Got the Thornton LH manifold for my '66 88. They (Thornton) said I don't need a gasket. HUH??? Is this really so??? I could swear there is a gasket on the current manifold.

 

Factory didn't use 'em.

 

Wow...and this seals OK? I find that hard to believe. But you guys are experts. Was this common among other manufacturers?

 

Yes, it seals fine if both surfaces are straight and clean. Olds generally maintained closer tolerances on machined surfaces, I've been told, than some other mfrs, but Olds wasn't the only one without exhaust manifold gaskets. One thing that is very important, but overlooked by many, is not to overtighten the bolts. Oldsmobile put the aggravating locking tabs on the exhaust manifold bolts for a reason. The torque spec is only 25 ft/lbs and the tabs are necessary to keep the bolts from backing out. But, that accommodates the different rates of expansion/contraction between the hot manifold and the cooler cylinder head.
If your manifolds are warped slightly, gaskets are available if you don't want to have them machined to fit properly.

 

I suggest using gaskets. I just installed my manifold gaskets and I used gaskets because eventhough I cleaned the mating surfaces with a razor and sandpaper they weren't true enough to seal without gaskets. Once the manifolds and heads get 30+ years old they need machining to be true enough to seal without a gasket.

 

What kind/brand of gaskets? Copper? Cork? Paper? Wrigley's? Just kidding. Is there a different torque setting when using gaskets or is it still 25 ft/lbs? Thanks for your help as always!!!!!

 

Fel-pro MS 90021, manifold set # 47089 that is if you need the big ones. Don't get stuck with the wrong ones. There are two sizes: small and large. 25ft lbs is what I used, or 300in lbs.

Joe, I went to a place that only sales gaskets. American Gasket here in Dallas, 10 yrs ago when I knew I had an exhaust leak that I only got to recently and last week. Both times they gave me the small ones when I asked for the 455. Even before I went this last time I called to make sure they were open. And I told them the big ones. I took one of my old manifolds and they gave me the small ones, they said, "You were right. You need the bigger ones." Both sizes come in the 455 rebuild kits. I was just trying to save him a trip.

 

Actually, the "small" gaskets are for 307s with 7A heads. Every other Olds motor uses the "large" gaskets.

 

I used 25 ft. lbs. as well. I also coated the bolts with anti-sieze before I installed them. I will recheck the torque in a week or so.