UPDATE scroll down to see that the issue was caused by improper installation instructions provided by Edelbrock
Hello all!
Well, I'm having issues installing my Edelbrock EFi intake in my 426 Hemi. Seems crazy to me, since I've installed so many intakes, but never on a hemi and with puny 1/4" bolts.
First, using Superformance gaskets - - no issues here
Issue #1, trying to get 35 ft lbs of torque - I can tell if the bolts are starting to cinch down, but with this install It never really clamps down solid. Using a torque wrench and I don't even get 20lbs
I've already broken two grade 5 bolts! Have to easy out those :(
Issue #2, I've had to pull the intake off twice already after torquing down the bolts - because of the two broken bolts.
Can I still use these gaskets?
What am I doing wrong? Help!
Just a thought.... are you sure the bolts are not too long and bottoming out?
Where did you get those torque specs??? I think factory specs are 72 in-lbs on the center 4 bolts and 48 in-lbs on the rest. That's INCH-lbs.
Mine is torqued to those specs with weak grade 2 bolts and sealing fine currently.
(Iron heads)
I hope I didn't mess up ft/lbs and inch/lbs. Well that's probably the issue. :'(
I checked the depth and they are not bottoming out, but that's a good point.
Can I reuse the gaskets in place?
Where did you get those torque specs? Here's the factory Hemi 426 intake torque specs that I use on my Cuda and Challengers.
Click to enlarge the photos...
Way too tight, you are lucky the bolts broke, that is the fuse that saves the threads in the heads. Hemi's are really tricky to torque down the intake on. I start in the middle and alternate side to side while working my way out, start at a low torque rating and be very patient. If you don't alternate side to side or work from the middle it is easy to cock the intake and never get it to seal. The gaskets take a long time to crush too so it takes a lot of cycles to get them to torque. When you think you have them, retorque them after a day or two of sitting then again in a week. Your gaskets should be okay, now is a good time to look them over for even crush or any other problems though.
Here's the intake bolt kit looks like. Not sure if they still make or sell this kit. :notsure:
Thanks everyone. I'll give it another shot tonight. With proper torque specs and a clearer mind.
If when you get it running the oil seems to be disappearing know that Hemi intakes are known for sealing problems....
I would run a tap into the holes & oil the threads , they are not an easy install , work slow .
I will do that for sure.
Quote from: Flatdad on March 26, 2018, 11:03:00 AM
Where did you get those torque specs??? I think factory specs are 72 in-lbs on the center 4 bolts and 48 in-lbs on the rest. That's INCH-lbs.
Mine is torqued to those specs with weak grade 2 bolts and sealing fine currently.
(Iron heads)
Ok, this may be the source of the issue. I followed the torque guidelines as per their instruction sheet. It came with the intake manifold. It states 35
ft lbs .
I just hopped on Edelbrock's website and did a search for installation instructions for manifold part number 7524, and 75245 which is the efi version of the dual quad hemi intake. They call for 8 ft-lbs (96 in-lbs). revised 5/5/2015.
A 1/4 bolt will not take 35 ft lbs , no wonder they broke off , Edelbrocks mistake
I'm going to call Summit and see how this will be handled. I have yet to pull out the second broken bolt. Hopefully it will come out without event. As for the threads being stripped, we'll see.
Definite mistake, I wonder if they were thinking it was a cast iron manifold when they knew it was aluminum?
When has anyone gone beyond 15ft pounds on an aluminum manifold?
Called Edelbrock and they are looking into it. I'll supply pics and a copy of the instructions to show them. I think the instructions were revised but unfortunately those never made it into my box.
I've never used a torque wrench on a B-RB intake but I bet they take 35lbs. To Chevy guys (like at Edelbrock) "they're all the same".
It would not matter if it was Alum or Iron a 1/4" bolt will never hold 35 ft lbs , you need 3/8" to take that torque .
:iagree: a typical intake held down with 3/8 bolts would often be tightened to 30ft lbs +
Edelbrock is a Chev based company , they reluctantly build parts for other makes but not with the variety or engineering , it took a lot of work to get the RB Victor heads fitted to a 440 , far from being a bolt on part .
:popcorn:
Sorry to hear of all your problems even with a company like Edelbrock there still can be serious issues.
This has become an important thread to follow. Wishing you the best outcome.
torque chart
https://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Bolts/US-Recommended-Torque.aspx
Talking to Edelbrock right now. I'm not looking for much, just new bolts and gaskets. But I did say that if the intake bolt holes/heads are stripped, that they will have to remove/repair/reinstall. They are taking responsibility so far. Will keep you posted on the outcomes.
Hopefully you won't have any damage.
After chasing all the threads, removing the gasket, re-cleaning, I installed the intake again with new gaskets. The new bolts seemed to grab and I tightened to a firm 3/8 rachet resistance. My torque wrench starts at 20 ftlbs so I couldn't get the required 8 lbs. Re-torqued by hand a few times and the Superformance gaskets settled quite quickly.
So far so good... :veryexcited:
Super, recheck after a few days and again a week after you start it and warm it up.
Glad it seems to be working :twothumbsup:
I had problems on mine the first time.
The second time, I used Copper spray gasket on the Fel Pro intake gaskets.
And just a little bit of high temp Silicone on certain spots.
Been fine since, But re torque may be necessary.