The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Intake Alignment Sleeves?

Are the alignment sleeves really necessary when mounting an intake/exhaust to a 216?

Thanks!

Well, there called alignment sleeves for a reason. Its easy to get the intake port openings in the intake misaligned enough with the ports in the head to cause sealing problems with the gasket if you don't use them. Many people have been successful in eliminating them because they were lost or just didn't know better and didn't have any bad results. But as they say "A blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while". I would use them if I were you, you might just save yourself a headache or two.

technically they aren't "NECESSARY" as can be confirmed by the nearly every other engine on earth that DOESN'T use them. However they are wonderful, they provide a nearly perfect, well "alignment" of the intake ports, and they make the assembly so incredibly much more easier. (which is why I'm thinking GM used them in the first place, purely speculation on my part) I'm wondering why you are asking, If you have them use them, if you don't have them, get them, they are cheap and easy to find. There was a fella here recently that offered a set up for "FREE", can't get a lot cheaper than that. Although I doubt that particular set is still available.