Because both the manifold & the head were still relatively true & UN-rusted, I used the same sealant as the factory - chassis grease in a thin film around each port. When the manifold gets hot, the grease will bake into a varnish, much like cast iron cookware. The varnish creates an effective seal. And like seasoned cast-iron cookware, it's also a non-stick coating, which allows the manifold to expand & contract without cracking. Gaskets can adhere and cause binding, which makes cracks more likely.
If the surface is too rough for grease to work, use high-temperature silicone.
Years later, I did this:
![12greaseman.jpg Because both the manifold & the head were still relatively true & UN-rusted, I used the same sealant as the factory - chassis grease in a thin film around each port. When the manifold gets hot, the grease will bake into a varnish, much like cast iron cookware. The varnish creates an effective seal. And like seasoned cast-iron cookware, it's also a non-stick coating, which allows the manifold to expand & contract without cracking. Gaskets can adhere and cause binding, which makes cracks more likely.
If the surface is too rough for grease to work, use high-temperature silicone.
[url=https://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/1170781][img]https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/1170781/thumbnail/exhmangask.jpg[/img][/url]
Years later, I did this:
[url=http://www.supermotors.net/registry/media/1054780][img]http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/1054780/thumbnail/05gray41.jpg[/img][/url]](https://www.supermotors.net/getfile/770511/fullsize/12greaseman.jpg)