Header gasket
02-05-2019, 08:27 PM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Header gasket
I’m replacing the header gaskets on my LS7 with kooks headers. It had the stock GM gasket previously but leaked. I was reading about the gasket Remflex. I ordered both but don’t know which one I should install.
02-05-2019, 08:52 PM
#4
Team Owner
If you are leaking with properly installed/torqued OEM gaskets, I would pull it all apart, make sure head surface is really clean, and check straightness on the headers. Possibly mill them flat if needed.
02-05-2019, 10:04 PM
#5
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Thread Starter
whats the proper procedure for torquing the bolts. How do you get a torque wrench into such a tight location.
02-06-2019, 09:28 AM
#7
Drifting
When I torqued mine I did the 11ft lbs first then the 18 but I went back a few times with the 18 until they were all torqued. Some of the still turned a little at 18 even after a couple of passes
02-06-2019, 09:43 AM
#9
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GM gaskets are a quality part, This is the first post that I have read that had problems
02-06-2019, 12:46 PM
#10
Team Owner
^This...not uncommon to have warped header flanges right out of the box.
02-06-2019, 09:24 PM
#12
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Thread Starter
02-06-2019, 09:59 PM
#13
Team Owner
Remflex just seems like a bandaid to a different problem. No reason these headers should leak with OEM gaskets.
02-06-2019, 10:15 PM
#14
Advanced
Thread Starter
just to be clear. I was chasing a sound like heavy exhaust leak sound when loading the engine in second gear at low rpms. I did the test blowing air from the exhaust tips and spraying soapy water around the flanges at the head. They foamed up around the header both sides. Don’t know if the noise I’ve been chasing was this but going to try to seal it but I can.
02-06-2019, 10:26 PM
#15
Team Owner
I fully believe you have a header leak, but the factory gaskets, if installed correctly, on clear flat surfaces won't leak. Remflex or other fancy gaskets are a bandaid to cover up a warped flange, or other issue.
02-09-2019, 03:10 PM
#16
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Thread Starter
Well i installed the Remflex gasket. The install went ok but when I tried to connect the Kooks X pipe it was off by an 1/2 “. Needless to say the gasket was too thick throwing the collector off. The Kooks are welded together and they have to be right to work. Took them off and replaced them with a GM gaskets. All lined up. Another reason to use the OE parts.
02-09-2019, 04:42 PM
#17
Le Mans Master
I have Kooks and Remflex gaskets (only because I like to do things once and I knew they wouldn't leak), compressing them "too much is a problem" doesn't make any sense, and all my stuff lined up fine.
In any case, glad all is well.
In any case, glad all is well.
02-10-2019, 07:45 AM
#19
Melting Slicks
You don't think it might be also coming from the ball flange below? I would also make sure when installing all the bolts go in smoothly. I had a farthest rear bolt that was binding and I need to Dremel the hole in order for the header to sit properly.