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Exhaust Manifold gaskets?

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Old Feb 1, 2002 | 02:04 PM
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Default Exhaust Manifold gaskets?

I just called my nearest Chevy dealer and he told me there arent any gaskets, its just metal to metal, is this true? If so, they are going on tonight! :D Then I will have many :cheers: These are for my car, 79 L-82. Got the old headers off, will post pics if anyone wants to come pic them up, old Headmans I believe some small repairable holes in them.


[Modified by VetteBoy1979, 12:04 PM 2/1/2002]
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Old Feb 1, 2002 | 02:25 PM
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Default Re: Exhaust Manifold gaskets? (VetteBoy1979)

There is no way they are metal to metal. I am rebuiding my L-48 1978 and I have exhaust gaskets in my gasket set.
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Old Feb 1, 2002 | 02:38 PM
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Default Re: Exhaust Manifold gaskets? (78dave)

I just called another dealer and he said that they were originally done from the factory metal-metal. I asked him if I should use gaskets and he said it depends on the shape of the manifolds. I told him they were brand new and he said to put them metal to metal. Guess you learn something new everyday.
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Old Feb 1, 2002 | 02:40 PM
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Default Re: Exhaust Manifold gaskets? (VetteBoy1979)

The original exhaust manifolds for many years did not come from the factory with gaskets, yes metal to metal.
But in my case when ever I take manifolds off I do put gaskets in due to scaling on the surface and imperfections.
If you are going to headers definitely use a good quality set of gaskets and bolts.
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Old Feb 1, 2002 | 02:50 PM
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Default Re: Exhaust Manifold gaskets? (BLT-71)

FYI, Im going from header to manifolds. I was thinking that if I just cleaned the block surface well I should be ok going metal to metal, right? :confused:
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Old Feb 1, 2002 | 02:55 PM
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Default Re: Exhaust Manifold gaskets? (VetteBoy1979)

FYI, Im going from header to manifolds. I was thinking that if I just cleaned the block surface well I should be ok going metal to metal, right? :confused:
Right, just check the manifolds with a good straight edge to make sure they are not warped. Chevy did not use gaskets on the exhaust manifold to head joint as they would burn through after awhile and you would develope leaks, just ask any one with headers.

tom...


[Modified by Tom73, 12:58 PM 2/1/2002]
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Old Feb 1, 2002 | 03:26 PM
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Default Re: Exhaust Manifold gaskets? (VetteBoy1979)

I was advised by several people to just use a small amount of hi-temp silicon sealer, if it made me feel better. :)
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Old Feb 1, 2002 | 07:10 PM
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Default Re: Exhaust Manifold gaskets? (Smokehouse69)

Agree with everyone else. According to my restoration books, no original C3 came from the factory with exhaust manifold gaskets.
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Old Feb 1, 2002 | 07:16 PM
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Default Re: Exhaust Manifold gaskets? (VetteBoy1979)

The two surfaces heat up so fast that so long as they are true there is no leakage what so ever!
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Old Feb 1, 2002 | 09:51 PM
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Default Re: Exhaust Manifold gaskets? (killain)

I removed the headers from my '70 and was informed here that since '67 or so GM didn't use any gaskets. When I put the new ram horns on I didn't use a gasket....sealed good. Just torque them to the proper specs. 20-25ft# I think---but check on that. I also used the SS bolts.

I also remove the manifolds on my '89 sub's 350 and viola----no gasket there either. Put the metal to the metal :jester
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Old Feb 1, 2002 | 10:42 PM
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Default Re: Exhaust Manifold gaskets? (VetteBoy1979)

No, they did'nt come with gaskets "originally". I DO KNOW for a fact once you have used them you cannot go away from them unless you remove the head and manifolds and have them "machined down"(if you had the metal type "Victor" gaskets). Seems they leave a rough and bumpy surface when "uninstalling" them. Tried removing them on my '68 last year and it sounded practically like I had open headers!!! Ended up putting a new set of gaskets back on!!! :yesnod:
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Old Feb 1, 2002 | 11:46 PM
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Default Re: Exhaust Manifold gaskets? (Paul Borowski)

If you have any sealing doubts...You can ink the manifold surface, and "rub" it around the block a bit. File off any shiny spots(which would be high) on the manifold. You probably don't need to do that, but just in case... :)
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