Manifold gaskets
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
From: Diamond Valley, Alberta
Manifold gaskets
Original ‘62 chevys did not use manifold gaskets, I’m replacing cast iron heads with aluminum heads. What is the best route, gaskets or no gaskets. GM also tightened the Center bolts to about 30 ft lbs and the outer bolts to much less so the manifolds could move as they got hot. Hence the locks on the outer bolts. I’ve never used aluminum heads on a sbc before, want to get it right the first time. Thanks for any input.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,479
Likes: 8,957
From: northern california
C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
If the exhaust ports on the aluminum heads have been machined to all lie in the same plane, and if the exhaust manifold ports are similarly all in one plane, I don't see a compelling reason to use gaskets.
