air intake to get to it

For the inlet manifold, it is removed with 7 bolts and nuts at the front, and ~4 bolts at the rear

Once that is done you also have access to the rear fuel rail and spark plugs

Tools needed are socket set and ring spanners

The ground tuning kit can be done separately and only needs removal of the air intake assembly and engine cover, etc

All kits come with detailed instructions

Cheers, Barry

Got my TB done on the weekend with the help of Brett Madison. Connected up my EL gauges too. The gauges look great and i can feel a difference with the TB grinded out and polished. I cant wait to get mi CAI in the mail and fit it.

I got mi mags last week too!!! I will post pics if wanted. Ebay job, $600. Need to get tyres though. Any advice on choice of tyre?

Im assuming the TB gasket isnt hard to fit, but whats involved in fitting the other one? Is it a faily easy DIY?

Cheers
Pete

12mm socket, 10mm ringy, 6pack Beam and Cola, 'bout an hour.

Ok Folks, it's order time!

How do you order?
Send a PM to Flava (http://www.aussiemagna.com//forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=719) with the following information:

Your Forum Name
Your Real Name
What you want (ie Manifold Gasket or Throttle Body Gasket or Both)
How you'd like to pay (Direct Deposit is prefered)
Your Delivery Address
Your Email Address

PLEASE NOTE: As AMC is 'not for profit' we don't have funds laying around waiting to buy things for you guys, as such we are depending on you pre-paying your order to help us get the stock so there may be a short wait beyond what is usual between ordering and delivery. Thanx.

Manifold Gasket = $35 inc Delivery
Throttle Body Gasket = $20 inc Delivery
Both = $55 inc Delivery

We have also sourced the EGR gasket. This will be supplied to those members with 3.5L engines who request it.

Merchandise will also be running a Gasket Draw in conjunction with the sale of these gaskets.

Here's how it works:
You order a gasket/ gaskets.
I put your name in the draw.
When we get 25 orders, we'll run the draw.
I draw a name out and if it's you, then you get your purchase refunded (you could also take a credit towards other merchandise)
Then we start over and wait for another 25 orders. Those entered in the original draw will stay entered (except the winner, no need to get greedy)
It's that easy!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to potentially get something for nothing.

Ok Folks, it's order time!

How do you order?
Send a PM to Flava (http://www.aussiemagna.com//forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=719) with the following information:

Your Forum Name
Your Real Name
What you want (ie Manifold Gasket or Throttle Body Gasket or Both)
How you'd like to pay (Direct Deposit is prefered)
Your Delivery Address
Your Email Address

PLEASE NOTE: As AMC is 'not for profit' we don't have funds laying around waiting to buy things for you guys, as such we are depending on you pre-paying your order to help us get the stock so there may be a short wait beyond what is usual between ordering and delivery. Thanx.

Manifold Gasket = $35 inc Delivery
Throttle Body Gasket = $20 inc Delivery
Both = $55 inc Delivery


Hi Everybody
The gaskets are ready to proceed, so all those who want them please place your order now

Just to recap - the new type gasket material is much better than the thin standard plastic type

They are made to seal better and are re-usable

To all those who drive a 3.5L and have an EGR pipe (exhaust gas recirculation that dilutes the air-fuel mixture) we are giving you an improved design EGR gasket FREE with your order to reduce the excessive soot from the exhaust.

It is easily fitted - just 2 bolts on the back of the plenum - you lucky 3.0L drivers don't have EGR :dancin:

The existing gasket is made of metal and can show signs of corrosion

Also don't forget if you get your money in NOW to Flava you automatically get an entry into the draw - the winner gets his/her gasket/s purchase refunded

So, good luck

Great work guys.

Just a quick one - do all 3.5s have EGR?

And if they don't, how could we tell if ours do?

Great work guys.

Just a quick one - do all 3.5s have EGR?

And if they don't, how could we tell if ours do?

Hi Dave

AFAIK all Aussie 3.5L's do have EGR - you can tell by looking at the driver's side rear plenum (intake manifold)

If you have a 20cm gold-coloured pipe about 20mm Dia. going from the plenum down to the rear exhaust then you have EGR

Cheers, Barry

My order's in - money sent.

Baz, installing kits and stuff over the next week or so - let you know by PM more details soon. :D

Thanks to all the guys that have prepaid their orders
Anyone else wanting these gaskets, they will ship very soon and dont forget you also have the chance to get your gasket order for free.

