Has anyone had any problems with exhaust manifolds warping on a 5.2 ? I have had to re-torque my manifold boltsa few times and now I can only lessen the ticking noise from my exhaust leaking (the first couple of times I tightened them the noise went away altogether). The noise is not extremely loud but annoying to me. I replaced the gaskets once already and have now ordered all new manifold bolts and studs and nuts and will check the manifolds for warpage while I have them off. But I was just wondering . . .

 

I've not had issues with exhaust manifolds, but have had a couple issues with different header manufacturers. This last time I fixed the problem I used the Remflex gasket andlocktite on each bolt when I re-installed my Edelbrock shorty headers. I really hope it holds.

your exhaust gasket is probably already damaged too much by the exhaust leak to prevent the ticking noise. Purchase the best manifold gasket you can afford and use lock-tite on the bolts next time you do the replacement. Your issues should end then.

Good luck.

 

Thanks - do you know if any major parts supplier carries those Remflex gaskets ? I looked them up on-line but would like to buy them locally so I can replace them this weekend. If not - can you recommend another gasket brand ? And has no one else ever had or heard about any problems with warped exhaust manifolds ? I appreciate any advice.

 

I ordered mine online. You might look into the best quality ones NAPA or your local parts store offers. I've known some guys that have used a copper style gasket with good success. Otherwise I don't have any other ideas for you. Good luck.

 

You may want to take the manis off and get em resurfaced.

 

Fox, I agree with you. A little resurfacing would go a long way with getting them sealed, and it shouldn't cost much at all.

 

Thanks - I was kind of wondering if it was possible to resurface the manifolds. I think I may check with the machine shop I just bought my cylinder heads from about the resurfacing. Thanks again

 

you might also look at stronger studs to hold on the manifolds better, they may be stretching... had this problem with head bolts... got a set of ARP's and worked awesome.

 

I'm no expert on this matter but all the advice seems to head in the right direction. Stronger studs, locktite on each bolt, resurfacing the manifolds, and new gaskets oughta do the trick. Furthermore, last time I spoke with a friend of mine about installing headers on a chrysler smallblock, he recomended using solid copper gaskets. I am in no position to make any arguments about the quality of copper over anything else but coming from a guy who has probably built more chrysler smallblocks than most people check their tire pressure, I'd say it's probably solid advice to go with the copper.

 

When you have the manifolds surfaced you will not need to use gaskets. Cost me around $60. at the machine shop.
After I screwed around with a couple of sets of cheap crap Summit headers, I had the manifolds surfaced and bolted them back on and haven't had any issues for a couple of years.
You mentioned a new set of heads. Is that why the manifolds have been off and put back on? If the manifolds are surfaced and the heads are free of debris they should seal fine.