Trimming gaskets and TB Spacer

[Hoytster]

I'm installing the TFS Top End Kit (Street Heat) and it came with a Fel-Pro gasket set. I did do some very light port work on both the upper and lower intakes, but that was just to smooth out the port openings, clean up the casting, and match the ports. Not much material was removed, but even before I did the port work the intake gaskets needed at least a 1/16th" (some spots need almost a 1/4") removed from all sides so as not to intrude into the intake ports. The exhaust gaskets also needed a good 1/8" trimmed off the lower portion of the port openings to match the head's.

I'm also installing a TFS 3/8" spacer, and that also needs material removed to match the port openings.

Overall, I have a good 4-5 hours of work into cutting these gaskets and matching them, as well as dremeling the intake spacer openings. Just curious as to how many of you guys had to trim your upper and lower intake gaskets, exhaust gaskets, and intake spacer to match your port openings like I did?


The pics below are of my engine bay and my "Parts Room". Still got plenty of work to do!

 

[RIO5.0]

I always match the ports myself....there always off some..

Here's a 93 Cobra...ports are a ways off the the Fel-Pro gasket..Well worth fixing to me...

This is my GT40 Im putting on...I opened the TB opening from the 65 I had to the 75 going on....I bolted it all up and just couldn't leave the mismatch..Plus I enjoy doing this kinda stuff anyway..
The lower ports were pretty decent compared to the Cobra..

With the TB on I get a mint fit all the way thru...

 

[zenboy99]

I just put on a Holley Systemax intake with a 3/8" spacer and Accufab 75mm throttle body. I had to trim everything up as well. The amount of overlap you had seems about exactly what I had as well.

 

[Hoytster]

Nice pics RIO5.0. Funny, I did the EXACT same thing with the tape and bolts to line up my gasket for marking.

When I took off the stock cobra intake I noticed how the stock gasket was overlapping into the ports, you could see where the gasket was sitting by the carbon build up. The exhaust gaskets were even worse.

I like doing this type as thing as well. I know if I left it the way it came, that's all I would think about after I was done with the install. It has to be good for a few HP also. I would think having the gasket protruding into the port would hurt the flow numbers for that port and cause alot of air turbulance, which MAY affect the fuel mixture, but maybe I'm wrong.

 

[ES Stangin]

Rio, That intake sure is coming along! Looking great

 

[69clark]

Yeah, looking sweet!

 

[RIO5.0]

Rio, That intake sure is coming along! Looking great

Throwing the bolt in there is the best way...


Ya, I'm kinda liking it just the way it sits....I'm not gonna paint the tubes...Bought a 45 deg sweep, 4" to 3" swedge, and some 4" & 3" SS tubing on the way to make a nice polished CAI for it... Gonna run 4" tube for 8" or so then the swedge, and the rest 3" to the TB... No more painting for awhile...
Should look pretty horny...