Exhaust manifold gaskets needed on 340?

[DartSportDude]

Question: Should a '73 340 have gaskets installed on the exhaust manifolds? I just had my engine rebuilt, and I don't recall there being gaskets in place before the engine was torn down. My shop tells me that some engines came from the factory with exhaust manifold gaskets, and some did not. He seems to think they should be installed on my car.

What's the correct way to go?

Thanks

 

[moparsegura]

I personally have never seen a small block mopar without manifold gaskets, unless you mill the exhaust side of the head and the manifold itself, there is some imperfection in there that the gasket has to seal. I would say for sure put a gasket in there

 

[DartSportDude]

Gosh, I just don't recall seeing gaskets on the exhaust manifolds before the engine was torn down for rebuild. Anyone else have an opinion? I've owned the car for a long time, so I know the gaskets had not been removed in recent years.

 

[69 Valiant Kid]

i would use gaskets, when you order tti headers, they send you a fat gasket to use...what mopar segura said...

 

[340butterduster]

Gosh, I just don't recall seeing gaskets on the exhaust manifolds before the engine was torn down for rebuild. Anyone else have an opinion? I've owned the car for a long time, so I know the gaskets had not been removed in recent years.

You are likely right in not remembering a gasket there, as some didn't.

Keep it mind, that this was done when it was new, and all surfaces were machined, therefore creating a seal.

With used parts and none machined surfaces (exhaust manifold and cyl. head), it will leak somewhere.

Gaskets recommended.

 

[mplsmyke]

Fel-pro is best,set'em and forget'em.

 

[AdamR]

From the factory they didnt use a gasket but did use a heat shield on the driver side. I wouldnt try to run with out them after 40 years though.