I put together a rebuilt 218 maybe 15+ years ago and can’t recall what I did on the intake and exhaust, whether I used gaskets or not. Heck, I even stripped the engine down before taking it into the machine shop and still don’t recall. Did these come with gaskets? I see kits available but are they necessary? I realize “if it leaks….” But did they come with gaskets?
Yes, they use gaskets. Some exhaust manifolds don't need gaskets (small block chevy, for example) but intake manifolds sure do
Ive always used the intake/exhaust gaskets on these engines. While the machining of the block and manifolds is good the number of heat cycles they have been through is many.. Plus the size of the and length of the manifolds allows too much heat distortion. Use the gaskets - do it right - once. Ford did try to get away with no exhaust gaskets on the FE engines however every single one I have worked on needs a gasket to seal those pesky leaks. Any rate thats my experience and experience
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