John, My Indie got off the intake today and found the gasket between the intake and heads completely gone on one side and half gone on the other...so that has no doubt been contributing to the backfiring and lean running.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.