despite what a lot of mechanics have told me im going no gaskets on my 88 superduty 460s exhaust manifolds...ever since ive rebuilt the motor ive had exhaust leaks that have been fixed twice using gaskets..the original metal to metal never leaked so why not..ive bought rebuilt heads and had the manifolds resurfaced..am i crazy or doing it right?

 

if both the heads and the manifolds are resurfaced to 100% true, then they should be good to go. oh, use either new studs or bolts too. if it came new without gaskets, then thats what i would do.

 

If it has been a while I would resurface the exhaust manifolds again just to make shure and not use a gasket. Never have and never will..

 

ya i bought a new set of 165 dollar studs from ford..i had the manifolds resurfaced they match up nicely..

 

When I go metal to metal on exhaust manifolds I apply a thin film of RTC gold hi temp. sealant. Never had a leak problem.

 

I had the same problem and they still leak metal to metal. Machine the head & the manifold. Nothing worked. Gaskets were a joke. I was going to get a new manifold to try that, but traded the truck instead. That solved my problem.

 

i got it all together as of now no leaks...i just have to gripe about ford charging me 107.00 for the little elbow that links the manifold to the egr tube..its nothing more than a 30 degree pipe elbow with automotive threads..i tried to have one made using a regular 90 degree bend got it all together and it blocked the rear spark plug..

so i had to go to the dealership and take it up the ol tail pipe.... what a rip...not to mention the egr tube was 65 bucks also