Exhaust Manifold Question
 

I think I have a warped exhaust manifold or do bolts on an original 90,000 mile small block 350 come loose.Its loud when I start it and quiets down when the engine is warm. So, if I replace them anyone got recommendations of what to use and where to get them. I found a set at Speedway Motors with the correct angle base flange but are 195.00 and raw. I do not want to go the headers route.

Re: Exhaust Manifold Question
 

Kind of normal symptoms IMO for a motor with some mileage on it, some came without any gaskets from the factory. If you had them off you could check with a strait edge and maybe file them a bit to flatten them out. New gaskets, bolts and lock washers careful not to overtighten...I would stick with what you have over new stuff.

Re: Exhaust Manifold Question
 

Could also ask around for a machine shop (or wood shop) with a belt sander that has a solid table under the belt as long as your manifold is end to end, and take it there. Best way to get a truly flat surface, then it's like new. Can also use adhesive sandpaper on a long flat hardwood board and do it manually. I'd use gaskets on reassembly (might be worth checking to see if they are there - to notsolo's point - may be all you need with some home filing)

Re: Exhaust Manifold Question
 

I had a Buick that the flanges leaked. They were pretty pitted. I bought Versa-Chem part number 10160 and daubed it on the manifolds. No leaks for the two years I had it after that (sold it).

Re: Exhaust Manifold Question
 

Clean up the surface on the head and manifold, you may be good to go again. There are also some thicker gaskets out there that help seal up some of those irregularities

Re: Exhaust Manifold Question
 

Thanks for the help. Within the next year or two I be replacing the 359 with a redone small block 400 and as long as doesn't get to to bad till then I guess decide what to do then.