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Header gaskets......use the OEM ones

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Old Apr 3, 2005 | 08:29 PM
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Default Header gaskets......use the OEM ones

Put the FLP headers on the 00’ coupe back on 11/29/02 with 23,323 miles on it.
The kit came with paper gaskets so I used them vs the OEM steel ones I just took off.
These are no different that the ones I use on my 68' Camaro...except the 68's heads are steel.
I knew I would be needing to change them sooner or later, well the DS developed a leak even though the bolts were tight after 2 years and 4 months and almost 20,000 miles.
I saved the OEM ones, disconnected the header collector tab bolt down below and left the exhaust clamps in place. Just enough play to loosen all the header bolts and slip in the OEM steel gasket. No problem and it worked like a champ. So when you do headers, use new OEM steel gaskets or your old ones if in good shape!
It only took me 2 hours with beer and picture breaks

Up on the lift just encase I need to take off the collector clamp


Paper gasket


Can you tell were the leak may have been?


Just enough room for the gasket


Exhaust manifold side..a few leaks started as the gasket was very hard & brittle. OEM on the top.


Head side....and I only broke a plastic clamp for the AIR TUBE!


http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...nt0016-med.jpg

Last edited by Allthrottleandsomebottle; Apr 8, 2005 at 06:20 AM.
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Old Apr 3, 2005 | 08:38 PM
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I reused the OEM at 12500 miles
I have 4000 miles since and havent had a leak...........
lets hope for the best
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Old Apr 3, 2005 | 09:31 PM
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The problem with paper gaskets is that they compress, often requiring them to be retorque'd to compensate for the compression and recreate fastener tension. A good spring metal gasket doesn't have that problem. Hopefully your lesson helps prevent someone else from learning the hard way too.
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Old Apr 3, 2005 | 09:40 PM
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Off topic but the plug wire, second from the left is looking a little worse for wear. Better get that changed out.
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Old Apr 4, 2005 | 05:27 AM
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I used the f-body OEM gasket. Same construction as the Vette gasket, but the ports are round much like your photo's. It is the perfect gasket for a set of headers.
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Old Apr 4, 2005 | 09:37 AM
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Originally Posted by leaftye
The problem with paper gaskets is that they compress, often requiring them to be retorque'd to compensate for the compression and recreate fastener tension. A good spring metal gasket doesn't have that problem. Hopefully your lesson helps prevent someone else from learning the hard way too.
This was a personal test.......I wanted to see if the aluminum head would get the heat out quicker allowing a paper gasket to last longer under hard condiditons.
I always do PM on the car including a bolt tightness check
As for the plug wire, thats just carbon from the header leak
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