We just happen to be doing the stock manifolds on a 1978 Trans Am. We yanked the idiotic headers off, tossed the entire stupid loud system, and are restoring the factory parts. I cleaned and painted the manifolds with Eastwood Stainless Steel paint. Nothing lasts but this lasts longest. The flange surfaces were in very good condition. It took only a bit of wire brushing to get them ready. See the bolts on the ends. Stainless steel. The steel gasket rests on them so leave the manifold loose enough to slip them in. Then insert the rest of the bolts being careful not to hurt the gasket. If they won't go, adjust the manifold/gasket gently until they do. Once all the bolts are in, tighten to specs. I had to bend the dipstick tube back where it belonged. The header gaskets had caused the tube to be bent out of the way. Another plus to factory gaskets.