The filthy moular is in the bank !!!!!!!

Can anyone pls enlighten me :bowrofl: , are the TB gasket and Manifold gasket the same shape for the 3Gs? the same between 3lt and 3.5lt engiine?

Cheers

Can anyone pls enlighten me :bowrofl: , are the TB gasket and Manifold gasket the same shape for the 3Gs? the same between 3lt and 3.5lt engiine?

Cheers

Yes, the 3.0L and the 3.5L are exactly the same

How are these coming along? My money has been in for a few weeks now...

Cheers
Pete

I've been told by the company manufacturing these gaskets that they are on the production floor at present and should not be too far away from being shipped to me. You guys have all been so patient and I thank you for that. I'm leaving for MM06 on Friday so they will probably arrive at my address while I am away. I'll get to shipping them out to you guys as soon as I get home.

Just an update for you guys:
The good news is I took delivery of the gaskets today.
The not so good news is that you guys still have to wait a little longer. I'm leaving for QLD and MM06 at 4am tomorrow morning and so wont be here to post them out. I also need to get Barry to inspect them and make sure they are 100% correct for you guys.
Thanx to all of you for your patience.

:D
No problems!
Thanks heaps for all the work guys!
Looking forward to fitting them! My first engine mod... and it wont even make it go fast! lol
Cheers
Pete

After a bit of messing around, a lot of waiting, a Quality Control check (to make sure we get a product that is right for our cars) and a fantastic trip to QLD for MM06 for me, I'm happy to inform you that all orders for gaskets shipped out from here yesterday.
I'd love for you guys to leave some feedback after fitting your gaskets, and if you're happy then please tell others. This helps us by moving the stock we have and also helps you by getting the draw for the freebie happening that much quicker.

After a bit of messing around, a lot of waiting, a Quality Control check (to make sure we get a product that is right for our cars) and a fantastic trip to QLD for MM06 for me, I'm happy to inform you that all orders for gaskets shipped out from here yesterday.
I'd love for you guys to leave some feedback after fitting your gaskets, and if you're happy then please tell others. This helps us by moving the stock we have and also helps you by getting the draw for the freebie happening that much quicker.

Thanks dude, I was just wondering last night when these would be sent, but I didnt want to PM you, as I thought no doubt you would be getting hammered by people asking the same thing.

EDIT: Where were they sent from? Im hoping they may arrive today If youre not too far away, that would give me something to do on the weekend.

Thanks dude, I was just wondering last night when these would be sent, but I didnt want to PM you, as I thought no doubt you would be getting hammered by people asking the same thing.

EDIT: Where were they sent from? Im hoping they may arrive today If youre not too far away, that would give me something to do on the weekend.
I'm in Sydney, there may be a chance you would see it today, but more than likely early next week.

Sydney......sweet!

Most of the stuff I have sent from sydney has arrived the next day :)

*crosses fingers and cant wait until check mail box when gets home*

Thanks heaps mate! Can't wait to get them in! My first engine mod! lol

Thanks for all your work guys, I have a Fuel Rail Kit sitting around aswell as I am going to install these at the same time.

Hi Guys

I have actually installed the plenum gasket on to an AMC members car and it fits perfectly

The laser cut is extremely accurate and the finished look has just an edge of blue to compliment the TB gasket and give your engine that extra appearance

It can be re-used several times and seals well on the inlet runners

Cheers, Barry

Ive installed the gaskets last nite, all in all the car seems to want to coast more with less throttle, but that is most likely due to me cleaning a whole lotta filth/dirt/gunk from my throttle body.

Felt the intake mainfold when I got to work today, still pretty warm, not sure how how it used to get though, so I guess ill just have to see how things go.

Ive installed the gaskets last nite, all in all the car seems to want to coast more with less throttle, but that is most likely due to me cleaning a whole lotta filth/dirt/gunk from my throttle body.

Felt the intake mainfold when I got to work today, still pretty warm, not sure how how it used to get though, so I guess ill just have to see how things go.

Hi Gas...

