[AT] no exhaust gasket?

[Ivan]

John,
  I have seen several vehicles that use no gasket in the exhaust in 
various places.   A couple months ago the owner of our local NAPA shared 
with me that he had the manifolds on his fathers motor home surfaced and 
put together without gaskets ,this after going thru several sets in a 
few years time . He claimed he was told this by an old timer ,and it 
worked on his engine also . Some  Y pipes dont use a gasket either ,my 
van for one .  I have been able to buy metal reinforced exhaust gasket 
at the Portland show in past years .  I would try it without as long as 
both surfaces are flat . Ivan