When installing headers, what gaskets to use? O.E., or aftermarket?

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Feb 8, 2003 | 11:26 AM

YELLOHHH

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Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 6,725

Likes: 5

From: Colesville MD

When installing headers, what gaskets to use? O.E., or aftermarket?

Topic says it all. Also, for LS6 guys, since the exhuast ports are "D" shaped, and the headers are round, what is recomended? Thanks,

Greg
:cool:

Feb 8, 2003 | 12:34 PM

Ram Air Tony

Race Director

Joined: Feb 1999

Posts: 14,263

Likes: 1

From: DFW, Texas...2001 Millennium Yellow Z06

Re: When installing headers, what gaskets to use? O.E., or aftermarket? (YELLOHHH)

I have used the stock OEM gaskets on 2 different header installs, and I just recently took off the headers (for clutch replacement) and used new OEM exhaust manifold gaskets.

Typically, the gaskets they send with new headers are paper, and the OEM ones have metal in them and seem to be better IMHO :)

having said that, my recommendation is to use the stock ones :yesnod:

hope that helps

Feb 8, 2003 | 01:05 PM

Melting Slicks

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 2,596

Likes: 120

From: East Tennessee

Re: When installing headers, what gaskets to use? O.E., or aftermarket? (YELLOHHH)

I have uses the OE metal 'sandwich' gaskets on a lot of cars with no problems. On this car though I went with mrgasket ultra seals, these FLPs just wont seal with the metal gaskets for some reason. I have used the stock gaskets on FLPs on f-bodies without a problem though so who knows :cheers:

Feb 8, 2003 | 01:08 PM

CJS

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 2,349

Likes: 36

From: New Milford CT

Re: When installing headers, what gaskets to use? O.E., or aftermarket? (YELLOHHH)

My dealer used the thick fiber gaskets that come with the FLP's, they are working just fine, even though the header flange was warped .090+.

Feb 8, 2003 | 03:28 PM

SNW Vette

Racer

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 442

Likes: 1

From: San Clemente CA

Re: When installing headers, what gaskets to use? O.E., or aftermarket? (YELLOHHH)

Hi,
The stock 97-00 gasket has a round port and will match headers with a round port. The 01-03 gasket has an oval port which may leak at the bottom on some headers. My B&B shorties leaked using the late gaskets.
Good luck,
Steve

:seeya

Feb 8, 2003 | 04:08 PM

YELLOHHH

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 6,725

Likes: 5

From: Colesville MD

Re: When installing headers, what gaskets to use? O.E., or aftermarket? (SNW Vette)

Thanks for the info guys, but my real question is, what is the best gasket to use to mate "D" shaped exhaust ports to "O" shaped header openings?

Greg
:cool:

Feb 8, 2003 | 04:41 PM

SwissVette_Joe

Racer

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 376

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From: BLMVOR R160 [] HOCVOR R305 Switzerland BL

Re: When installing headers, what gaskets to use? O.E., or aftermarket? (YELLOHHH)

@ALL

THANKS for sharing those essential infos. I am on the same walk as you all and shall keep the infos on record until final decision re Headers.

This Forum really rules !!

Thanks again, comrades, and be well. I wish you all a healthy CORVETTE Season with thousands of pleasing miles !!

Joe. :seeya

Feb 8, 2003 | 07:52 PM

SR71

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 1,040

Likes: 1

From: Knoxville TN

Re: When installing headers, what gaskets to use? O.E., or aftermarket? (SwissVette_Joe)

either should work,but I would use the round port gaskets since the header tube is larger than the port...the machined area around the exhaust port should be the same size regardless of port shape.