Thanks for installing the gaskets and supporting the club

The Throttle Body Insulator kit is a 1.5mm thick gasket made of compressed aramid and mineral fibre, inorganic and NBR elastomer
It has enlarged ‘land areas’ for increased strength

It is designed to reduce the heat conducted from throttle body to inlet manifold, and to improve the airtight seal between them
You lose approx. 1% of power for every 2.7 Deg rise above operating inlet air temp
It is easy to fit – it simply replaces the existing gasket without the need for any modification, and is re-useable

Remove the air intake from the filter to the TB
There are 4 bolts holding the TB at the front and 1 on the bracket at the side

When starting from cold, the manifold will remain colder for longer, but you should also get improved warm-up idle that is reached sooner
You can test this by placing your hand on the rear passenger side of the inlet manifold near the TB, both before and then after fitting the gasket

Eventually the manifold will get hot due to the bolts holding it to the engine, the steel mount bracket at the rear, and under bonnet heat soak when the vehicle is parked - but not to the peak temps as previously

3.5L Magnas also have the EGR pipe from the rear of the plenum to the hot exhaust pipes

Air-flow temps are improved when the car is moving, cool air is entering the engine intake and the coolant is circulating through the engine


The Inlet Manifold Insulator kit is also made from high quality aramid and mineral fibre, and is designed to reduce the heat conducted from engine to manifold, and to provide a better seal between adjacent air inlet runners

It is held by 5 bolts and 2 nuts at the front, and 3 bolts at the rear mounting bracket. It is also re-useable

3.5L engines also have 2 bolts holding the EGR pipe with a metal gasket
Replace it with an aramid fibre insulating gasket from the kit

If removing the fibre EGR gasket, identify it with a marker pen so that it is refitted in the same way that it came off

If you want further improvement, check that the exhaust pipe has a dark grey to black colour

A white to light grey colour could mean that the engine is running lean, which can cause high engine temps
A black sooty pipe (too rich) can run cool because the excess fuel is quenching the combustion
In this case check that the TPS is correctly grounding the idle circuit when the throttle is at rest

Cheers, Barry

So theoretically if I use some heat-shrink insulating plastic on the bolts on the mainfold and TB and some sort of insulating washers under the heads of the bolts, I can reduce the temp of the manifold even more?

You could even try to re-make the intake manifold out of carbon fibre...then you would have allot less heat transfer. :D But realisticlly I don't think you will get a noticable difference with insulating washers...

You could even try to re-make the intake manifold out of carbon fibre...then you would have allot less heat transfer. :D But realisticlly I don't think you will get a noticable difference with insulating washers...

I know, but if Im under there on the weekend and I have the parts laying around in the shed anyway its only gonna take 2 minutes to undo a few bolts and slip some washers and heat shrink on em I may as well give it a go.

I know, but if Im under there on the weekend and I have the parts laying around in the shed anyway its only gonna take 2 minutes to undo a few bolts and slip some washers and heat shrink on em I may as well give it a go.

Ofcourse give it a go. But I think you will find heat shrink isn't a good heat insulator, especially with the small amount you can add before the bolts become to think to refit.

But it's something to do I guess and it isn't costing you anything. :D

Are these gaskets still available for sale?

Are these gaskets still available for sale?

Same here, ive got a plug change coming up soon so i might as well do these as well while im at it if they are still available.....

Same here, ive got a plug change coming up soon so i might as well do these as well while im at it if they are still available.....



Same here.

yeh they are got them put in ma car by barry bout a week agooo!

These gaskets are still available for purchase. Send me a PM letting me know what you want and a delivery address and we'll go from there. Please be a little patient with me as I'm on holidays (having a great time btw) and am in the final stages of planning my wedding.

These gaskets are still available for purchase. Send me a PM letting me know what you want and a delivery address and we'll go from there. Please be a little patient with me as I'm on holidays (having a great time btw) and am in the final stages of planning my wedding.

Okay great, will PM you in the next couple of days, thanks.....enjoy the rest of your break and good luck with the wedding plans.

Gregories says I may need to drain the coolant... do I?

Cheers
Pete

Gregories says I may need to drain the coolant... do I?

Cheers
Pete

No draining reqd - simply remove old gasket and replace with new one

Gregorys is based on removing the entire TB from the car, whereas with the gaskets all youre looking to do is unbolt it, put it aside for a second, remove metal gasket, install rubber one then bolt the TB back on.

Thanks heaps guys! :)

Finally got rund to fitting mine today, did a big job on the engine with plugs etc etc.

Will take it for a few spins before i comment:D

Merchandise will also be running a Gasket Draw in conjunction with the sale of these gaskets.

