I'm installing a new engine 5.7 mercruiser 260 350 , I'm on the stage of installing Manifolds but on the new motor the paint covers where the gasket goes on the block my question is do i sand out the paint to install or could it go on top of paint? next question , ordered new gaskets for the raisers they are the 4" center with raw water cooling i got the gaskets with only two long holes and to small holes and I've seen some with 4 long holes which one its the correct one ? now im lost on where is port and starboard? left or right looking at the engine straight up? I ask because i have a long elbow and a short one to the Y exhaust . any help will be appreciated and feel free to throw in some pointers on installing an engine, I'm very mechanically inclined but some times the small details make a huge difference and are the ones most forgotten. like when I remove the drive without putting in forward gear first, I know, call me something!
