Header Gaskets
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: east hampton ct
Header Gaskets
I am trying to determine the correct header gaskets to be using for my 75 - 350. The heads are AFR 180 with D ports and the headers are Hookers. The headers are not D port. I need to replace my existing gaskets due to leaks and am considering copper replacements. Is copper the prefered gasket or is aluminum the way to go? Should I be using a flat gasket or an embossed gasket. The AFR recommended gasket is a Fel Pro 1404 which is a fiber 1.5 x 1.5 square port for use on Vortec heads. Any thoughts are appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Percy's dead soft aluminum
My Trick Flow heads have D-port exhaust and my Headman headers have round ports. On my first attempt I used square port gaskets made of copper, (SCE Pro from Summit Racing), and they leaked at the corners of the "D" port.
Second attempt was using standard el-cheapo exhaust manifold gaskets with high-temp gasket sealant and they held up fairly well but finally failed.
Third attempt was Mr. Gasket brand Ultra-Seal round port header gaskets and they too leaked at the corners of the "D" port.
Currently I'm using round port - Percy's dead soft aluminum gaskets, they sealed up fine and are holding.
Let us know which gaskets you end up using.
Mike
Second attempt was using standard el-cheapo exhaust manifold gaskets with high-temp gasket sealant and they held up fairly well but finally failed.
Third attempt was Mr. Gasket brand Ultra-Seal round port header gaskets and they too leaked at the corners of the "D" port.
Currently I'm using round port - Percy's dead soft aluminum gaskets, they sealed up fine and are holding.
Let us know which gaskets you end up using.
Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 1
From: Billings MT
NO GASKET. Two flat surfaces (have the headers trued), put a thin bead of ultra-copper on and bolt them up, done, no leaks guaranteed. I used pretty much every gasket I could find before going this route due to the advice from a sprint car driver. I'm glad I did, not only have I not had a single leak in the last year I have not had to re-tighten the bolts once!
