Exhaust issues...

[74bigblock]

OK... So I've got a leak between the manfold and the exhaust pipe on passenger side. Why? Cause there is no doughnut gasket in there. Drivers side does not leak because some moron used silicone to seal it! Here is what I need to know.. hopefully with your help I can resolve these issues:

1) I need to know how the correct setup goes together. Some places sell a gasket, and others a gasket and a riser, and others a gasket and a Heat riser. Which is the correct set up for my 74 454?

2) Once #1 is resolved, how do I go about getting the center cross member down (The pipes are welded and go right thru the center of it on either side of the trans)? Will I need to drop the trans to do this?

 

[JohnZ]

On the driver's side, there's just a "donut" between the pipe and the manifold outlet. On the passenger side, there's a gasket between the manifold and the flat side of the heat riser valve, then a "donut" between the chamfered side of the heat riser valve and the exhaust pipe.

 

[rpounds]

In replacing the 'donuts' on my '75 (small block of course), I found it easiest to unbolt the exhaust manifolds, rather than trying to drop down the Y pipe. The added benefit is that you can also replace the manifold to head gaskets while you are at it.

 

[74bigblock]

On the driver's side, there's just a "donut" between the pipe and the manifold outlet. On the passenger side, there's a gasket between the manifold and the flat side of the heat riser valve, then a "donut" between the chamfered side of the heat riser valve and the exhaust pipe.

John, My car no longer has a heat riser as it has an electric choke. From what I understand there is a spacer out there to take it's place. So I would need the spacer and a gasket on the pass side and just the gasket on the drivers side?

Do you know if I need to drop the crossmember, and if so, what is involved?

Dave

 

[JohnZ]

Yes, you can use the spacer or just "gut" your old heat riser if you still have it. The same triangular heat riser gasket would go between the flat side of the spacer and the manifold, with the same donut between the chamfered side of the spacer and the exhaust pipe.

 

[74bigblock]

Gonna have to say F___ it. I saw the Hooker side pipe/headers in Eckler's catalog last night. SCHWING!!! I'm gettin me some of those instead!