stock exhaust manifold on 1975

[cfarrell2]

I have a quick question, I am putting the stock exhaust manifolds on my 1975 bronco. They have been re-surfaced. Do I need to add a gasket or do I just bolt them on. Thanks

 

[needabronco]

I always use gaskets

 

[DirtDonk]

A lot of people use gaskets, like needabronco said.
I've never used a gasket on a stock cast-iron manifold though, and have never had a leak.

I would say that if yours have even been resurfaced and verified flat, that as long as your head's mating surface checks out flat with a straight-edge too, you could just mate them together gasketless.
If there are any irregularities or pits or some curvature though, I would definitely use a good high-quality gasket.

Anyone use the copper, aluminum or multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets with a cast-iron manifold? I know a lot of us use them with headers, but don't remember anyone discussing it with stock manifolds.

Paul

 

[cfarrell2]

Thanks for the quick replies. They are flat. I guess I can just try first without gaskets and if I get have a leak can put on a gasket.

 

[savage]

When I rebuilt my 460, both heads and stock manifolds were re-surfaced,was told to use gaskets,but when I did each side would leak at diferent times after 3 sets. I pulled them off took out the gaskets put back on, no gaskets no leak going on 3 years now.when I took them off to get re-finish they had no gaskets.

 

[Bronco Junkie]

I have gaskets on my exhaust manifolds.

 

[cfarrell2]

You guys have me confused now

 

[savage]

I would go a head and put it on using gaskets.If you have problems later try with out.