hi i just got my MSD Billet HEI distributer with new plugs and plug wires and it turns out i have a vaccum leak in my intake manifold. how would I repair that?

 

Do you know for sure where the leak is? If its a gasket you need to remove the intake and replace the gasket.

 

well they said its an intake gasket between the carb and manifold.

 

Simple repair, just repalce that gasket.There is only 4 bolts ans some linkage holding the carb on. Its a 15-20 minute repair

 

actually i guess the intake manifold has the vaccum leak and has to be taken apart and regasketed i guess. which will take about 4-5 hrs and cost about $300-350..is it worth getting it fixed or should i save that and use a little more to get a newer and better manifold?

 

Get a better manifold dude. And really, you should be able to replace that yourself as well. The gaskets cost $20 at most, just keep track of everything you take off and where it goes. It's really not that bad, I've done it probably 10 times already for various reasons. Might as well learn!

 

how much would it be for a better manifold with labor? would it be alot more? yeah but supposely i gotta take the manifold apart and then put everything back together..

 

Well, let's see... I believe you'll have emissions equipment on there, if you get a better intake you wont have to deal with that. Basically it's an issue of removing the carburetor, distributer, and alternator bracket, then the intake manifold. Then you just have to drop the new one on, bolt it down, and pop everything else back on. You can get the intake manifold you want for your new motor, the Edelbrock Performer, for $165 with all the gaskets from Jegs. http://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/2101K/10002/-1 It's not as complicated as you may think it is, I think you should try it yourself. If you prefer to pay someone else however, you'll have to check with a local mechanic and check the cost. I've never paid anyone to do any work on any of m vehicles, so I'm not too savy on that stuff.

 

ok i'll check the prices of labor just as a comparison. i want to try it but i dont have much time these days with work and college..:/