8T8T2

Have finished installing alum. heads but for the time being going to keep org. rams horn exchust manifolds. Would you install gasket or go metal to metal?

boredsoIstrokedit

My vote is for gaskets. Cant see a reason not to use them :confused:

dman535

use gaskets.

Smokehouse69

I used gaskets on mine, along with some Hi-Temp RTV. It's been about 3 months and 1500 miles and the gaskets are holding up fine, no leaks.

Edzred72

I'm not a expert by any stretch..but was currious to know why you would want to choke your new heads with stock ram horns? Why not headers?
Currious minds want to know! :confused: :confused:
Eddie

Budman68

Gaskets.....Weird combo though.

gerry72

Not really. I'm using Sportsman II heads with my stock (but ported) ram horn manifolds. No question that headers would make a significant difference but then headers don't look stock. There are plenty of examples of people making big power with iron manifolds (on either iron or aluminum heads) but, again, headers are a better bet.

You have to use a gasket when using iron manifold with aluminum heads due to the different expansion characteristics of the metals. Buick did this on their all aluminum V-6 and V-8s in the early sixties (and it would have worked much better if they had used a more robust casting at the down-pipe. These manifolds are so notorious for breaking at the flange that most muffler shops wouldn't touch them, or at least not without the customer's signed understanding that the flange would likely crack) so it's not exactly without precedent.

JIM

no gaskets on my Brodix's. and lots of miles. My only problem was when I put the al heads and mainfold on they disapated a lot more heat alot more quickly and buble the piant on my hood.

8T8T2

It was a tough decision sticking with the ram horns but I did clean up the internal casting blemishes, removed the air injector tubes and gasket matched the ports. I have read that a good clean up job and porting can give you 60 to 70% flow as compared to a decent header. I do plan on dual exhausts and cats once I get her running. Between new cam, new heads, new timing chain and gears, new intake and dual spal fans all in one project I'm about burned out. The headers will be next winter.
I know there were no gaskets on org. block and manifolds but didn't know if there should be when you mix and match.
Thanks for info. guys