Exhaust Manifold Help

[Old Guy Bill]

I got the black ceramic coated Hooker manifolds from Summit, they've held up well so far, but I don't drive the truck everyday and it's garaged.

 

[Ricko1966]

It has a small lift, but is otherwise a very original truck. Build thread is here:

88 Suburban Build Thread

Your exhaust already isn't stock,so unless you are planning on putting AIR back on and original manifolds,it's not going to be original,so run whatever makes you happy.

 

[Broken85]

Thanks. I’ll check the flatness (is that a word?) of the manifolds and then try them gasketless with some high temp RTV.

The gaskets I was using were the metallic 3 piece ones.

Side question: any experience with the Hooker SBC manifolds. They look great. If they are high quality, fit these trucks, and will work with my OEM AC/PS bracket, I may buy a set.

Don’t use the RTV red. Use the RTV Black.

 

[Ricko1966]

Don’t use the RTV red. Use the RTV Black.

Red is specifically high temp and oxygen sensor safe,also what is recommended in some service manuals. I only use red in high temp situations,because that's what its made for. What is your aversion to red?

 

[Broken85]

Red is specifically high temp and oxygen sensor safe,also what is recommended in some service manuals. I only use red in high temp situations,because that's what its made for. What is your aversion to red?

I’ve used red for exhaust manifolds in the past and I have had leaks. Great for water pumps and intake manifolds and the rest. I bought a set of Sanderson headers and they recommended RTV black, no gaskets. 10k miles no leaks. Hopefully red is working ok if you use it, I just hate doing that job twice if I can avoid it.

 

[Ricko1966]

I’ve used red for exhaust manifolds in the past and I have had leaks. Great for water pumps and intake manifolds and the rest. I bought a set of Sanderson headers and they recommended RTV black, no gaskets. 10k miles no leaks. Hopefully red is working ok if you use it, I just hate doing that job twice if I can avoid it.

Been using red for gasket less exhaust since mid 80s no problems.