Exhaust Manifold Leak

[RobinGio]

HI I have a 1996 winnie Adverturer 34RQ on an F-53 chassis,460 v-8.When i purchased it it had a leaking exhaust manifold on the passenger side,I replaced the gasket,we were camping this weekend and on the way home it was getting a little noisy.Could the manifold be warpped?Or is this a Ford thing.The engine hasn't been overheating. Thanks Rick & Robin

[RobinGio]

HI I have a 1996 winnie Adverturer 34RQ on an F-53 chassis,460 v-8.When i purchased it it had a leaking exhaust manifold on the passenger side,I replaced the gasket,we were camping this weekend and on the way home it was getting a little noisy.Could the manifold be warpped?Or is this a Ford thing.The engine hasn't been overheating. Thanks Rick & Robin

[jupoa]

Hello RobinGio,

I have a 97 F53 460. The head of the rearmost exhaust manifold bolt was broken off when I bought it. It was somewhat noisy, sometimes more than others. From reading other posts I understand this is a very common problem with the 460 but usually just an annoyance, not a significant effect on performance unless other bolts break as well.

My solution, since the manifold had to be removed to replace the broken bolt anyway, was to replace the entire exhaust with a Banks PowerPack. Not cheap, but very effective if more power is your goal and quiet as well.

BTW, there were no gaskets under my manifolds when I removed them.

[RobinGio]

Hi Jupoa I checked the r/v today and the back 3 bolts were a little loose I removed them and put Blue loctite on them and tightened them up, the gasket still looked intack.I be taking it out next thursday for new tires,so i see how it sounds.Iam getting Firestone Trans Force H/T.
With the Banks exhaust,is there a noticable incrise in performance,and mileage.I have 34,500 miles on r/v. Thanks Rick & Robin

[jupoa]

Hi RobinGio,

When installing the Banks exhaust upgrade on a 460, there is a very significant increase in performance all across the rpm range. There are intake modifications that come with the kit as well but I believe most all of the improvement comes from the long tube headers and huge muffler. If there is a mileage improvement, I haven't noticed it yet on the short trips I've taken since installing it. I'm reasonably certain that you could approach Bank's performance by mixing and matching parts from other manufacturers for less money. But, on a 460, the Banks it is a sure thing, both from my personal experience and the hundred or so posts I've read from satisfied customers.

As far as tires, Michelins are my choice for a softer ride but I've never tried any other brand.