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I had to replace the manifold gaskets on my 38. Most of the nuts were brass and some steel. I checked a 1950 327 motor and all the nuts were steel. Is it OK to just use steel nuts or should I try to find the 3/8x24 brass nuts?

Did a search and found the answer- brass is preferred

The REAL question here is WHY brass preferred? I am GUESSING that the brass is less likely to loosen under heat nd vibration.
If u really have to have 100 point show car that is oem perfect thru and thru then go for the brass. If u want an even better quality set uo then look for some stover nuts. They are self locking kind of interference fit and are used in racing as well as on many production cars since the early 1960's that i know of, especiaaly on exhauste.

SBC used the 3/8 16 stover nuts in production for many years on the pipe to exh. maniflold bolts.

NOTE that stover nut does NOT imply an elastice stop nut. The stover has a kind of egg shaped crown to it. There is NO plastic about it. Look at nuts for the SBC exh. flange to pipe applications. They should be easy to find and not expensive.

wait a minute. u said 3/8 -24. Those should be readily available in stover nut too.

I have heard that brass nuts are preferred because they will not rust and seize on the studs.

Your suggestion for the special locking nuts is a good one. Tighten to spec and they will not back-off. Not authentic, but better in service.

(o{}o)

Does anyone know what the torque spec is?