Do headers still routinely leak? Recommendations...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Springdale AR
Do headers still routinely leak? Recommendations...
I mentioned doing headers to my gearhead brother, and he expressed concern that headers always end up leaking... is this a problem?
Whose are the most reliable?
Whose are the most reliable?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 3
From: Chandler AZ
Re: Do headers still routinely leak? Recommendations... (daesoph)
We routinely use TPIS, Bellanger, FLP, and have started carrying Stainless Works. All C5 header manu's we have touched really do not have header leaks. If you are referring to the head to header seal we recommend the use of stock 97-00 GM SS sandwich gaskets. Let us know if we can be of any help and/or provide a quote :)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 6,269
Likes: 1
From: Richmond Ca
Re: Do headers still routinely leak? Recommendations... (billreid1@***.net)
Since the onset of electronically controlled engines, emission controls, and emissions testing, the leaky header syndrom has had to pretty much disappear. :cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,350
Likes: 250
From: Minnesota
Re: Do headers still routinely leak? Recommendations... (daesoph)
I used copper sandwich gaskets on my headers. These are recently available for LS1s and LS6s. I got mine through http://www.car-vette.com Their phone # is on their web page. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 0
Re: Do headers still routinely leak? Recommendations... (Patches)
Hey Ed,
Yupper, I picked her up Friday after lunch. I drove about 40 miles on her and all seems well. I am surprised that the exhaust note changed noticeably. It has a harder, sharper sound now. I cannot tell a SOTP difference and did not expect one. I did notice that the Corsa tips are not getting black and sooty. Before the ring job I could drive 15 miles and the tips were black already. It will be nice not to have to clean them every time I drive the car...
:D :D :D
Yupper, I picked her up Friday after lunch. I drove about 40 miles on her and all seems well. I am surprised that the exhaust note changed noticeably. It has a harder, sharper sound now. I cannot tell a SOTP difference and did not expect one. I did notice that the Corsa tips are not getting black and sooty. Before the ring job I could drive 15 miles and the tips were black already. It will be nice not to have to clean them every time I drive the car...
:D :D :D
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 905
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Re: Do headers still routinely leak? Recommendations... (SideStep)
Cool, Scott! :cheers: :cool: :thumbs:
Now it's time for the headers. :reddevil :yesnod: :steering:
Let me know, man. ;)
Now it's time for the headers. :reddevil :yesnod: :steering:
Let me know, man. ;)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 0
Re: Do headers still routinely leak? Recommendations... (Patches)
To be honest with you I really want to do the FLPs, cam (underdrive pulley??), and BlackWing all at the same time... I want to be able to notice the change... :D :D :D
[Modified by SideStep, 6:04 PM 1/14/2003]
[Modified by SideStep, 6:04 PM 1/14/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,454
Likes: 700
From: Sausalito CA
Re: Do headers still routinely leak? Recommendations... (daesoph)
Yes.....
Simple answer the bolts thouth the headers to the head still lossen up.
No harm comes of it...just retorque every once in a while...20 foot pounds I'd recommend. Also Stage 8 makes header bolts with a retainer to prevent the bolt from moving.
Simple answer the bolts thouth the headers to the head still lossen up.
No harm comes of it...just retorque every once in a while...20 foot pounds I'd recommend. Also Stage 8 makes header bolts with a retainer to prevent the bolt from moving.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 601
Likes: 0
Re: Do headers still routinely leak? Recommendations... (Kenny94945)
Give the BPP step headers a try. I love them and the fit is superb! You will have to find the right gasket for these though because the flanges are sooo much bigger than the stockers. They cost alot, but you usualy get what you pay for.
