ideas on high quality header gaskets
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 915
Likes: 2
From: Lima, OH -- 69 L71 427/435hp
I use Permatex Copper high temp RTV, lay a nice 3/8" bead around each hole, no gasket needed and no leaks. 
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
I used to get about two or three seasons out of old style white header gaskets. I tried soaking them in water before I installed them, that didn't work. Somebody suggested I try Grey colored Felpro #1426 header gaskets (#1426 is the number for O-Ring flanges). They were cheap and have been leak free for a few years now. I might add,you should also check your header bolts frequently for tightness
I tried the water soaking trick and all I got was a sticky gasket that fell apart when tightened.
This time I used the gaskets that came with the headers and no sealer and it worked perfect , I re tightened the bolts just today and they were as tight as the day I put them on.
One trick is to install the gaskets, warm up the car, then retighten the bolts while the motor is hot, wait a day or so after driving and do it again and it should be done.
Also put in the end bolts to hold the header in place loose, then cut the bottoms open on the end holes on the gasket so they slip down onto the bolts so they hold the gasket in place and then theres no rush to put in the other bolts.
