High performance manifold differences

The early ones have a flat pipe flange using a gskt. The later ones have a bell/ball flange, no gskt reqd.
Partially correct. Early manifolds had gaskets on both sides as stated. Later performance manifolds from 1971-74 used a gasket on the left side as the early manifolds and a ball joint connection/floating flange connection on the right side requiring no gasket. The right manifold (626 casting) was also used on 1971-74 b and e body applications with 340/360 engines.