What about trued manifolds on aluminum heads? (I know, why not use headers, but I'm going for a stock-appearing look). I've got some Permatex copper sealant, just in case, but would like to know if the aluminum makes any difference in terms of gasket/no gasket.
just use anti seize on the bolts/studs.... should not make any difference whether iron or aluminum....
All virgin engines I've seen have no gaskets. Several that have gaskets I've seen burned through. NEVER REMOVE MANIFOLD UNTIL COMPLETELY COOL. IT'LL WARP.