Okay, I now have backfires at the heads since I re-torqued my heads and put on a stock muffler. (1973 1.7L) I want to take the HEs off to inspect and replace with another much better set that came with my car. I have PB Blasted all the nuts, but what are the chances of stud breakage, problems, nut-serts, etc...? Am I opening up a can of worms? Are the copper gaskets readily available at FLAPS?

Advice....?

The gaskets will not be available at most FLAPS. You might get lucky, though. Ask them about exhaust gaskets for a 73 VW Bus and just perhaps...

Your odds of breaking stuff are about the same as they are any time you touch the exhaust nuts. Not high, but it's a real PITA if you do break anything.

Go for it.

--DD

I'm ordering new intake gaskets, both sets of O-rings for the injectors, and the big mesh hose sections for the big intake tubes on the top of the motor. Mine feel crunchy. Is this a pretty straightforward install?