pauldana

I am so tired of replacing header gaskets and listing to leaks both at the head/header and header collector/exhaust pipe..... I have tried Copper and that just never sealed properly... have not tried aluminum....I have also tried regular, Mr. Gasket, and Edelbrock... all blow out.

Looking for both gasket areas... of the headers..


so... any suggestions.... this is not fun.

Sigforty

http://www.holley.com/29D03BERL.asp

Pressure masters from Earl's work great I have used them on a few cars. I also like Percy's aluminum ones as well.

hugie82

I've used stock exhaust manifold gaskets on my headers for over 20 years... You can't blow them because there made out of steel, if they leak just tighten it up!!! The collector I've used no gasket and it will leak a little when the engine is cool but usually stops in about 30 seconds. Or if you weld the bell/ball and socket connection works great... Good Luck You'll get it

gkull

Do you have header studs? I can't remember.

Anyway the FelPro blue steel impregnated is what i use. I even reuse them after motor changes.

I'm glad to hear that the north and south cruise worked out.

Kevins77

I had the same issue with my long tubes.. It would regularly blow out the cork style Mr. Gasket header gaskets, and the copper never sealed right for me. I went to the very thick aluminium gaskets and they solved the problem.

trainor

I too use the Fel-Pro blue with no problems. You might want to run a straight edge on the headers to make sure there is no warp. Good Luck

Rebelrob

I am using Fel-pro's with perforated steel core. No problems so far. Got less than a 1000 miles though. I'm worried if I do have a leak, I will not be able to hear it.

7t2vette

I have been using the Fel Pro header gaskets for years with no problems, and I have also been using the solid aluminum collector gaskets for years with no problems.

7t9l82

like already mentioned make sure the flange is flat i always cut a slice in the flange between the first and second and third and fourth tube also some kind of locking system helps. i used to safety wire them it worked good and looked cool but what a p.i.t.a.

MotorHead

Your header flange must be straight and everything clean I have never had an exhaust leak in the past 20 years using Felpro 1405 gasket.

When you think about it the exhaust is going to travel the path of least resistance, it's got a great big primary pipe hole and as long as the primary pipe is the same size or bigger than the exhaust port why would it go anywhere else ?

jbaron

I'm using Jegs copper header gaskets and no problems at all. 3 yrs. now.

mikejpss

what is the copper stuff (fel pro?) that is applied to a regular gasket, and where can you get it? is it a spray, liquid or what?anyone?

ctroadster

I just installed headers on my c3 and have no leaks at all. I used the Remflex gasket set. They are made out of Graphite 1/8 to 3/16 thick. They compress to 50% and make a great seal. will even seal imperfections (if any) to the header flange surface. They also have collecter gaskets. I highly reccomend them. I have put 800 miles on the car since the install and I am very happy with the performance
http://remflex.com

Drawmain

I've had good luck with the aluminum ones

vettehardt

Before it was mine, my dad use to have problems with my 73. We would go through at least 2 sets of felpro gaskets a year. We then switched to copper. I've used the copper gaskets on my Hooker sidepipe headers for about 12 years with no problems. I recently had to get new headers and I reused the same gaskets. The gaskets will not blow out and if they start leaking, just tighten the bolts up and the leak goes away. Usually i make sure they are tight before the first autocross of the year and they stay that way.

Glassbowtie77

I'm using Percy's aluminum gaskets, no problem 2 yrs. now.

my72vette454

I understand the frustration with leaky header gaskets too. Try keeping them sealed when running 20-30 lbs pressure in them pushing through turbos. My latest idea is cleaning the heads and the flanges really clean and using high temp silicone. Put a good bead on and just snug the bolts up finger tight and let it cure a day before tightening the bolts all the way. So far so good.What would be nice is a set of machined after welding, half inch thick flanges. Should be as robust as exh manifolds then.

jbaron

The gasket is actually copper. No other material added. I believe I got mine at Jegs. Probably at Summit or any other speed shop also.

M A Fry

I have also used this method, not only on vets but alloy head european cars and have never had a problem. Do ensure that the surfaces are clean.

Ralphbf

Doug Thorley

I have 2 sets of there headers.
One on my 91 Toyota pickup, 22RE, and the other on my 1986 South wind, with a 454. Never had a leak on either of them.

It may be the 5/16" flange on their headers but their gaskets are thicker than most.

Anyway never a problem.

Ralph