I finally got off my driver side manifold and noticed that the ports are square and my header ports are round. It looks like the header ports are larger than the exhaust ports so it covers the whole thing. Is this normal or do I have to match the ports exactly?

 

The normal practice is to have the manifold/header flange slightly larger than the port itself. It might improve top power slightly to match the port to the manifold, but the lower end can suffer by doing so.

 

ok thanks, i just wanted to make sure b4 i bolted it on, and i must say it has been very easy to get the manifolds off. only one bolt is giving me problems, the one holding the dip stick, the outer nut won't turn , it's turning the whole thing and twisting the dipstick.

 

I had the same problem and ended up having to destroy my dipstick

 

LOL, i sorta got a tad bit pissed and just cranked until the dipstick twisted around and snapped. how much do they run for, i'm guessing i have to goto a dealership.