Well, Capt'n, I have some additional thoughts now that I realize it's the manifold... First, there is a product called "never-seize"... It's kinda silvery pastey stuff and I'd highly recommend using it on the bolts because it will not only allow you to thread them easier but also will also keep them from siezing from the heat... Also, there is kinda this rule of thumb on torque that has to do with the size of the bolts... Like a 1/2 bolt won't take 30 pounds... Yours are probably 5/8s if I had to guess which can easily take 30-35 pounds...

You just kinda have to feel the bolt as you tighten... It will let you know what's what... Plus, do not use air tools to tighten because they mask the amount of torque... Long rachet handles also mask the torgue... For initial tightening use a hand rachet with no more than about a 10" handle before the final torquing...

Wish I was up there myself... We'd have 'er purrin' like a kitten in no time at all... Sho nuff would...

Also, once you get it torqgued and purrin' I'd recommend re-torquin' it after a few hours of running... Heat does some starnge things to new gaskets on old cast iron engines...

Good luck...

B~