Here's how it works:
You order a gasket/ gaskets.
I put your name in the draw.
When we get 25 orders, we'll run the draw.
I draw a name out and if it's you, then you get your purchase refunded (you could also take a credit towards other merchandise)
Then we start over and wait for another 25 orders. Those entered in the original draw will stay entered (except the winner, no need to get greedy)
It's that easy!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to potentially get something for nothing.

Hi to all those who purchased gaskets through me, Flava has offered to include you into the draw, so if you want to be in it - drop Matt a simple PM saying so

Good luck, Barry

Well I'm glad thats over and I have all 3 gaskets installed!

Now for my list of grumbles and hiccups I came across:

1) I could not find anywhere in Gregories which showed where or what the EGR pipe was. I could only see one pipe coming up and bolting onto the back of the plenum on the drivers side which looked like the right shape, except the center hole on the factory metal bracket was heaps bigger than the new. I ended up putting it there anyway as I couldnt see where else it could go.

2) The mechanic who did my timing belt etcetc tightened the nuts and bolts on the plenum WAY to tight. Factory settings should only be 17nm which isnt that much when I used the torque wrench. There are 2 studs sticking up on either side which you screw a bolt down on. When I was doing the drivers side one up it wouldnt even go firm, the stud just came out and I could see where it had taken the aluminium from the bit underneath. :rant: :rant: So I have no idea what to do about that. Help anyone? :cry:

3) Then I couldnt figure out how to get the throttle cable off of the TB so I could remove it from the car to clean it. In the end I gave up and twisted the TB around and used the spray can of TB cleaning stuff with it still in the car.

So now everything is back together except for that %&*$^$ stud and i have no idea what to do there.

Well I'm glad thats over and I have all 3 gaskets installed!

Now for my list of grumbles and hiccups I came across:

1) I could not find anywhere in Gregories which showed where or what the EGR pipe was. I could only see one pipe coming up and bolting onto the back of the plenum on the drivers side which looked like the right shape, except the center hole on the factory metal bracket was heaps bigger than the new. I ended up putting it there anyway as I couldnt see where else it could go.

2) The mechanic who did my timing belt etcetc tightened the nuts and bolts on the plenum WAY to tight. Factory settings should only be 17nm which isnt that much when I used the torque wrench. There are 2 studs sticking up on either side which you screw a bolt down on. When I was doing the drivers side one up it wouldnt even go firm, the stud just came out and I could see where it had taken the aluminium from the bit underneath. :rant: :rant: So I have no idea what to do about that. Help anyone? :cry:

3) Then I couldnt figure out how to get the throttle cable off of the TB so I could remove it from the car to clean it. In the end I gave up and twisted the TB around and used the spray can of TB cleaning stuff with it still in the car.

So now everything is back together except for that %&*$^$ stud and i have no idea what to do there.

you can try and re tap it or go to the wreckers and get a inlet manifold.

that same situation happen to me went and got one for about $75 from the wreckers.

if that is not tight it may affect the performance of your car.

Well I'm glad thats over and I have all 3 gaskets installed!

Now for my list of grumbles and hiccups I came across:

1) I could not find anywhere in Gregories which showed where or what the EGR pipe was. I could only see one pipe coming up and bolting onto the back of the plenum on the drivers side which looked like the right shape, except the center hole on the factory metal bracket was heaps bigger than the new. I ended up putting it there anyway as I couldnt see where else it could go.

2) The mechanic who did my timing belt etcetc tightened the nuts and bolts on the plenum WAY to tight. Factory settings should only be 17nm which isnt that much when I used the torque wrench. There are 2 studs sticking up on either side which you screw a bolt down on. When I was doing the drivers side one up it wouldnt even go firm, the stud just came out and I could see where it had taken the aluminium from the bit underneath. :rant: :rant: So I have no idea what to do about that. Help anyone? :cry:

3) Then I couldnt figure out how to get the throttle cable off of the TB so I could remove it from the car to clean it. In the end I gave up and twisted the TB around and used the spray can of TB cleaning stuff with it still in the car.

So now everything is back together except for that %&*$^$ stud and i have no idea what to do there.

It sounds like you did well in the circumstances - you did (1) correctly

(2) Can you take it back to that mechanic and see if he will do the right thing by tapping and fitting a new stud?

(3) This is how most peeps do it

Barry

It sounds like you did well in the circumstances - you did (1) correctly

(2) Can you take it back to that mechanic and see if he will do the right thing by tapping and fitting a new stud?

(3) This is how most peeps do it

Barry

Phew.

