Header gaskets
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 245
Likes: 2
From: Hope Indiana
Header gaskets
Anybody got a good header gasket that they've had success sealing with? I've got longtubes on my '68 and paper gaskets aren't doing a thing. I was going to order a Mr Gasket Copperseal. 0.043" copper gaskets with embossed rings around the ports. Anybody used these gaskets? They sound like a pretty good product and they're half the price of dead soft aluminum gaskets.
Any luck with studs vs bolts? One trick I've seen used to keep bolts tight is to increase the grip length of the bolt (ie increase the length from under the flange to the first engaged thread) in order to put more preload or stretch into the bolt. That's the biggest problem with keeping header bolts tight because you've gone from a nice thick flange on your manifolds to a real thin flange on the headers. I can't seem to find any kits already available. Might be fabricating something this weekend!
Any luck with studs vs bolts? One trick I've seen used to keep bolts tight is to increase the grip length of the bolt (ie increase the length from under the flange to the first engaged thread) in order to put more preload or stretch into the bolt. That's the biggest problem with keeping header bolts tight because you've gone from a nice thick flange on your manifolds to a real thin flange on the headers. I can't seem to find any kits already available. Might be fabricating something this weekend!
Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 633
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton, ON, Canada
I've had very good experience with Mr. Gasket copperseal & Stage 8 bolts. The gaskets hold very well. The Stage 8 bolts are a pain to install & remove because of the locks & snap rings- they require a lot of patience & take time to install & remove. Also, I had to grind off some material to fit the locking washers because of the small clearance between some bolts & the header tubes. But, once installed, they worked well.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,874
Likes: 7
From: l In
allen head bolts and dead aluminum header gaskets.
With the allen head bolts you can get the 3/8 drive allen socket so you can crank them tight.
Mine have been on for over a year and have not needed tightening.
Just my .02 worth
With the allen head bolts you can get the 3/8 drive allen socket so you can crank them tight.
Mine have been on for over a year and have not needed tightening.
Just my .02 worth
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Fla
Percy's
I second on the Percy's,I have hedders on my 79 Corvette and my on my 69 El Camino.I have used Mr.Gaskets for as long as I have had hedders and I had seen the Percy gaskets in my local Auto Zone and I needed to replace the gaskets on my El Camino due to the usual breakdown of gaskets and bought them and they are holding up also I safty wire my hedder bolts.Drilled them and use 032"wire,I am an aircraft mechanic,just seemed natural to me to do so!When the Corvette comes due for new gaskets it will get the Percy's.Later Geno