I made the mistake of re-using the stock metal intake manifold gaskets during my rebuild and I ended up with a fuel smell and issues with that. So I pulled the twins and both manifolds and the metal gasket from the LIM to the engine was wet and there was fuel getting past it.

Looking at new gaskets for the intake manifolds I came across these "thermal barrier" ones on ebay.



Does anyone have experience with them? They are cheaper than OEM, and are supposedly reusable, so if they seal well on their own, then I am sold.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/93-95...Q5fAccessories

 

There is some info in this thread: https://www.rx7club.com/single-turbo-rx-7s-23/thermal-barier-intake-gasket-801794/

I would recheck torque periodically as teflon is soft and does cold flow somewhat.

 

You used OEM gaskets on both sides of the plate. Did you use the thermal barrier gasket alone at all?

Pulling off the twins to get to the LIM bolts periodically wouldn't be worth it at all for whatever benefits they would give.

 

I've used them before and don't like the way they fit. I had to enlarge the holes to slip over the studs. These seem to make a bigger difference on na cars in my experiences.

 

What has your experience been on them sealing? Did they seal fine long term? Or did they require re-torquing periodically? I already ordered mine so hopefully loc-tite and a little extra torque will keep them sealing for a long time.

 

I had a customer that claimed they were reusable and insisted that he wanted them on the car. I didn't have an issue with that particular car but the gasket surface definitely had depressions from being tightened down. Also, if you have a fuel smell you most likely have more than a vacuum leak.

 

I used the oem steel gaskets on both sides of the phenolic plate, if that's what you are asking. The phenolic is very hard and flat and doesn't move at all. No sealing issues whatsoever, and re-torquing is not necessary. You could probably get away with using a sealer on the spacer with no gaskets per se; however, I have not tried it.

I cannot speak directly to the use of teflon gaskets as I have not tried them.

What I can tell you is that the use of thermal barriers makes a big difference in the spread of heat and the reduction of engine bay temps.

 

I would think you would see more benefits from ceramic coating. Radiant heat seams to be the main problem in these cars. I see your mentality, but I didn't need to use the stock gaskets in conjunction with the thermal barrier gaskets.