Gasket matching stock cast iron exhaust manifolds

[Paul G]

While I have the stock cast iron HP exhaust manifolds off the car should I gasket match them or is it a waste of time?

[aifilaw]

well, headers is a safe bet...
but honestly, if you don't have the cash, or don't plan on doing headers in the near future, if you have a die grinder and a carbide bit, or even a dremel and LOTS of spare time, gasket matching it and cleaning out the casting joints will free up some definite ponies.

[471_Magnum]

I don't think there is a lot of value in gasket matching the exhaust side. If you've got a grinder, go for it. Wouldn't spend any money on it though.

[Rolling_Thunder]

I have done it myself a couple times on cars whose owners wanted a "stock appearing engine bay" - then again I also ported the whole casting and had it extrudahoned and all that jazz...       my idea is matching them wouldnt hurt but i wouldnt drop coin on it - do it yourself