'69 427 Intake manifold gasket

[Don W.]

It's me again with the '69 427/390hp I purchased 2 weeks ago. I've got it in local shop trying to get it running correctly with coolant leaks, carb leaks, etc.

Anyway, the intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced as it was leaking coolant below the carb. The shop has replaced the gasket and on each side near the valve covers there is a piece of gasket sticking out with a bolt hole where no bolt goes.

Is this the proper gasket? If I get a cutter and trim the excess is that an issue or should I go for a different gasket?

Thanks for your assistance.

[Joe L.]

Re: '69 427 Intake manifold gasket

Don-----

Hard to say. There are just about as many slightly different gasket configurations as there are manufacturers. The chances are, though, that it's the correct gasket or it would not have bolted up, at all. Extra "appendages" are common on aftermarket gaskets.

If originality is of concern to you, I'd probably go for the Paragon gaskets. They're about as correct as you're going to find. If only functionality is important to you, you probably have what you need. You can certainly trim off any excess "appendages". However, don't trim off exposed gasket which is seen near the manifold center bolt holes. That needs to remain there to cover "ports" which are part of the heat crossover.