[ANDYA]

Just installed RARE D-port manifolds on my 70 GTO 455 with cast iron heads using Remflex gaskets. Remflex recommends 20 lb ft of torque on the bolts. Stock Pontiac specs are 30 lb ft with the factory gaskets. The gaskets are supposed to compress to 1/2 the thickness. It seems like 20 lbs is on the low side and I’m concerned the bolts will loosen up. Has anyone who has used these gaskets torqued them any higher and what was the result?

[b-man]

I used those same gaskets to install the log manifolds on my 421.

20 ft lbs is plenty as they do compress quite a bit at that recommended torque setting.

I was somewhat surprised at how much it flattens out the gasket. I’m thinking tension from the crushed gasket would help keep the bolts from loosening, 200 miles so far and everything seems fine.

I trimmed all the excess material off between the ports using a sharp utility knife. It looks so much cleaner that way in my opinion and doesn’t interfere with the dipstick tube.

[ANDYA]

OK, 20 ft lbs it is. Thanks B-Man!