'55 exhaust questions

[Michael L.]

Have a few:

Should I remove engine paint from block where exhaust mounts?

What can I do to close gap on the metal plate riveted to one of the manifolds on the back? I know it will leak exhaust. Is a replacement plate made?

Gaskets or not? My car is a driver, so with that in mind use gaskets for better seal?

Thanks,

Mike

[Mike M.]

Re: '55 exhaust questions

straight edge the manifolds and if they aren't true(ie if there is a gap under the straight edge) take them to the local machine shop and have them surfaced.don't understand your question regarding removal of paint----manifolds bolt to heads, not block. clean the head's manifold mating surfaces before reassembly. GM didn't use exh man gaskets. if yours is to be driven, use of gaskets up to you. i prefer truing up manifolds and going bare. good luck, mike

[Dave Suesz]

A few...

Should I remove engine paint from block where exhaust mounts?
-The mating surace on the heads? Yes.

What can I do to close gap on the metal plate riveted to one of the manifolds on the back? I know it will leak exhaust. Is a replacement plate made?
-Danchuk makes a flawless reproduction.

Gaskets or not?
-If your manifolds are surfaced smooth, and the heads are equally true, gaskets are not needed. I have some pitting, so I use gaskets.

My car is a driver, so with that in mind use gaskets for better seal?
-DRIVER? I last drove mine regularly in 1984, while my regular car was in the shop for a few weeks. Winter in northern Florida, the coldest and wettest in years. Make sure you dump the water out of the ashtrays regularly.

[John H.]

Re: A few...

What was the reason for the opening and cover plate on the inboard side of the 4792 '55 exhaust manifold?

[Dave Suesz]

It's the

"stove" for the choke.

[Roy B.]

Re: It's the

MAAAAAAAN that's a pretty RED intake! and white exshaust

[Dave Suesz]

Well, the

manifold is actually a pale silver/grey, a la Eastwoods' dressing. It flashed to white when I took the pic.