Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

[Domenic T.]

Where can I get the right gaskets for my 67 BB? I have a set of fel-pro gaskets that are un-opened . They were for the cast manifolds but look like header gaskets.
I am going to coat the manifolds after bead blasting. I know that ruffels a few feathers but can any one recomend a good coating or high temp paint?
The guy at Allens exhaust says that there is a powder coating that looks good also.

DOM

[Joe L.]

Re: Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

Where can I get the right gaskets for my 67 BB? I have a set of fel-pro gaskets that are un-opened . They were for the cast manifolds but look like header gaskets.
I am going to coat the manifolds after bead blasting. I know that ruffels a few feathers but can any one recomend a good coating or high temp paint?
The guy at Allens exhaust says that there is a powder coating that looks good also.

DOM

DOM------


Gaskets between the exhaust manifolds and heads were NEVER originally used on a Corvette big block. In fact, they were never originally used on a small block, either, except when they went to tubular type manifolds for the 1980 model year for LG4 applications.

If you want some anyway, they are usually supplied in rebuilder-type gasket sets. You might even be able to purchase them individually at auto parts stores.

Some 8.1L truck applications of the 2,000's used a multi layer steel exhaust manifold gasket. These will work on 65-74 Corvette applications with very slight modifications if one desires a gasket.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

Joe,
Now that you mention it I am trying to think back to the early days.
I stone blocked my surfaces and they are true.
I don't want gaskets if they were not there in the first place.
I would like to sneak a sealer in that I can wipe off after installation.
Red RTV? what do you think?

DOM

[Patrick H.]

Re: Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

I'd use nothing.

Be sure your exhaust manifolds are trued, and install using new bolts, torqued to spec. Don't forget the proper french locks so the end bolts don't wiggle out. Then, drive it and don't worry - it won't leak.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

I'd use nothing.

Be sure your exhaust manifolds are trued, and install using new bolts, torqued to spec. Don't forget the proper french locks so the end bolts don't wiggle out. Then, drive it and don't worry - it won't leak.

Patrick

Patrick and Dom------


I agree.

The reason for new bolts is that these things get continuously "heat treated" and end up so hard "through-and-through" that they are brittle and can break. Always use new bolts on the exhaust manifold

[Domenic T.]

Re: Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

Thanks guys,
I have new bolts and SS french locks. I'm going to coat them with something that will stop them from rusting, even at the expence of points.
Any recomends. The stuff I used was 25+ and not that good.

DOM

[Joe L.]

Re: Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

Thanks guys,
I have new bolts and SS french locks. I'm going to coat them with something that will stop them from rusting, even at the expence of points.
Any recomends. The stuff I used was 25+ and not that good.

DOM

DOM------



You could use VHT VERY HIGH HEAT black. However, these bolts have a black phosphate finish. They do rust a little over time but it's not really too bad. I'd leave them as-is.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

Joe,
I meant to say the manifolds that I beed blasted. Thats what I want to coat.

DOM

[Patrick H.]

Re: Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

Thanks guys,
I have new bolts and SS french locks. I'm going to coat them with something that will stop them from rusting, even at the expence of points.
Any recomends. The stuff I used was 25+ and not that good.

DOM

The only way I know is to send them to Jerry MacNeish, have them coated, and then spray them with the paint he provides. Not exactly as-factory, but they will never, ever rust.

http://www.z28camaro.com/restosvcs.html#manifold

Any other coating will either rub off, rust, or look like you used cheap brush-on paint.

[Joe L.]

Re: Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

The only way I know is to send them to Jerry MacNeish, have them coated, and then spray them with the paint he provides. Not exactly as-factory, but they will never, ever rust.

http://www.z28camaro.com/restosvcs.html#manifold

Any other coating will either rub off, rust, or look like you used cheap brush-on paint.

Patrick and Dom------



Yes, that's what I recommend, too, and what I do. After the manifolds are heat-cured they appear very close to natural cast iron and no rust ever.

You can also use the VHT Very High Heat cast iron paint without the pre-coating but I don't think it will be as durable. Plus, there's another advantage to the process used by Jerry M. The pre-coating used is very "porous". The paint "soaks into" the coating and makes for a very natural cast iron appearance. It does not appear like a finish which "smooths out" the cast iron and looks obviously painted.

[Terry M.]

Re: Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

DOM------


Gaskets between the exhaust manifolds and heads were NEVER originally used on a Corvette big block. In fact, they were never originally used on a small block, either, except when they went to tubular type manifolds for the 1980 model year for LG4 applications.

If you want some anyway, they are usually supplied in rebuilder-type gasket sets. You might even be able to purchase them individually at auto parts stores.

Some 8.1L truck applications of the 2,000's used a multi layer steel exhaust manifold gasket. These will work on 65-74 Corvette applications with very slight modifications if one desires a gasket.

Didn't the LT1 of 1992 to 1996 have gaskets at the exhaust manifold? It did in the B & D-body application, but those have iron heads.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

Thanks guys,
I think thats the way to go.
Patrick, that site shows it all.

DOM

[Joe L.]

Re: Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

Didn't the LT1 of 1992 to 1996 have gaskets at the exhaust manifold? It did in the B & D-body application, but those have iron heads.

Terry------

Yes, 1992-96 LT-1 and LT-4 did use exhaust manifold gaskets. As a matter of fact, 1984-91 small block apparently did, too, but I'm not 100% sure of that. I should have further qualified my previous response by stating no 1955-82 Corvette V-8 used exhaust manifold gaskets except those 1980-82 with tubular manifolds.

[Rich P.]

Re: Stock looking BB exhaust gaskets and paint

On BB exhaust manifolds I have ALWAYS used RTV High Heat Copper. and I paint the heads with the machined surface exposed for extra squish when I bolt on the manifolds. I have never had a leak or problem in over 20 plus years of doing this.

I spread the thinnest coat of sealer close to the inner opening so when you tighten the manifold down you get minimal or no sealer squishing out.

I also like to get the manifolds ceramic coated inside and out to, 1 help keep a nice look but more importantly 2 keep heat down.

Rich