Intake

They generally are no tougher, other then their physical size and shape when setting it down. However, some things I have seen

If the heads or block are cut, sometimes the intake bolts will hit the top of their own holes and keep it from seating. Pulling a bolt or two while still torqued down you can look down the hole and look for marks on the intake and a severely uncentered thread in realation to the intake

If the heads or block are cut, sometimes the end gaskets can keep it from seating, although I havent run into that.

I am not sure what you run for an intake, but stock Ford alum intakes sometimes have a crossover that burns out and can allow a crack to develop from heat. Streetmasters can crack from overtorquing.

Trying to think what else, med riser gasket on a low riser port would be a pretty good leak, maybe worse than what you are seeing though

I'd say its probably got to come apart, but worth checking. RWJ has a smoke machine for checking for leaks, but not sure where you could find one.

Other than that, I'd say you found the murder weapon, now you need to see how it was used.


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- 70 Fastback Mustang, 489 cid FE, TKO-600 5 speed, 3.70 9 inch
- 71 F100 shortbed 4x4, 397 cid FE, headers, Street Dominator, 280H, 5 lug Dana 60, 4 speed