My biggest problem was the ac bracket. All bolts were out and i had to use a prybar to get enough clearance.

 

Good luck with the intake. As for the AC bracket, after loosening the 3 bolts you can use a pry bar against the block to bend it a little bit. If that doesn't work (it didn't work so well on mine) then you can use a ratchet strap to pull on the bracket and keep it out of the way to set the intake.

 

Note to self........ large prybar....

thanks

 

Unless you want to do the job again in the near future, use a Felpro gasket set MS98002T. It's a new and improved design, it's a little pricey but WELL worth it. If installed properly and the lower intake bolt threads are cleaned, oiled, sealed, and torqued in sequence to the proper torque, it will not leak.

 

Had computer issues so I was not able to update until now.

Repair went well, I would highly recommend Dtips to anyone doing this job.

Step by step perfect.

Thanks for the help folks.

jd

 

Rebuilt my 4.3 last summer, intake manifold bolts are very torque critical. torqe it to the specs and pattern, friend of mine master tech at GM dealer gave me a good hint. Torque once let sit for a hour then torque again, use a good torque wrench.
Have fun.