aluminum heads and C3AE cast iron long tube headers

[olman]

Just wondering if the exhaust flanges on the aluminum heads are strong enough to support the weight of these heavy suckers.

[WConley]

No they are not.  Why don't you just send those archaic lumps to me and be done with your problems 

Seriously, they should work great.  You may want to consider inserts in the exhaust flange bolt holes, or at least a bit of anti-seize, to be sure the bolts don't gall into the aluminum.  I'll let the other guys chime in about the best exhaust gasket for that combination.  Unlike iron-iron, I don't think you will get an acceptable exhaust manifold seal without a good gasket.

Best of luck!  Sounds like a fun build.

- Bill

[ToddK]

I ran a set of the C3AE long cast headers on a pair of Survival aluminum heads in my '63 Galaxie. They worked fine. I had the manifold faces machined flat and only used some high temp sealant, no gaskets. They sealed okay, no leaks and no problems with lots of street driving..