Here is some pretty good insight on intake manifold gaskets related to the sealing issues on the 5.7L and other motors:
http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Arti...d_gaskets.aspx
Well I decided to change the infamous intake manifold gasket on my 98 C1500 with 108K miles. I have owned the truck since it had 20K miles on it. In the past I have replaced the water pump, heater quick disconnect fitting, alternator, AC compressor, and shocks. The biggest issue with the truck has been the premature distributer cap failure. To combat that, I have 2 caps. I take the corroded cap off and clean it with a soft wire brush on a Dremel. Keeps me from buying $45 caps all the time. Overall the truck has been a good truck. I have done all the work myself except for the AC compressor. I was traveling through Arizona and New Mexico in the summer when it disintegrated.
In addition to replacing the intake manifold gasket (MS98000T), I will be putting in a new 2 row radiator (Ready-Rad 0431334), new radiator cap (AC Delco 15982188), a new thermostat (Stant 14119), a new water pump (AC Delco 252-711) and a new heater quick disconnect fitting (Dorman 800-401). The water pump is 5 or 6 years old and the quick disconnect fitting was replaced with a dealer pot metal fitting. The Dorman 800-401 fitting looks to be stainless, though it may just be polished steel. Parts were purchased from Amazon and Rock Auto. I have been working on cars most of my life and consider myself an average home mechanic. I did take some classes in automotive repair at a community college in the late 90's. I have a fairly good assortment of tools. I am also purchasing the 1/2" 14 NPT tap (Vermont American 20374), the quick disconnect removal tool (Lisle 62200) and a heater hose removal tool (OTC 6046). Can't miss the opportunity to gain a few more tools. I anticipate all the parts will be here in 2 weeks. My goal is to complete the job on the weekend of 3-4 March depending if all the parts are here.
I will follow the instructions in this thread along with Suburban 97's web site:
http://www.market-place.com/intake/intake.htm. I will also take some pictures and post then here or send them to Suburban 97 for inclusion on his web site. I have access to online auto repair manuals so that should help.
See you in a couple weeks with an update!