2 questions.

[80toy]

1980 4x4 pickup, 20r (2189cc), 4spd manual, 110,000 original miles

Question one-- I have an exhaust leak that will not go away. it is where the exhaust manifold meets the block. i have had the manifold and block resurfaced and some other work done with the studs, but i cannot get rid of this problem. any advice? i am a student on a budget.

Question two-- My truck lacks power and a 5th gear. I am wondering if the stock 20r will have enough in it to push a 5th gear? If not, what simple power adders do you suggest? I was thinking a Weber 32/36 and a header, but is there a smog legal header? Also, where could i find a cheap but reliable 5spd?

Thank you.

[ElmerFudd]

Do you have a gasket between the block and header? And my guess is if you're having a problem with power with the 4 speed tranny, the 5th gear isn't going to make it any faster, my bone stock 22re has enough trouble with 5th.

[80toy]

Sorry, forgot to say that i just want the 5th gear to run at a lower RPM on the freeway. right now i am pushing around 3000 RPM somewhere inbetween 55 and 60 MPH, and i don't reallt like it. so i think a 5th gear would be nice.

as far as the gasket, i did not do it myself, i had it done when i first got the truck. they put in longer studs, and resurfaced the block. it worked for a while, but the exhaus leak eventually came back. i have heard that the exhaust manifold on these trucks can be problematic. i am wondering if anyone has had similar problems. thanks

[texas12]

Yep, had that problem with my 22re. Kept leaking all the way at the back of the manifold (rear of head). After a couple tries and several gaskets, finally got it to seal using gasket sealant with the gasket. Be careful not to strip a stud in the head, did that too. Not fun .

[ElmerFudd]

Yeah I'd say take the header off and use some sort of heat retardant gasket seal. I have a small leak coming from somewhere up front but it's not really buggin me too much... might take some time to look at it when I have lots.