Intake manifold install questions - RTF? plastic heater pass-through?

[hydroman]

Hello everyone. I just bought a gorgeous 2001 TC with 51K miles as a replacement for my outstanding 94 Grand Marquis (currently 145K miles, but showing his age). Although the original plastic intake is still under warranty for another year, I'm replacing it this weekend as we are taking some summer trips across the blazing southwestern deserts. I got the NAPA manifold kit that has the aluminum crossover, built-in gaskets and everything else needed. I found lots of good info about the install on this site, but I have two questions:

1) Should I use RTF or another sealant around the built-in gaskets? The NAPA guy said it is not necessary, but I would like more opinions.

2) The manifold has a heater pipe connection at the rear end that is plastic. The instructions sound like not all cars use this - I'm not sure if mine does or not. If so, seems like this would still be a weak area prone to rupture - but I havent seen anything on the web about this happening. Do all the upgraded manifolds have a plastic heater pipe pass-through? If it is not a cause for worry, I won't - but I dont want to go through all the effort to have it rupture in that location if there are manifolds that are aluminum reinforced in that location. Anyone know about this?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[ClaudioA89]

I'm surprised you did not get one answer....

[98TC-Cartier]

OEM and aftermarket parts come with instructions for a good reason. Follow them. Sometime the lack of responses to soliciting bad advice is a good thing. ;)

There is only one aftermarket replacement manifold and it is made by Dormond.

[ptmh]

I just replaced mine on 1998 TC. The fracture was the intake pipe you refer to! A hose from the heater core connects to it. I replaced the hose and spring clip - used a screw thread clip. It does seem like a weak spot, but so far so good and I didn't over tighten it. I used no sealants just relied on the built in gaskets. No leaks there either. The documentation with the new manifold warned against reusing gaskets. Good luck.