Gentlemen:

Thanks very much for your suggestions. My head has been shaved .10 and there is a boss on the block in my problem area. ALSO, witness marks on both of the exhaust manifolds I have tried.

I have photos that I will post later.

So I am cautiously optimistic that the problem was that my exhaust manifold was not able to seat properly due to running into that boss. So I have ground that down as well as grinding down the Dutra dual (plenty of room for grinding).

I will let you know how things go when I get it re-assambled.

Now my question is how did it ever work prior to all of these struggles?

Thanks again,
Joe

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Joe Hoppe

71 D100 225 Super Six 727 AT on 2008 Crown Vic CopCar frame

64 Valiant Wagon 225 904 AT 3:23 8.75"

There are a couple ideas I have on that.

1. A thicker gasket
2. Luck!

I cut a bunch off the deck, so the issue became much more pronounced. Cutting the head can have the same effect.

There was a super squishy gasket available a while back that may have handled a misalignment like that pretty well. Remflex? Can't remember, but that sounds close.
Some folks double gasket. Not ideal, but in a pinch it'll work. For a while.

Glad your making progress!

CJ

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Part of Tyrde-Browne Racing

Glad you found your problem! Been there,done that!

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2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6

Sounds like you found it. Grind on block and/or head and/or exh manifold (block first) to fix it. Buy or borrow a good angle grinder (4 or 4.5" likely best). Fit up the manifolds first with no gasket and make sure they sit flat against head. Use feeler gauges and a flashlight. Leave bolts between int and exh manifolds loose also so there is room to move each while you get the exh/int nuts tightened.

Lou

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