Up date. Removed manifolds and checked surface, discovered that the exh pipe flange which is welded onto the pipe a little lower than flush (pipe sticks through flange) has slotted holes which allowed the metal ring in the gasket to seat on the pipe instead of around it, this would not let the flange tighten up against the manifold and would blow out. put new gaskets onto pipe with high heat silicone and then installed. so far so good. It was just so tight in there I could not see what was going on with out removing mainfolds. Thank you for your replies. Looks good now, fresh eastwood on manifolds & everything.