Header gasket question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 105
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From: Long Island New York
Header gasket question
Hello all, I am purchasing header gaskets for a SBC 400, I have found 2 different types, one set is all connected so the gasket for each side is one piece, the other set consists of 3 pieces for each side, so there is a separate gasket for each exhaust outlet, both sets are metal not material. My question is, which is better? or does it matter?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
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From: Stratford Ontario
It really doesnt matter except that the one piece can be easier to install. If the one piece does'nt have the bottom of the outside bolt holes cut out they can be cut, so that the header can be set in place and the two outside bolts started. Then gasket can be slipped into place. If your using the individual ones I like the uncut bolt holes. Place the bolts in headers on one end, and install gasket on other end and remove bolts and install each gasket as You go.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 105
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From: Long Island New York
thanks Tim, I wound up getting the one piece and its the material kind (I wanted the metal by my parts store didnt have the round port in stock), I installed them already and car is quiet and runs really nice, I have tightened them once already when hot and after cooled down.. I will do the same again tomorrow. Hopefully they last. The car ran a little rough before, now I can put a full glass of water on the air cleaner and not spill a drop.. really runs smooth.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 105
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From: Long Island New York
True,,,LOL however I built a driver not a racer, car has a SBC 400 and I put in a stock cam, has a T10 4 speed, headers, no cats, true duel exhaust, no pollution control. Just start up and go, a lot of fun to drive, and car no longer heats up. Runs smooth and car doesnt shake all over when you are sitting in so you can feel the fiberglass separating and pieces starting to loosen and fall off..
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 105
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From: Long Island New York
well I have never seen that, if the engine is loping, the car is moving some as well. Not into that anyway, if I want to go fast I will just drive my jag, its supercharged and will walk most vettes with a zero to 60 of 4.6 seconds (stock), and mine isnt 
