Header Gasket Install
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
Header Gasket Install
Just got my Dougs Headers today, will probably install them this weekend. They come with their own gaskets, and recommend a thin coating of Ultra-Copper RTV on both sides of the gasket when assembling. I have GM aluminum "Fast Burn" heads. I am a little hesitant about putting all that RTV on the heads and header mating surfaces. Was thinking of just around each port for sealing, or perhaps another type of gasket. Can I get some feedback on this subject from your experience, this is my first hi-performance engine project.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 74
From: New Carlisle IN
Go to your parts store and get a set of copper (or aluminum) gaskets. They will never blow out and are reusable. I'v been using these for almost 10 years now with no problems. I have stock heads with hooker sidepipe headers. We used to go through 1 or 2 sets of gaskets a racing season until we put the copper ones on. I aslo don't seem to have to tighten the header bolts as much.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
Since you're changing headers and gaskets, you might consider using something like these locking header bolts... http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PHP-20004/?rtype=10 I've got them on my car and don't ever have to re-tighten them...
