Edelbrock 60069 Heads

[machoneman]

Jim, good to hear feedback. A suggestion: enlist someone to help when plopping that big intake back on. Heck, even in aluminum....it's a bear! 

[blykins]

I would skip the RTV altogether.....

Use the Right Stuff, TA-31, Dow-Corning silicone, or similar.  Put a small smear around every port on the heads, lay the gaskets down, then set the intake on it and let it sit overnight.  Go back the next day, smear some more on the gasket around the ports, lay your beads down for the end gaskets, then set the intake on, start the bolts, set the distributor (make sure intake is centered around it), then tighten her down. 

[JimNolan]

I would skip the RTV altogether.....

Use the Right Stuff, TA-31, Dow-Corning silicone, or similar.  Put a small smear around every port on the heads, lay the gaskets down, then set the intake on it and let it sit overnight.  Go back the next day, smear some more on the gasket around the ports, lay your beads down for the end gaskets, then set the intake on, start the bolts, set the distributor (make sure intake is centered around it), then tighten her down.

When I said RTV I meant "The Right Stuff". I called NAPA earlier today and they had two calk containers of it. They laid one back for me. I'll do it like you suggest. One more day after all this isn't going to hurt me. Thanks, Jim

[JimNolan]

Update:
   Just to let you guys know, the engine is back together. I noticed one thing this time that was different from the first time I put it together, the intake bolts dropped right into place and tightened by finger without moving the intake around to get the bolts in. Have no idea how it lasted for 20K miles like it was, but it did. I can rev the engine now without making smoke. It still has 17 inches manifold pressure and the gauge still acts the same as before. Taught me a lesson. Thanks again everyone. I'd never have thought the vacuum gauge wouldn't have indicated a vacuum leak.

[machoneman]

Great! Happy FE'ing!