JohnG

hi!
I own a 1958 TBird with a 352 in it. I was surprised to learn that in the Ford literature of that period, no gaskets are used between the heads and exhaust manifolds.

Thus I am curious to know

1) if any of you know how long Ford continued this approach

2) what you guys like for gaskets who use them

3) if you have leaking problems

I would think it sensible to only refer to original , cast iron , components as aluminum components have their own expansion and sealing tendencies.

Personally I use some solid copper gaskets I got from JC Whitney and have had them in for 4 years with no problems. I also try to torque in a sequence of steps and in a criss-cross manner, similar to heads. I did not use it, but know Permatex makes a copper like spray on goop that could help matters.

Thanks for your input!

John - MA

kdtrucker

I can't remember when they started using gaskets, but your doing just fine using the copper gaskets. I never used the adhesive spray on the exaust gaskets because of the heat factor....just my thinking and lodgic. I use the spray only on the metal head gaskets.

tbird100636

They used tin shields as a gasket in various years, not sure about 1958...

__________________
Master ASE Certified L1 Chrysler Technician- still a Ford fan at heart.
1964 Thunderbird Hardtop- Chantily Beige- 390 FE 4V V8-Uncle's Car
1966 Thunderbird Convertible- Red- 390 FE 4V V8- Uncle's other car- waiting for paint and body work!!!
1967 Mustang Convertible- Blue- 289 V8- helping a friend re-assemble this classic