Stock exhaust manifolds to head gasket

[John Hogan]

I have always run my stock manifolds with no gasket. When I bought my latest project I didn't hear any exhaust leaks but now that I am reassembling the engine, after getting the heads back from the machine shop, it seems a but of rust has eaten away the surface between the center ports. I believe I already know the answer but would you recommend using exhaust gaskets to be sure this seals. The manifold surface is pristine.

 

[MWbirdLOVER70]

I have always run my stock manifolds with no gasket. When I bought my latest project I didn't hear any exhaust leaks but now that I am reassembling the engine, after getting the heads back from the machine shop, it seems a but of rust has eaten away the surface between the center ports. I believe I already know the answer but would you recommend using exhaust gaskets to be sure this seals. The manifold surface is pristine.

View attachment 1857795

I did and I would myself. I cut the extra gasket material away and only used the area for the ports on the gasket

 

[John Hogan]

I did and I would myself. I cut the extra gasket material away and only used the area for the ports on the gasket

Any recommendation on brand of gasket?

 

[GTXDAN]

Remflex
Summit Racing

Remflex Exhaust Header Gasket Sets 6027​

Part Number: RFL-6027

$39.03
Remflex Exhaust Header Gasket Sets
Exhaust Header and Manifold Gaskets, Stock Port, Graphite, Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth, Small Block, Pair
See More Specifications | Check the Fit

 

[Macdon221]

As GTXDan says above...use remflex.

My experience...other's will leak or blow out after a short period of time.

 

[Billccm]

Remflex cannot be cut, bent, or trimmed. Great product.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

Manifold to head, that little bit of pitting... No gasket....

 

[Billccm]

Just re-read. Intake is the question, or exhaust?

 

[John Hogan]

Remflex cannot be cut, bent, or trimmed. Great product.

Hmm, as per MWbirdLOVER70 's comment I was hoping if I needed a gasket to use one that I could cut the extra gasket material away and only used the area for the ports on the gasket. That way the gasket wouldn't be so obvious on a stock build.

Just re-read. Intake is the question, or exhaust?

Exhaust, slight pitting of the head should show in the picture.

 

[John Hogan]

Manifold to head, that little bit of pitting... No gasket....

Do you think it would be useful to apply a small bead of Permatex Max Temp Red Gasket Maker or Ultra Copper Maximum Temperature RTV around the ports? I really don't want to have to remove the exhaust manifold to fix a possible leak after the motor is in the car.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

Do you think it would be useful to apply a small bead of Permatex Max Temp Red Gasket Maker or Ultra Copper Maximum Temperature RTV around the ports? I really don't want to have to remove the exhaust manifold to fix a possible leak after the motor is in the car.

RTV won't hurt anything but I doubt it's needed...

 

[69ChargerR/TSE]

Do you think it would be useful to apply a small bead of Permatex Max Temp Red Gasket Maker or Ultra Copper Maximum Temperature RTV around the ports? I really don't want to have to remove the exhaust manifold to fix a possible leak after the motor is in the car.

Shouldn’t need with remflex gaskets.
Feel free to reach out to the manufacturer.

 

[MWbirdLOVER70]

Any recommendation on brand of gasket?

I like the Felpro like metal looking and looks perforated

 

[MWbirdLOVER70]

Do you think it would be useful to apply a small bead of Permatex Max Temp Red Gasket Maker or Ultra Copper Maximum Temperature RTV around the ports? I really don't want to have to remove the exhaust manifold to fix a possible leak after the motor is in the car.

I did dry

 

[Krooser]

We use hi- temp silicone on 800+ hp dirt track cars with zero failures.

Yes I was a doubter to until I saw it with my own eyes.