Gaskets for headers
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 3
From: Franklin indiana
Gaskets for headers
When installing headers, what is the best gasket to use? I have heard use stock GM, are Felpro replacements as good? What about their high performance gaskets, or Mr Gasket type soft aluminum or copper?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 927
Likes: 6
From: King George VA
Most, if not all, manufacturers include gaskets when you purchase headers. LG Motorsports, for example, sent me OEM LS gaskets when I bought my LT's. I have heard that there is no better gasket than the OEM unit. Good luck! 
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 204
Likes: 35
From: buffalo new york
When i installed my american racing headers i purchased the oem gaskets at local dealer . They did and still do not leak at all , would get them again . Toss the ones that come with headers
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
My muff guy swears by the factory ones. He told me not to bother with buying new ones when he put the headers and the rest of the 3" system on the vert as he would use the old gaskets. That was 5 years ago and no leaks yet, and with the huffer it has a lot of exhaust pressure to hold.
Last edited by tiojames; Nov 24, 2012 at 04:04 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Cudahy WI
I reused the stock ones, just cleaned them up with some brake cleaner, brass brushed off the carbon deposits, and trimmed them a little to fit the header flanges.
Then I notched the two outmost bolt holes with a tinsnips so I could get the header in place on the outer two bolts, then slide the gasket in, then install and tighten the balance of the header bolts. That was the key to doing it easy for me.
Then I notched the two outmost bolt holes with a tinsnips so I could get the header in place on the outer two bolts, then slide the gasket in, then install and tighten the balance of the header bolts. That was the key to doing it easy for me.
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 450
Likes: 8
From: Ladysmith Wisconsin
I reused the stock ones, just cleaned them up with some brake cleaner, brass brushed off the carbon deposits, and trimmed them a little to fit the header flanges.
Then I notched the two outmost bolt holes with a tinsnips so I could get the header in place on the outer two bolts, then slide the gasket in, then install and tighten the balance of the header bolts. That was the key to doing it easy for me.
Then I notched the two outmost bolt holes with a tinsnips so I could get the header in place on the outer two bolts, then slide the gasket in, then install and tighten the balance of the header bolts. That was the key to doing it easy for me.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 16,897
Likes: 412
From: Lewisville TX
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 601
Likes: 40
I was told to reuse my original factory gaskets. I just added a little orange high temp silicone sealant to both sides. Not leaks. Never put sealant on both sides of a gasket, except on the stainless factory GM exhaust gaskets. It only takes a little.