Me again!! Intake gasket options.

I have a 400M that I got a Edelbrock 4 barrel and intake (Non-EGR) to replace the stock stuff. I got a new gasket, which is nothing but a fiber gasket against each head, and a cork peice for the front and back. When I pulled the stock intake off it has a full sheetmetal intake gasket/valley cover. There was silicon at each end, but nothing at all around the head/intake seal?

Should I reuse the stock cover and seal around everything?
Reuse the stock and only seal the ends like I found it?
Use the aftermarket gaskets and toss the sheetmetal cover?

Thanks,
CHAZ

Yeah, I also posted this on the HAMB, but I haven't gotten any responses.

"Bathtub" That's what it is commonly reffered to. I like them because they keep excess heat from the oil splash from overheating the manifold. I have run into M motor problems that the intake wouldn't clear it and pushed it down so port holes for intake and water ports wouldn't line up. If yours clears, use a Flepro set (not cheap) and an optional pre siliconed piece is available. Almost all of the Felpro sets have a tube of black rtv for water ports and as for intake ports, it's a matter of personal preference as to whether you put the rtv around the intake ports (go sparingly). If your manifold does not clear, "singles" can be used but be weary of extra heat on the bottom side of the manifold which transfers to the carb and so on.

Denny, I see that you like McCord for this. Wanna share some insight? I have just used the Felpros because I have never had a problem. McCord has been good, then again the counter person looks at me when I requested a gasket set for a certain app and asked for McCords because of the fit right set up.

I can live with that. I was curious about the belly of his manifold interfering with the "Bathtub" (valley pan) because I've been biten before because I was not thinking ahead and it got me.

On my 400, I use a combination of a cut down "bath tub", with a couple of holes punched in the bottom for oil drainage, and Fel Pro high performance gaskets for sealing my intake ports to heads. Most will also just use a thick bead of silicone at the front and rear of the intake. However, I prefer to use the gaskets that comes with whatever gasket set you choose.

I actually did a small write-up on this over on FTE, it is post #9:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/51...ghlight=turkey