What's the general consensus on the hardware for the intake manifold? I installed mine with hex cap screws and just using silicone under the heads and torquing them to spec. Wasent this what they came with from the factory? I didn't know if I needed a washer or lock washer

 

No washers needed for the bolts - just install and torque in sequence and to specs. I'm presupposing when you say, "Silicon under the heads" you mean the bolt heads? ( A little confused here, at first). If you feel it's needed, do it - can't hurt. Just be sure to re-torque the bolts after a few hours of running....the silicon might have become useless under torque and heat.

I don't believe FE motors came from the factory with sealant under the intake bolt heads.

 

I coated the bolts with Teflon paste, because I believe that some of the bolts pass through the water jacket. I installed an Edelbrock RPM manifold. I used arp bolts which came with washers, so I used them. I did have to shorten some of the bolts, because the Edelbrock is thinner in some areas.

 

Looking through Steve Christ's book, he does say to apply sealer under the bolt heads. I have not done this and have been leak-free.

 

No bolts pass through a water jacket and the book says nothing about putting sealer under the bolt heads. I should know given the amount of times I have done this the last year.

 

You could be right about the bolts not going through the water jacket, but page 137 does say to put sealant under the bolt heads. Unless we're talking about a different book.