I found a bolt, spring washer and nylock nut that fitted. Did it all up and took it for a drive around the block... all seems to be ok. Will it do the job?

Cheers, Pete

Should be sweet. Its not like you will be undoing it next week or a few months down the track. Unless you decide to do your plugs and leads :)

you can try and re tap it or go to the wreckers and get a inlet manifold.

that same situation happen to me went and got one for about $75 from the wreckers.

if that is not tight it may affect the performance of your car.

Either re-tap it or as stated go to a wreckers and get a LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD
I did it to mine and re-tapped myself. I also did up way too tightly 2 of the upper intake manifold bolts and haad to re-tapp them. Luckily you can get a kit for these( requires drilling out previous hole to set size {cant remember size exactly} then screwing in a bolt that snaps off a new thread into it which runs your standard intake manifold bolts) not for the outer 2 bolts/nuts though.
I have had no probs though.

When i was taking my top plenum on and off heaps whilst making my custom plenum early last year, i decided to "helicoil" the lower manifold bolt holes and the 2 stud holes cos it stripped a few holes out with the constant bolt removal.

Since fitting helicoils ive had no thread problems at all BUT be warned... remove the lower manifold from the car so that 1) no alloy swarf can get in to the engine and 2) its a damn lot easier to drill out the holes (to 8.3mm and then tap the threads with the special helicoil thread tap) and then fit the helicoils with the manifold off the car because the larger holes must be drilled square so the helicoils screw in square and thus allowing the original bolts and top plenum (or custom plenum) to fit back on properly. Its not hard if youve used helicoils before, if you havnt just dont rush the job.

A added bonus of fitting helicoils is that the chances of stripping the alloy lower manifold out ever again is very low because the stainless inserts are stronger. :)

mine started to pull one of the studs out when I did mine a week ago, so I took both studs out and got a longer bolt with an allen key head which goes all the way through, stops short of sticking out the bottom of the holes, might not be the best solution but it worked for me.

Hiya, Barry.

Have installed the gaskets already. Have several questions that keep forgetting to post.

1) The 2 nuts that are securing the engine block down, I cannot get them in. Would that be a problem?

2) When putting my car in for a service, do I need to tell them not to change the gaskets?

3) Is the trottle body gasket so hard to fit? Struggle for about an hour to get it fitted properly and had to improvise with screw drivers etc to hold it in place while tightening the bolts.

Thanks

Hiya, Barry.

Have installed the gaskets already. Have several questions that keep forgetting to post.

1) The 2 nuts that are securing the engine block down, I cannot get them in. Would that be a problem?

2) When putting my car in for a service, do I need to tell them not to change the gaskets?

3) Is the trottle body gasket so hard to fit? Struggle for about an hour to get it fitted properly and had to improvise with screw drivers etc to hold it in place while tightening the bolts.

Thanks

Hi Techno....
1) If you are talking about the nut on each end of the plenum, and if the 5 bolts go in OK, you could have the gasket upside down - just flip it end-for-end
When correctly fitted, you will be able to see just a thin edge of the blue gasket showing at the front
Normally you just match it up with the old gasket as it comes off and fit the new one back on the same way

2) yes - definitely tell them that, and when you check you car, you will be able to tell as in the blue line above in (1) The gasket is re-usable

3) What you normally do is a) Hold the TB in your right hand as you remove the last bolt
b) While holding the TB about 5mm away from the inlet, remove the old gasket with your left hand and immediately replace it with the new one
c) Press the TB back into position and replace the bolts and tighten - usually takes about 10 Mins
Cheers, Barry

Phew.

I found a bolt, spring washer and nylock nut that fitted. Did it all up and took it for a drive around the block... all seems to be ok. Will it do the job?

Cheers, Pete

Mate you could be getting a small vacuum leak and not know it. However saying that i re-tapped two of the more central threads as some looney decided that doing them up tighter than needed was the right thing to do.........WRONG. In regards to the EGR have a look to the rear of the intake plenum just near the throttle body and if your car has the EGR you should see it. I know my 3.0L TF doesn't. Also with the throttle cable there's a couple of ways. Just undo the bracket that holds throttle cable on intake planum, then roll throttle on and by hand and manouvre (spelling) the cable towards passenger side then back towards the the firewall and presto!!. Oh and go the HAYNES MANUAL nothin you can't find in that little bugger.


