Allright. I have a stock V-6 and I'm looking for some suggestions on which exhaust manifold gasket I should use on the front manifold.
I had the recall done with all new parts, manifold, heat sheild, bolts, etc... That lasted about a year and now is leaking again, which is pushing a big button on my attitude panel. I'm ready to scrap that gasket/heat shield P.O.S. and am looking for something a lot better. Changing that gasket on an annual basis is too expensive and too hard to get to,(I have A/C) but it's not something that can be ignored. Anyone have a suggestion on a brand of gastket that can eliminate this ongoing problem? Mr. Gasket? Felpro? Somebody???? Thanks

[This message has been edited by stsmithgt (edited 03-28-2001).]

upon the recomendation of Ed Parks, I used Permatex Ultra Copper gasket stuff. after 1000 miles or so, it has held up quite well!

on the front manifold, i gooed both the heat shield and manifold, used 6 saturn manifold studs and 12 saturn flange nuts.

on the rear, gooed the manifold and used 5 studs and flange nuts (note, one bolt had been broken off in the head)... so far, so good.

just give them both the 24 hours that they require to totally set.

the saturn studs are not that expensive, and a better product than the pontiac bolts... i don't have the part number handy, but i posted the numbers a month or so ago... they are on the forum.

best of luck!

------------------
hoop
Red '86 GT
KYB's, Eibach's,
Poly Bushings
Accel Coil
Advanced Auto Battery
missmatched used tires
old, dead paint
and a leaky trunk
but there are no
exhaust leaks!

the turbo experts all told me to use only FelPro exhaust gaskets with my turbo, so I say even better without. Yes recommend throwing all the old bolts away and using the saturn kit or buy grade 8 studs w/flange nuts or stainless steel I also used anti seize compound. Ive put almost 50K miles without a leak or blowout yet.

------------------

Thanks for the tips. I've used copper coat years ago when I worked on cars at the high school autoshop. I haven't torn a motor apart in so long, I don't know what's on the market these days.

I see the "leaky trunk" note.PHOOPER I ordered a gasket from the dealership to replace mine. I have the trunk that is the square shaped opening. Save your money if you have the same because the gasket they sell isn't made for a square trunk without cutting and gluing. I looks like it would work on the trunks that are rounded on the ends, but the quality of the weatherstrip is nothing to rave about compared to what was on there.
I think I'm going to hit the wrecking yards to find a better quality weatherstip off of ANY type of car and taylor it to fit. There's bound to be a nice one out there I can work with. I like snooping around anyway.

[This message has been edited by stsmithgt (edited 03-28-2001).]

Saturn bolts and nuts. Look at this link:
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/008648.html

Roy

Thanks Roy. From these suggestions, it sounds like everyone still uses the O.E.M gaskets. I like the stud idea though. Only if it made the one under the A/C compressor easier, oh well. I'll have to take a second look at it. It might be better to do it myself and use a rental or even take a day off rather then to have someone do it for me like last time.