55.2-59 57 GMC 550 370 V8 exhaust gaskets

[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.

[prateroad]

Would it be ok to heat head where top exhaust bolts screw into it? I only have those 2 bolts left to go.

[leegreen]

back in the day I worked in a shop that did a lot of exhaust work, we'd routinely heat the casting bump over a hidden bolt end. oxy acetylene, not a huge flame and stop at the very first hint of dull red. carefully try to get it to break loose then go back and forth a bit to loosen the threads, as soon as you can, send some penetrating oil up the shaft of the bolt or into the crack between head and manifold then send the bolt back in a bit to carry some oil into threads. this with a wrench, not a power tool.

if nothing will get it loose it is preferable to cut the head off the bolt with grinder cutting torch etc than to risk breaking the bolt in the threads. once the manifold is out of the way you can heat the head around the bolt, quench the bolt with penetrating oil to shrink it then vice grip it.

If it does break off at the threads, watch some videos of how people get broken bolts out of LS heads by welding a washer and nut on.....we have done several of those in the last couple years and it works. (with aluminum heads!, I'd cut a copper 'washer' from some scrap pipe to use as a shield to prevent welding the iron nut/washer to the cast iron head surface, or try drilling it out )

[leegreen]

heat at those points