Original sbc engines did not use gaskets between the ex manifold and the head and the Center bolts were tight and the end ones not very tight, hence the locks on them. I believe this was to allow the manifolds to move as they got hot. All was good. Now I am using aluminum heads on my ‘62 corvette with stock manifolds. Do I use gaskets or not? Thanks for any wisdom you may have out there.
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Good question... different head/manifold material with different thermal expansion. I've never done this but two thoughts:
- Starting in 1986 L98 had aluminum heads. What gasket, if any, did they use? (Can't remember if they used cast iron manifolds.... maybe not).
- Install the manifolds without gaskets. If they leak, install gaskets you can easily slip in like these:
Mark Edmondson
Dallas, Texas
Texas Chapter
1970 Coupe, Donnybrooke Green, Light Saddle LS5 M20 A31 C60 G81 N37 N40 UA6 U79
1993 Coupe, 40th Anniversary, 6-speed, PEG 1, FX3, CD, Bronze Top
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