Exhaust Manifold Bolts?

[MNorby]

Anyone know the best length of bolt for a 454 exhaust manifold? I have some 1"ers and they seem a bit short. Thinking of 1.25".

I am also thinking a small flat washer. I have some that fit in the recess nicely around the bolt holes.

Also grade 5 vs 8? My exhasut guy said 8 but I think 5 would be nice if one ever broke and had to be removed in the future.

Gaskets? My exhaust guy said just clean it up and bolt it on w/o.

 

[maxgforce]

use grade 8 with copper antiseize, bolt will always remove easily. Now, your exhaust guy is right as long as your manifolds aren't warped, if warped they won't sit flush like they did from the factory. And when you choose the bolt length, try to get the longest bolt you can WITHOUT bottoming out in the hole, that way your using around 90 percent of the threads for strength.
I've drilled through grade 5 and 8, both are equally a b**** when it comes to a drill.