Hi, I have been reading up on some great info on these forums.
Just have a few qns before I start spending some of my hard earned on fixing my exhaust issues...

I have a stock 225 which is leaking exhaust at the heat riser linkages and intake mating face.
I gather blocking the ports is not a great idea (even in sunny Australia)
So my options are either a new stock cast manifold or extractors.

If I upgrade to headers would I then need to change intake manifold to something that has water passages for heating?

Alternatively I can get a new Dorman manifold part 674-232. Can anyone recommend a reputable place to buy this from?

Finally one of my exhaust studs is missing and has been replaced with a bolt. It is weeping a bit but i think they must have forgotten to loctite it.
Should I re-use the bolt (with loctite) , or replace this one/all of them?

I will be using graphite gaskets all round.

Any and all advice appreciated

Thanks !

look it over GOOD, for cracks and other defects, if you have a machined straight edge check flange for warpage, there's a good chance those graphite gaskets may possibly seal up your issues by themselves..... depending on what you find....
but you wont be able to fully inspect it til it's off the car.

When having head work done, the shop suggested I bring the manifolds in for machining. First they discovered cracks in my exhaust. So I ordered an inexpensive (Chinese) replacement. They flattened the top and bottom of the halves, bolted them together, and then machined the port surfaces as a unit. It never leaked again. It wasn't overpriced as I recall.

Alternatively, use Remflex gaskets.

He did say he is going to use graphite gaskets. Isn't that what remflex is? I could be mistaken on that.
I've used their stuff before but not yet on a slant.
Not cheap but they're good

Remflex are 100% garaphite so should be same as ones I can get locally.

Machining mating faces faces as a complete unit is a great idea

Found a local supplier for the cast manifold. It is rather expensive but potentially the easier/cost effective option as I wont need to modify or remove my A/C.

If I go the headers route, would I see any power benefits without upgrading the intake as well?
I am running the stock 2bbl intake with a carter BBD

Hello-

I just purchased the Dorman 674-232 exhaust manifold last week, but have not had time to install---it looks impressive though and includes all of the mounting hardware.

My heat riser valve is frozen and missing a spring, in addition to having an exhaust leak from either the hotbox area or the manifold to pipe...or both...

With advise from the forum,I purchased the Dorman one from RockAuto for $196.00 USD with another $26 to ship---It is surprising heavy. Noticeably heavier than stock. Rock Auto is generally good to deal with, but international shipping will likely be hefty.

Will update on the install when I can....