BUT be warned... remove the lower manifold from the car so that 1) no alloy swarf can get in to the engine and added bonus of fitting helicoils is that the chances of stripping the alloy lower manifold out ever again is very low because the stainless inserts are stronger. :)
Mate tell me about it i tried the other way of doing it on the vehicle.........luckily for me i stuffed all intakes with old sheet then realised when it was too late. Lets say what should have took 20-30mins took about an hour just making sure that all grit was vaccumed off before i removed any cloth.:flame:

Hi Techno....
1) If you are talking about the nut on each end of the plenum, and if the 5 bolts go in OK, you could have the gasket upside down - just flip it end-for-end
When correctly fitted, you will be able to see just a thin edge of the blue gasket showing at the front
Normally you just match it up with the old gasket as it comes off and fit the new one back on the same way

Argh! That means I have open it up again!! GRRRR!:shock: Hmmm, no blue colour showing!


2) yes - definitely tell them that, and when you check you car, you will be able to tell as in the blue line above in (1) The gasket is re-usable

Cool. So no need to spend more $. Must remind them definitely that case.


3) What you normally do is a) Hold the TB in your right hand as you remove the last bolt
b) While holding the TB about 5mm away from the inlet, remove the old gasket with your left hand and immediately replace it with the new one
c) Press the TB back into position and replace the bolts and tighten - usually takes about 10 Mins

When I did my TB, there was hardly and space to move. But hey, big hands as well. Anyway, think that one is ok.

Thanks

Hiya, Barry.

Have installed the gaskets already. Have several questions that keep forgetting to post.

1) The 2 nuts that are securing the engine block down, I cannot get them in. Would that be a problem?
2) When putting my car in for a service, do I need to tell them not to change the gaskets?

3) Is the trottle body gasket so hard to fit? Struggle for about an hour to get it fitted properly and had to improvise with screw drivers etc to hold it in place while tightening the bolts.

Thanks

Hi - recd your pic - thanks
(1) Do you actually mean 2 BOLTS of the 5 that hold the plenum and the engine block to the large black steel bracket at the back ?

If yes, then loosen all remaining bolts of the 5 bolts holding the black bracket (plus 2 smaller bolts holding the gold-coloured pipe if you have EGR)

You should then find that by moving the black bracket around slightly, you will be able to get all bolts in

BTW the pic shows the left side of the gasket appearing to be fitted OK - so if the right side (hidden from view) is the same, then all you need to do is the 2 bolts at the rear and you're sweet

Cheers, Barry

are the inlet manifold gaskets still available?

are the inlet manifold gaskets still available?

Hi Arnie
Yes, the gaskets are available and in stock
The inlet manifold gaskets are $35, or $45 for the complete set that includes throttle body and EGR gaskets, incl postage

If you PM Barry with your details, I will send them to you

Thanks, Barry :thumbsup:

Hi All AMC owners of 3rd Gens

The Gasket sets have been very successful and the number left should see out members needs

To celebrate, I am offering a package of the 2 kits

The Temp Tuning Gasket set plus
The Fuel Rail Tuning Kit for $80 incl delivery

to the next 10 club members to ask for them

PM me direct with your order

( for those who have previously bought the same 2 kits I will credit you with $15 ) and it can go towards the electrical earthing kit if you don't already have one

Cheers, Barry

You seem to have quite a gathering for your mods/product Barry ! Count me in as well.

You seem to have quite a gathering for your mods/product Barry ! Count me in as well.

Hi lookout

Thanks for the rap, and also reminds me that the previous post has the fuel rail temp tuning kit PLUS the full manifold and TB gasket set at $80, but this has now been reduced to $70 incl postage

(It is better to do both kits at the same time - so you will only have to remove the plenum once)

Also, I was wondering if any members out there would like to have another donation draw (ie - where you send AMC a donation of, say... $5 and I will put up both of the above kits as the prize)

This can be one way to show our appreciation for all the hard work that went into setting up the new AMC website

Let me know back by post via this thread

Cheers, Barry

You seem to have quite a gathering for your mods/product Barry ! Count me in as well.

Hi Lookout

Yes, I will put you on the list - and if you are ready to order you can PM me for where to send the $70

I will need your full postal Name & address

Please include your AMC name (or your post code) in the sender's details for tracking purposes

Delivery will be ~ 3 w.days after funds deposited

BTW can you confirm that you have the 3.5L engine, and do you intend getting a hi-flow air filter?

Thanks, Barry

Are these still available?

I think i may need both, definitely the TB.