Cascade Crew

[Magman]

Removed the HSR manifold today to fix the oil leak and noticed a couple things that don't look right. First, a few of my rockers are not centered on the valve tip. I'm not talking about contact patch but simply centered. I'm running AFR 190's, guideplates, hardened pushrods with 1.6 CC Pro Magnum rockers. Just doesn't look right to me, what do you guys think?

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k206/IROC-magman/1rockers.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k206/IROC-magman/2rocker.jpg

Next is the Felpro 1205 intake gasket; it doesnt line up with the ports like it should. The top of the gasket is 1/8" high and the bottom of the gasket protrudes into the runner by 1/16". When I put this together two years ago these were the gaskets recommended. Thoughts?

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k206/IROC-magman/2runner.jpg
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k206/IROC-magman/1runner.jpg

Magman

[Magman]

Damn, I just checked AFR's website and it turns out I was using the wrong gaskets. The 1205's are for the 195 castings . The 190's (mine) use 1256 or #1204.

Hopefully I just found some free HP!

From AFR's installation section:
3) INTAKE GASKETS:
Important: Do not port match you intake manifold to these below gaskets, as they do not exactly fit AFR cylinder heads. Fel Pro #1206 standard gaskets should be used for 210, 220, & 227 heads. Fel Pro 1205 gaskets should be used on the 195 heads. Raised runner 215 heads use Fel-Pro #1263. This gasket is a trim to fit style. Fel Pro #1256 or #1204 should be used for 190 heads. A small amount of silicone is recommended around the water ports and on the bottom of the intake ports. Late model LT-1 reverse cool applications use GM gaskets or Fel-Pro #1284. On some applications it is advisable to eliminate the cork end gaskets and use a bead of silicone instead.

[Twilightoptics]

Alright... First problem:

Rocker misalignment.

Pretty safe bet it's the guideplates.
I know when I put the supplied guideplates on the Pro Topline heads... I had to flip them over, move them around, etc to get them to fit just right. Might look into that.

Second:
The 1205 gasket is a perfect fit for the HSR. If you run a 1206 you could very easily run into sealing problems on the intake itself. If you run a 1204, you'll likely get the blue seal into the port itself causing yet another seal problem.


Run a 1205 and you'll get a good seal on the intake. It's not going to matter all that much where the intake sits on the head, because that is where it's going to be based on head height, mill of the block, etc. With 190's, the ports may be a bit smaller than the HSR. If you were to do anything maybe round the head ports a bit but I wouldn't worry about it myself. I think too much emphasis is put into port matching in an effort to find cheap HP.

When I put mine on, I use a small amount of gaskecinch on the intake gasket in spaces no where near the ports (IE between water jacket and ports). I set the gaskets on the heads so they don't move around much. I don't let it cure fully.

Then I run my beads of silicone(Right Stuff or Napa Even Bead) along the block ridges. Place the intake on the head in as close to the proper position as you can. Then I run 4 bolts... 1 in each corner just to get the threads started.

Now you can look down the ports of the HSR with a flashlight and see where the gasket is. If you can't see the gasket, you're golden. If you can, adjust it a little by using a screw driver down the port, or along the outside of the intake.

I've had mine on and off a dozen times and never had an oil leak or vacuum leak this way.

Hope it helps.

[Twilightoptics]

Don't go to a 1204, you'll likely cover up the intake ports which is worse than having part of it hit the head.

[Magman]

Thanks. I see where some "attention to detail" will help. I'll move those guideplates around and see if I can get the rockers centered better.

Do you think this might have been the cause of my "noisy" valve train? I've had numerous people (self proclaimed mechanics) check my engine over for the mysterious ticking. Most all attributed it to loud injectors.
I think I've checked everything possible besides changing the damn injectors (which I'm doing now). I've re-set my valve lash a few times and even ground down each of my intake bolts just havent found the noisy culprit.

1205's got it!

[izcain]

I agree with Twilightoptics about the guide plates. That to me seems like the logical thing that would make the rockers sit to one side a little more since everything else should be centered.