73 Charger update and whats the best bb exhaust gaskets?

[WH23G3G]

My 73 Charger 400-4bbl has been at the shop all summer and still is. I went through 2 Thermoquads the mechanic couldn't get to work right. So was told to buy and Edelbrock and he installed it and said it now runs the way it should. It's currently going through an alignment at alignment shop. I was told the steering box I installed was worn out eventhough it was a reman unit I put in when I put the engine in. So I gave them another one under warranty to put in. Then the mechanic said when he gets it back he just has to figure where the radiator is leaking eventhough it was new too. He also said the exhaust manifold gaskets were leaking. He told me to get the metal gaskets. Should I get the police package gaskets with the heat shield on them? Or is there a better one that won't blow out quick? I'm using 73 HP exhaust manifolds on a new Accurate dual exhaust system. I was also told the 14x6 wheels and 235/75/14 tires I have on were too small. It was suggested I get some 15x7s up front and 15x8s in the rear. I want to go with the wheel vintiques Magnums. Any suggesstions on the best exhaust manifold gasket and wheel/tire combo?

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Just to clarify, are you asking about exhaust manifold to head gaskets, or exhaust manifold flange to header pipe gaskets?

[cudaken]

 As long as the stock HP manifolds are straight I just use Felpro's with the metal skins. I am guessing he is talking about the head to manifold gasket.

On the tires, I have 7 inch wide on the front of the 68 Road Runner and I think they are 245 / 60 / 14. I know the rear wheels are 10 inches wide and the 265 / 60 /15 would look better on 8 inch wide wheels.

As far as the 235 / 75 / 14 being to narrow I think 235 MM wide tires on the front would be OK but the Aspect Ratio of 75 is closer to a small truck tire height.

If you like the wheels, try 245 / 60 / 14 all the way around. 245 MM is 9.64567 inches and that is pretty meaty.  

Why does he say your tires are to small? A 235 is still 9.25197 inches. Unless you are having traction problems of a built none stock suspension I think it more that the tires are more suited for a Ford Ranger than a Charger.

Here is the conversion chart I have been using.

https://www.google.com/search?q=mm%20to%20inches%20&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=np&source=hp

Cuda Ken

[Dmichels]

I have used solid copper gaskets with good results. Expensive but will never blow out.
Dave

[1973rallye]

Have you considered having the exhaust manifolds surfaced and no gaskets. I blew out one side on a set of new metal gaskets. Local shop (Competition Engine)suggested and performed the above. Has been fine ever since. My