Hey everybody, I am considering adding to the plate. I have read that some of you prefer the hughes kit because it comes with more.
I hate the dorman kit, it is cheap quality at best.
I have always preferred the felpro gasket.
I am thinking of adding the felpro gasket set along with a good quality by-pass hose. Maybe a quality 180 degree thermostat and gasket.
Now here is the other question. I could source the intake manifold bolts and add them but I have used them personally over and over. I know adobedude has too. I also prefer the stainless bolts myself now as they look nicer and prevent that corrosion issue if by any chance you have to take the intake off again. We probably all had a rusted broke intake bolt to deal with before.
Any other suggestions would be helpful.

New kit would consist of:
Plenum plate and attachment bolts.
High quality fel pro gasket kit.
Gates by-pass hose.
Quality 180 or 195 degree thermostat and gasket.
Possible stainless steel intake hold down bolts.

Pricing would be around 100 plus shipping.

Let me know guys,

 

I just got your plate a couple months ago. I would have bought the full kit instead at the time, had it been offered then.

 

Kit would be better for those doing this. As for intake bolts I do think they should be included in the kit, you can get the MP ones for $8 for the set. I would include those in the kit to help keep the cost down and offer the stainless bolts as a opt. The MP bolts P4876772 are the same thing as the stock ones just cheaper priced. Also should include a small tube of loctite or pre-coat the bolts (plenum pan bolts).

Edit: Wrong area for this thread should be in the GD area.

 

+1 on kit w/felpro gasket, standard bolts, Stant Superstat. i'd leave the hose out, as many have already replaced water pump and hose.

would you want locktite? i'd think not...

 

^^^ For the plenum pan bolts yes, not for the intake bolts.

 

Locktite for pan bolts only.

Saving steps for cutomer to source intake bolts and gaskets would be helpful! I could go either way on bypass hose, but I always recommend to everyone to change water pump, hose, and tstat along with timing set while they are there.

What about offering a "master set" as an alternative to include timing and water pump?

 

i think if you can put together a kit with good quality parts for $100 plus shipping i think people would be interested. that would be $20 less than the hughes kit and you would be including the better quality parts. i don't know if you would necessarily need to include stainless steel intake bolts. i think stock type from the dealer might be good if they are cheaper. its not like most people plan on doing this more than once. i know i plan on doing mine after i get my tax return. might have to wait and see what happens with this.

 

+1 on standard intake bolte. I don't see the added value to ss bolt. I use anti sieze on them to prevent corrosion and make it easier should I ever have to pull it again.

 

I thought about doing this but was worried about the tq values being off using a lube on the bolts.

 

No problems with it so far. Rechecked torue at first oil change and after about 5000 miles.