[DeTomaso] Stock Exhaust question

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 6/11/13 17 30 16, rimovp at gmail.com writes:


> What was the stock exhaust manifold made of? 
> 
>>>They have an extremely unusual construction.   They are tubular steel, 
with thick steel flanges (individual flanges).   Oddly, there are a pair of 
stamped steel covers which are mirror-image to each other, and wrap around 
the bottom part where the four tubes come together; these are then spot-welded 
together at top and bottom.   I can only assume the idea is that the 
headers were going to leak, so these are designed to contain the leaks?   Or 
perhaps this is a noise-dampening scheme?


> > I recall that the stock exhaust was prone to leaks or cracks or both 
> and was one side prone to failure over the other.
> 
>>>They both leak equally, I think?

> > Lastly, what is the correct term for the donut gasket that was used to 
> seal the connection between the exhaust manifold and the exhaust/muffler 
> pipe.
> 
>>>"Donut gasket". :>)

There is no way I would ever attempt to salvage stock exhaust manifolds, 
not when great-quality Hall headers are so plentiful and cheap.   If you have 
to remove stock manifolds for any reason, do yourself a favor and buy a used 
set of Hall headers to go in their place....

Mike