resdoggie

If two is good then 3 is better and 4 is.......... If you need to use more than one gasket then something is warped or bent. I use Percy's laminated aluminium header gaskets and don't have any leaks.

Anyway, you asked if it was possible to get headers that don't leak. YES. I can't answer your other question regarding manifolds for 81/82 but I would think headers are better.

jb78L-82

It will work for little effort and cost....

I have permamently fixed leaking headers twice now with this technique...years solved now.

redvetracr

Imagine the heat cycles a set of headers goes through, I have found a couple of saw cuts with a Sawzall or even a hack saw will make a huge difference, two cuts on each header, one between tubes #1&3, one between #5&7 and on the other side between tubes #2&4 and #6&8, you will see that your headers have "sprung" and thats the problem.

Priya

Very interesting.

Little Mouse

now that sounds like a really good plan. Im going to cut all the flange off in between the pipes can't see the need for it.

AdamMeh

Agreed redvetracr. Ours are sprung slightly, which is the reason for two gaskets. Just didn't want to cut them up because of the age and overall condition, but that solution works really well for most other circumstances.

MotorHead

I never had header leaks but I bought the more expensive brands up to a point where I now have headers I designed myself, they certainly don't leak, but I have had to tighten a nut here and there.

That's what everyone should be doing , take a wrench every so often and check the header bolts. I have always used Felpro header gaskets.