Best Header Gaskets?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 5
From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Best Header Gaskets?
I am running some after market headers and was wondering, is there a better HEADS to HEADERS gasket besides the stock replacements? Something that may mold better to the header once tightened down?
Micah
Micah
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 8
From: Southwest Virginia
Originally Posted by connecticut
the stock GM gaskets are fine, notice the different shapes to match the ex. ports, 97-00 round port, 01-04 D port, all headers i've seen have round port flanges
Most any "header" gasket will "mold" better to the head and headers and seal better than the factory gaskets, WHEN FIRST INSTALLED. But the problem is as time goes on, and it don't take much time, the headers gaskets since they are softer will start moving around, squeezing out, and finally start leaking. The factory gaskets are multi-layer steel and once you bolt them down, they won't compress any more, they won't squeeze out, and if you headers are flat they won't leak. And since the factory gaskets won't compress any more, your header bolts won't (shouldn't) work loose.
Like connecticut says, use the round port gaskets. I always order them for a 99 C5 coupe and I always get the correct gaskets.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
header gaskets
Iv'e known the muffler guy I use for over ten years. He used my old gaskets over when he installed my headers. When I asked him why, he said basically the same thing in this thread. The steel won't leak later if it doesn't leak at start up. They have been on for over 3000 miles, no problems. 
