Pic: think this is my problem?

[Crazy91GSX]

hey guys... I dont know if any of you remember, but I posted the problems i was having with my car, and i think i have found it out. Here are the symptoms - I raced a buddy, everything went fine, until afterwards. I started to get on it, and the boost spooled almost immediately, but no power. The car would surge a bit, like the loss of fuel, then smooth out, but still had no power. Also, it started to have a pretty bad sound like valve clatter. Did a compression test, everything checked out fine, so checked all ic pipes for boost leaks, found nothing. Also ended up with 2 spark plugs in the #4 cylinder that ended up flat. No gap. Well, when i tore the car down, the only thing htat looked wrong was my intake manifold gasket. the far bottom 14mm bolt was missing right there and there is a crack in the gasket around have of the intake port (see pic). Anyone think this could be the cause of my problem? Maybe a boost leak, causing that cylinder to run lean?

 

[blue92laser]

That could very well be the problem. Replace it and see what happens.

 

[heavyD]

The leak would cause it to run rich.

 

[chicagoboostin]

same thing happend to me replace the intake manifold gasket, injector seals and o-rings

 

[PaleDSM]

The leak would cause it to run rich.

Bingo. I'd look into why you #4 spark plug was squished twice in a row.

 

[Crazy91GSX]

Bingo. I'd look into why you #4 spark plug was squished twice in a row.

I have been trying, but can't seem to find the problem. There are no marks on the piston (doubtful it could hit the plug without hitting valves anyway). All the valves are seated right where they should be, and the valve train is nice and tight. Everything looks fine. Anyone know what the problem could be?