Next project
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Next project
Thanks to SteveG75 my valve seals were done last night @ http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1188004 took 2.5 hours.
Now the next project fix those pesky leaking header gaskets. I have ceramic coated Holley Flow Tech headers with pretty thick flanges but the problem is the cheap paper/ graphite composite gaskets they came with. Plus I have the header alternator bracket which looks bent causing a leak on #1 exhaust. I had those $65 aluminum frame with graphite donut gasket seals on my old 77 Vette and they worked but any slight bend of the gasket caused the graphite gasket to fall off and thus imposible to install. I'm looking for a upper end header gasket set that will stay sealed. Also ordering ARP header bolts with lock bolts and thread lock.
Now the next project fix those pesky leaking header gaskets. I have ceramic coated Holley Flow Tech headers with pretty thick flanges but the problem is the cheap paper/ graphite composite gaskets they came with. Plus I have the header alternator bracket which looks bent causing a leak on #1 exhaust. I had those $65 aluminum frame with graphite donut gasket seals on my old 77 Vette and they worked but any slight bend of the gasket caused the graphite gasket to fall off and thus imposible to install. I'm looking for a upper end header gasket set that will stay sealed. Also ordering ARP header bolts with lock bolts and thread lock.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Assuming you're referring to the Earl's seals. They work really well for me, after trying the coppers which did not seal at all. I started the end header bolts and dropped the Earl in with no problems.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,025
Likes: 658
From: FL
Thanks for the ego boost. 
I have had good luck with the Mr. Gasket Ultraseals. They are graphite coated with a mesh core. Work well with my Hooker sidepipes. I am also just using regular header bolts and have had no problems with loosening. I ended up using the Stage 8's on my old Dynomax headers but the Hookers are sealing fine. I attribute this to the thick flange that prevents warping and lets me get some good torque on the bolts.
I have had good luck with the Mr. Gasket Ultraseals. They are graphite coated with a mesh core. Work well with my Hooker sidepipes. I am also just using regular header bolts and have had no problems with loosening. I ended up using the Stage 8's on my old Dynomax headers but the Hookers are sealing fine. I attribute this to the thick flange that prevents warping and lets me get some good torque on the bolts.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Originally Posted by SteveG75
Thanks for the ego boost.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: San Marcos CA
I have Stahl Headers and therefore use Stahl Gaskets. No problems. Even with multiple R&R's. I use the Breslin split lock header bolts with no problems so far. Also multiple R&R's. I have also used the Stage 8 type header bolts with no problems.
SO you see it's no problem.
LOL.
Here's the web site on the bolts.Breslin
Summit and jegs carry them also.
SO you see it's no problem.
LOL.Here's the web site on the bolts.Breslin
Summit and jegs carry them also.
Last edited by 72 RAY; Sep 22, 2005 at 01:40 AM.
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Good headers with thick & flat flanges work great with paper gaskets. I've had paper on mine for years and never had a leak. With my old headmans I couldn't keep the gaskets in no matter what.
headers with cheap flanges will all eventually leak.
but the aluminum / graphite will last longer
headers with cheap flanges will all eventually leak.
but the aluminum / graphite will last longer
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Another problem is the collector seals. The front end is lowered, 26" as measured front center wheelwells. When I scrape, which I do alot of those collector seals take quite the beating. Was considering going to the FORD style collector seals (the cone slipin sytle with no gaskets required) Would require me to weld in and get the headers re-dipped ceramic.
Last edited by Cali,68,L-79; Sep 22, 2005 at 03:41 PM.