I searched for threads on which exhaust manifold bolts are correct for big blocks and found some useful info for '70s and '71s, but nothing for '68s. My manifold has about 4 different combinations of bolts and washers so I can't tell which is correct. Nor can I tell from the bolt imprints left on the manifold ears.

Does anyone know for sure if flanged or lock washered bolts were stock in 1968?

well i dont personally know for sure, but according to this ebay auction http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NOS-1968-69-Camaro-396-427-Exhaust-Manifold-Bolts-16_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34202QQitemZ46477892 37QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

according to that, 68 big block camaros used flanged, but used washers in 1967, and i think 1970 too. So according to ebay, 68-69 big blocks were the years chevy used flanged bolts, but still im not 100%

Thanks, Rick.

I purchased a set of flanged exhaust bolts. But I have to say that they are the cheapest, crappiest, sorriest excuses for bolts I have ever seen. What may at first sound like venting on my part is in actuality an advisory to members who care about what they put in their cars.

These bolts had threads so shallow I had to run all 16 through a die to deepen them so they wouldn't flatten the mating threads of my heads. After doing so, I was able to finger thread them most of the way -- a big improvement. My message is that if you have to take matters into your own hands, do it. Don't just blindly accept what's sold to you, you'll feel better and your original parts won't suffer from being abused by cheap, ill-fitting "reproduction" parts.

Rant over...