Exhaust System Replacement

[Tynan918]

Never replaced manifolds, installed headers, or any exhaust parts...removed exhaust manifolds for a engine pull once and wrapped headers before, but that's it when it comes to the exhaust system.

Should I buy the parts and have a shop install them (how much ?) or just install everything myself

Starting with the manifolds first...

Headers or OEM manifolds? If headers, can you give me examples or specs as to what I should be looking for while shopping for headers ?

 

[565bbchevy]

I'm getting mixed answers regarding whether or not I should use silicone on the gasket.. I'm being told to use copper silicone and I'm also being told that the gasket said I have is a set of copper crush gaskets and it will seal perfectly without silicone.. which one is true ?

You don't use a sealer for embossed copper gaskets but they have to fit your head ports and manifolds correctly to seal properly.

 

[Tynan918]

You don't use a sealer for these but they have to fit your ports correctly to work properly.
View attachment 207263

The specs...head casting numbers are 83-84 305 H.O. and the manifold part numbers are for Monte Carlo 84-88 SS...both square port.

Gasket set specs pictured...and square port.

Unless my head or manifold ports are damaged...

 

[spidereyes455]

Personally I've never had any luck with those copper header gaskets, they always leaked on me. I usually use the stock type manifold gaskets like the ones you took off. I even use them on headers and they work great. Myself I would probably return the new bolts and save a few bucks, from the pic your old ones look fine and a few minutes on a bench grinder with a wire wheel will have them looking almost new.

 

[Tynan918]

You don't use a sealer for these but they have to fit your ports correctly to work properly.
View attachment 207263

The specs...head casting numbers are 83-84 305 H.O. and the manifold part numbers are for Monte Carlo 84-88 SS...both square port.

Gasket set specs pictured...and square port.

Unless my head or manifold ports are damaged...

 

[Tynan918]

How should I clean the manifold and cylinder head exhaust ports where the gasket goes ?

Sandpaper or wire brush ?

 

[buick7332]

How should I clean the manifold and cylinder head exhaust ports where the gasket goes ?

Sandpaper or wire brush ?

View attachment 207287View attachment 207288

Wire brush or scraper. Never use sandpaper

 

[Tynan918]

Ok this gasket set came with rubber washers and I'm not sure how to use or install them with the gaskets and bolts...

 

[SSMonteMan]

I have no idea why there would be rubber o rings with header gaskets... those things would melt within moments of the engine starting up.

I looked up the instructions for those gaskets and found no mention of the rubber o rings.

I hope you didn't pay full retail price for those, by the way... there's better options out there, for your application, for far less. I use RemFlex gaskets for my headers. They work great.

Stainless hardware is fine. In fact the headers on my truck are installed with stainless hardware and have never needed to be re-torqued. I still check them regularly, but they've not come loose, unlike the grade 8 hardware on my g bodies.

 

[Tynan918]

I have no idea why there would be rubber o rings with header gaskets... those things would melt within moments of the engine starting up.

That's what I said too.. these things with melt it's with a running engine...

I looked up the instructions for those gaskets and found no mention of the rubber o rings.

 

[Tynan918]

I hope you didn't pay full retail price for those, by the way... there's better options out there, for your application, for far less. I use RemFlex gaskets for my headers. They work great.

I sure did... I've been asking here and I've been asking in a few Facebook groups and the responses wasn't quick enough.. all I knew was that I needed copper gaskets and if I had to pay 60 bucks for these that's what I had to do... But apparently these are high quality and will even seal warped heads and manifolds exhaust ports..