Best Exhaust Manifold Gasket?

[Dan30thz28]

Hello,

I'm thinking about putting a new gasket to replace the driver side exhaust manifold gasket that's presently on my 1970 Cutlass SX with a 455. I wanted to know what brand of gasket would be the best one to go with. Thanks!

Sincerely,

_________________

Dan Maldonado

1970 Olds Cutlass Supreme SX- Triple Black 455 4bbl, W-25 Hood with OAI, 3.23 posi w/W-27 Aluminum Rear Cover, Hurst Dual Gate PL, PB, PW, Glovebox Trunk release.

[Guest imported_Julian]

Go with solid copper...I forget who mans those though...

[Guest copper128]

Dan, Olds didn't use exhaust manifold gaskets from the factory. The freshly machined surfaces of the manifold and head didn't require a gasket since they do not contain liquid. You can have the port side of your manifold re-surfaced by any machine shop, then thoroughly clean the head flange around the exhaust ports and just bolt it on bare like they did at the factory. If you're worried about it, a VERY light smear of hi-temp silicone on the flanges will seal the deal. If you really want to use gaskets, FelPro makes a quality foil-faced graphite/steel mesh gasket, but be prepared to tighten the bolts frequently to keep them sealed as they "take a set".

[Dan30thz28]

Copper,

I'm thinking about just going up to headers, so should I follow the same procedure? I planned on getting the heads polished and ported, getting headers, x-pipe and larger diameter pipe up to the mufflers. The machine shop taking care of the heads would resurface the exhaust flanges on the heads, correct? Thanks and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

[joe_padavano]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Copper,

I'm thinking about just going up to headers, so should I follow the same procedure? I planned on getting the heads polished and ported, getting headers, x-pipe and larger diameter pipe up to the mufflers. The machine shop taking care of the heads would resurface the exhaust flanges on the heads, correct? Thanks and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely, </div></div>

No. Gaskets are mandatory on headers. Get the copper embossed gaskets, they're the best. Also, a machine shop will not normally resurface the exhaust flange of the head since it isn't as critical sealing surface as the head gasket surface.