Reply to "Exhaust Manifold tips?"

Get a replacement gasket that has just the slots (they look kinda like hooks) on the ends instead of being complete holes for those 2. It's way easier if you do NOT take out all bolts at the same time. Leave at least one end in at all times, loose is OK but not out. 2 ends are easier still if possible. Once you take out all your bolts in between the 2 end ones (having loosened the end ones), your old gasket may slip out easily from the top (if it also had those end hooks). If it does not, then remove one end bolt, pull the gasket up and out of that end, and rethread that bolt. Then do the same on the other end. Drop in your new gasket from the top, and put in your new bolts. It probably is labeled for one side to go out or to the headers, and of course make sure it lines up correctly with the ports first. You'll find most bolts are probably easiest from the top, but there will be 2 or 3 that are easier from the bottom. A little antiseize is recommended on all those bolts, I'm sure. You can apply to your 2 end bolts as you do them in the midst of all the above. Also, a gasket with some metal mesh in it will probably hold up best (note you can get solid copper for a bit more money that's probably practically permanent, though mine didn't have the "hooks"). And true "header" gaskets are apparently thicker than "exhaust manifold" gaskets and I've heard stay sealed better, though I've had successes and failures with both. Good luck, hope this helps.