55.2-59 57 GMC 550 370 V8 exhaust gaskets

[prateroad]

Might be in the wrong place but does anyone know where I could get a set of exhaust gaskets for this truck. My research says it's a 370 Pontiac or Olds engine.

[geezer#99]

That’s one mean looking truck!
Pop the hood and devour all the Prius’s on the road!

Contact Bob.
He might have what you want.
It’s a Pontiac by the way.

https://www.bopparts.com/1957-pontia...asket-set.html

There are others too.

https://butlerperformance.com/i-2445...9498-sh-1.html

[mr48chev]

My education for the day. I knew that the smaller trucks ran Pontiac V8 engines but this says that there should be an Olds engine in that truck. Only used in those larger trucks according to this info https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...re-371.606092/

They should look like this https://www.ebay.com/itm/15274972038...C_6h4k297cm0UI These are correct for 57/58.

[geezer#99]

Post a pic of the motor.
Always visual clues to decide what it is.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Post a pic of the motor.
Always visual clues to decide what it is.

That would be a good idea as you don't know what someone might have done on a work truck of that era.

[prateroad]

I think I found some at local parts store, we'll see when they come in. Had to cancel order, asked parts man and he said center manifold bolt holes are horizontal, mine are vertiical. Everything I saw on fleabay for a 370 has horizontal holes. I might have to make my own.

[geezer#99]

C’mon, don’t tease us!
Where’s the engine pic?

[prateroad]

Well, I see it on my end.

[geezer#99]

Any info I found since last post says it’s a Pontiac 347.
Try that for gasket matching.

[dsraven]

if you could draw a rough outline of what your manifild gasket may look like that may help. if it has had a leak for quite some time the gasket surfaces on the manifold or head may have been eroded. when you get to it, ensure to lay a straight edge on the gasket surfaces of the sealing areas to check for warpage. if you cant find a gasket you can always make one from the right gasket material.

[dsraven]

the gm heritage center may be able to tell you what the truck originally came with for options etc and engine size. dunno if that would help.

[dsraven]

is the 347 and 370 not the same engine family? heads and manifolds would interchange so gaskets would be the same then?

[mr48chev]

Your engine is indeed Olds based rather than Pontiac.

This is a photo of a 57 Olds 371 engine in a 57 Olds.

The smaller trucks had Pontiac based engines but the 550 and larger had the Olds based engine.

[leegreen]

I have nothing to contribute - but I'd like to see more pictures of that cool truck!

[dsraven]

mr48 may be correct. if you check an olds 371 engine the exhaust manifold bolts are vertical.
here is the wikipedia outline
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldsmobile_V8_engine

couple of pics in this thread
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...149650/page-19
another motortrend write up with some pics of exhaust bolt configuration
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/09...ngines/photos/

[mr48chev]

There is also a difference between 57-58 and 59-60 gaskets from what I have found on line for Olds 371 gaskets. That finding Best brand gaskets on Ebay/

This add for an Olds 371 exhaust manifold shows that the bolt holes are vertical. https://www.ebay.com/itm/35556013431...Bk9SR7ydoLaoZA

It's really not rocket science and I can't understand why some are arguing about it.

[prateroad]

Ok, here you go. Bought off fb. having trouble getting 2 center bolts out. Heated with torch, put wax and ATF on them and manifold. Goin to let them soak until tomorrow.

[geezer#99]

Awesome truck!
What’s it run for a transmission?

[prateroad]

I think it is 5 speed, actually has auxiliary transmission to run huge pump in back.It says to run pump only in overdrive.