Exhaust Manifold Gasket Replacement

[slflynt]

Hello, does anyone know if it sufficient to just unbolt the exhaust header and leave the downpipe connected? Will there be enough play with the downpipe still connected to pull the exhaust header back away from the engine just enough to remove the old gasket and put a new gasket in?

Thanks in advance.

[joelittel]

I’ve done it that way. But I believe I disconnected other areas of the exhaust as well.

It’s a tight, tight fit. You have to be very careful not to scratch the manifold mating surface on the mounting bolts.