Gaskets 101, advice?

[duke36]

[QUOTE=Bob Bidonde;1669333]

The exhaust manifold gasket must be metal to withstand exhaust gas temperatures. Also, the gland rings protect the gasket from burning. Be sure each gland ring, when installed, has a gap at its ends of 0.06" minimum to allow for expansion.


The late '31 2 piece gaskets were evidently metal core with asbestos comp material on both sides of the core. The earlier non- drop down coppers the asbestos core was between the copper lending to metal to metal contact. Why the change may have been better sealing with the asbestos comp. material facing the block and manifold. Today's 1 piece Felpro version with steel outer perf. sheet , the comp material against the block seems to hold up ok.