305 exhaust manifold install question.

[DaveG55]

Replacing cracked exhaust manifolds on my 94 305/alpha gen 1.
When torquing the bolts is there a patern to follow and should they be torqued tp manual specs in one go or stepped. Like going to 15 ft lbs first then to the recommended 25 ft lbs?
I kknow that I need to recheck the torque after the first couple of runs.
Also, is there any reason to not reuse the elbow to manifold bolts? The kit comes with new manifold to block bolts.
And finally, will regular pipe dope or thread tape work for the new plugs? Or do I need to find the sealer the manual reccomends?

 

[NHGuy]

Mercruiser will tell you to use Mercruiser Perfect Seal on the metal plugs, and teflon tape on the plastic ones. I have some Perfect Seal and it's good stuff, but really any non hardening sealer will work. And teflon tape is the thing on the plastic little elbows.
The elbow to manifold bolts can be reused without issue. And I do get everything into position with little torque before I tighten things up. Criss cross 2 or 3 go rounds to tightness.