LT-1 Exhaust manifold gaskets? Conventional wisdom?

[Gary S.]

While I recognize that my 40K mile 1972 LT-1 did not originally have block to manifold gaskets, what is the conventional wisdom on installing them since the manifolds are currently off? I also realize that most engine rebuilds get these gaskets but this car has a slim chance of being judged again. Just curious since this will be a recreational driver.

Thanks,

Gary

grumpa72@gmail.com

[Patrick B.]

Re: LT-1 Exhaust manifold gaskets? Conventional wisdom?

Unless your exhaust manifilds are warped, the gaskets add nothing. I have never used them.

[Steve G.]

Re: LT-1 Exhaust manifold gaskets? Conventional wisdom?

In my almost 40 years as a journeyman I have never used them. And I've never had a leak.

However, I have repaired leaks where someone has used them and blown the gasket out.

Steve

[Jim T.]

Re: LT-1 Exhaust manifold gaskets? Conventional wisdom?

Gary in all the years I have had with my bought new 1970 350/300 the exhaust manifolds never leaked. When I removed the 350/300 and installed a ZZ1 350/330 in 1992 that has aluminum heads I used my 1970's original exhaust manifolds. Stared up the ZZ1 engine and had a minor exhaust leak on both. Installed the type of exhaust manifold gaskets that came on my 1985 Corvette's engine. No leaks and no problems with the exhaust gaskets since installation in 1992.

[Gary S.]

Re: LT-1 Exhaust manifold gaskets? Conventional wisdom?

Well, I was just asking to see if anything had changed recently but obviously it hasn't. The 72 is back together without gaskets.

Thanks to all.

Gary

[Mark E.]

Re: LT-1 Exhaust manifold gaskets? Conventional wisdom?

That's good news.

Do they leak?

[Gary S.]

Re: LT-1 Exhaust manifold gaskets? Conventional wisdom?

Just fired it up enough to burn of the PreLube treatment and checked to see if my AIR tubes were leaking. Stay tuned. I doubt that they will leak since they didn't leak before but I had to ask even though I knew that the car never came with gaskets.