Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This video documents everything I've learned regarding how to get an Oldsmobile aluminum intake manifold to seal up against aluminum (or iron) heads, and how to install heli-coil thread inserts to repair damaged or weak head to intake bolt threads in aluminum heads. This same repair procedure will work for repairing threads in almost any aluminum part for the most part.
0:37 Introduction to my intake & why I needed to repair threads in new heads
2:19 Chasing threads with a bottoming tap
2:48 The starting point and why I don't like Edelbrock's beaded #7284 intake gaskets, or their method of putting the intake on without sealant
(in their defense, my leak was likely caused by impropper clamping from pooly installed heli-coils, not their product or procedure)
5:21 Set the intake on dry and what to check
5:36 How to install Heli-Coil thread inserts into the Olds aluminum heads on the car: drilling out the old hole with the correct 25/64 bit
7:47 My first mistake with drilling the holes
8:56 tapping out the hole with the tap included with the Heli-coil kit
10:17 Installing the Heli-coil
11:47 Breaking off the installation tang and retrieving them
12:48 Modifying needle nose pliers to retrieve the tang
13:07 How my mistake at 7:47 made the installed Heli-coil too tight
15:33 What is a Heli-coil removal tool and where to buy it
16:23 Showing a bottoming tap for the threads for the Heli-coils
16:56 How I fixed the repaired holes that were too tight
17:15 How to check your intake manifold bolt lengths
17:58 Propper Heli-Coil installation illustration
19:26 Which intake manifold gaskets I prefer for ported BBO heads and why
21:22 How to glue the intake gaskets to the heads first, and let them set up
21:41 Which Permatex RTV did the Permatex Corporation recommend for my application?
21:47 Installing the intake manifold and torquing it in two stages
22:52 Thoughts on the install and showing the result
23:20 A list of supplies needed to install Heli-coils (screenshot it)
24:15 A through 10 step Heli-coil installation procedure (screenshot it)
26:00 Check the intake manifold for warping
26:32 Check the intake manifold for flatness
27:33 9 General Tips for installing an Aluminum intake manifold on an Oldsmobile V8 (applies to other brands too)
28:28 Closing thoughts
29:00 A few videos of my car doing fun stuff
Special thanks to Smitty from M&J ProFormance for the tech help and guidance!
This video documents everything I've learned regarding how to get an Oldsmobile aluminum intake manifold to seal up against aluminum (or iron) heads, and how to install heli-coil thread inserts to repair damaged or weak head to intake bolt threads in aluminum heads. This same repair procedure will work for repairing threads in almost any aluminum part for the most part.
0:37 Introduction to my intake & why I needed to repair threads in new heads
2:19 Chasing threads with a bottoming tap
2:48 The starting point and why I don't like Edelbrock's beaded #7284 intake gaskets, or their method of putting the intake on without sealant
(in their defense, my leak was likely caused by impropper clamping from pooly installed heli-coils, not their product or procedure)
5:21 Set the intake on dry and what to check
5:36 How to install Heli-Coil thread inserts into the Olds aluminum heads on the car: drilling out the old hole with the correct 25/64 bit
7:47 My first mistake with drilling the holes
8:56 tapping out the hole with the tap included with the Heli-coil kit
10:17 Installing the Heli-coil
11:47 Breaking off the installation tang and retrieving them
12:48 Modifying needle nose pliers to retrieve the tang
13:07 How my mistake at 7:47 made the installed Heli-coil too tight
15:33 What is a Heli-coil removal tool and where to buy it
16:23 Showing a bottoming tap for the threads for the Heli-coils
16:56 How I fixed the repaired holes that were too tight
17:15 How to check your intake manifold bolt lengths
17:58 Propper Heli-Coil installation illustration
19:26 Which intake manifold gaskets I prefer for ported BBO heads and why
21:22 How to glue the intake gaskets to the heads first, and let them set up
21:41 Which Permatex RTV did the Permatex Corporation recommend for my application?
21:47 Installing the intake manifold and torquing it in two stages
22:52 Thoughts on the install and showing the result
23:20 A list of supplies needed to install Heli-coils (screenshot it)
24:15 A through 10 step Heli-coil installation procedure (screenshot it)
26:00 Check the intake manifold for warping
26:32 Check the intake manifold for flatness
27:33 9 General Tips for installing an Aluminum intake manifold on an Oldsmobile V8 (applies to other brands too)
28:28 Closing thoughts
29:00 A few videos of my car doing fun stuff
Special thanks to Smitty from M&J ProFormance for the tech help and guidance!
