Exhaust manifold gaskets

I know the factory exhaust manifolds did not come with gaskets (1969 Buick 430)
Thinking of removing and cleaning left side due to a very small leak at cylinder #1 (steering pump side).
What is the best set these days for a stock exhaust manifold?
I saw these on rockauto, they look to be a little better in size than Fel-Pro's?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=3656766&cc=1021431&jsn=389

Fel-Pro:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=125201&cc=1021431&jsn=388

 

Hi Jason, which one you use? Fel-Pro's?

The engine has never been apart. I know what you mean about the bolts, i have been there with another Buick.
Since the leak is so small i can only feel the air when the engine is revved up a little bit. I was even able to turn the exhaust bolt (the most left one) some more tight. Ofcourse i did not expect this would happen on a 50 year old situation!

 

Thanks Bill, like i said i have been there. I know about the can of worms. Did it all with engine in the car on a 68 Riviera, heated it up, refreshened up the exhaust manifold bolts and holes and put em back in, some bolts we replaced back then. With this car i am lucky the bolt heads are all in size 14 still, just old and we'll have to see if they all get free the easy way. It looks good. It is not like in some cases where the exhaust manifold and bolts have turned into one part of rust...then you really need to it heat it up. We'll just have to see what happens but i know from my own experience there is no need to pull the engine. Ofcourse the job would be easier when the engine is out of the car. What about the choice of gaskets?

 

If you don't have a specific reason to need ex-manifold gaskets I wouldn't... The manifoid directly on the head will actually draw heat from the head. The gasket slows the draw.

 

Okay thanks. I've heard that before yes.

 

Aren't Remflex gaskets for headers only? Thanks for the bolts info. What name is Todd using here (username) ?

 

Todd’s business phone:
715-874-6037

 

Thank you. I prefer to message him via here or email. I am in The Netherlands.

 

I think it’s ToddsGS

 

Great. Thanks

 

Okay sounds good. Would you also use the Permetex with the gaskets (Fel-Pro or Remflex for that matter?)

 

I understand Bill, thanks again. I will check out the Remflex gaskets and use them when we will take it apart.

 

If you go with Remflex they just mount directly to the head/manifold.
No sealer, silicon or permatex is required.

 

Remflexs for me as long as I have my 455's.
Killer sealing with nothing else needed!

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks!

 

Today I received the Remflex gaskets. I thought it is a good idea to have them when going to do the job I can still see if I am going to use them or not.
As you posted Remflex works for both headers and stock manifold. What I can see here is that the set contains two gaskets and they are not ready to use like the Fel-Pro gaskets on a stock manifold. At least when you install Fel-Pro's you won't be able to see them. So these Remflex gaskets need to be cut I guess...and make 4 pieces like the Fel-Pro's

 

I just install the remflex gaskets as you come out of the package and then use a knife to trim off the excess. Don't try to trim them before you install them, as you will likely damage them. No need to cut them apart, just install and trim for appearance. Also keep in mind that you will damage these gaskets if you over tighten the bolts. About 35 foot pounds is all you need and they will never come loose because of the "rebound" that they have.

 

Thanks Sean, good idea.
Will see how it looks between cylinder 1 & 3 and 5 & 7 with the stock manifold.