Copper exhaust manifold gaskets with aluminum heads
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Copper exhaust manifold gaskets with aluminum heads
I just got my rebuilt 427 back onto my frame. Someone suggested that the best exhaust manifold gaskets where the copper Mr Gasket style which I used for my steel heads. I have changed my steel heads over to AFR aluminum heads. Does anyone know if their would be any corrosion type issues when using dissimilar metals. In other words, are these still appropriate?
Thanks, Pete
Thanks, Pete
#2
I just got my rebuilt 427 back onto my frame. Someone suggested that the best exhaust manifold gaskets where the copper Mr Gasket style which I used for my steel heads. I have changed my steel heads over to AFR aluminum heads. Does anyone know if their would be any corrosion type issues when using dissimilar metals. In other words, are these still appropriate?
Thanks, Pete
Thanks, Pete
If concerned, I think the graphite ones are best myself.
#3
Racer
Thread Starter
Well I live in Vancouver on the west coast of Canada which is about as wet of a place as you could ever imagine. Thanks for the response though, car will be in a heated garage and not out on rainy days.
I will check out the graphite ones you are referring to.
Pete
I will check out the graphite ones you are referring to.
Pete
#4
Team Owner
Get some Earl's, you can thank me later.
They do cost a little more but well worth it. I don't think you'd have any problems with copper on aluminum as I use a copper based anti-seize compound on my spark plugs into my aluminum heads. Dissimilar metals will experience electrolysis but it needs an electrolyte which is usually water. In this case with the heat at the point of contact water is usually not present or boils off quickly.
They do cost a little more but well worth it. I don't think you'd have any problems with copper on aluminum as I use a copper based anti-seize compound on my spark plugs into my aluminum heads. Dissimilar metals will experience electrolysis but it needs an electrolyte which is usually water. In this case with the heat at the point of contact water is usually not present or boils off quickly.
#6
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Aug 2017
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Just my opinion, but I think using header gaskets on exhaust manifolds looks awkward. Headers have a flange that hides the gasket the entire length of the head. Manifolds don't. You need six piece gasket set (three each head) for it to look right regardless of what material you use.
Go to Summit.com and click on gaskets > exhaust. But make sure you select "manifold" gaskets. See what options they have.
Go to Summit.com and click on gaskets > exhaust. But make sure you select "manifold" gaskets. See what options they have.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; 11-13-2018 at 07:08 PM.
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theandies (11-13-2018)
#8
Race Director
OP, can you clarify?
#9
Team Owner
I will give a vote for Felpro blue steel exhaust gaskets. Even with glowing primary pipes I have never had them fail
I use ARP exhaust studs. Never use bolts into aluminum heads
I use ARP exhaust studs. Never use bolts into aluminum heads
#10
Racer
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the info. I am using stock type manifolds. My understanding is that some people suggest using no exhaust manifold gaskets but I got the impression that most people used something under the factory manifolds.
I have been very intrigued with Steve's build in Washington State with his blue 1967 convertible that is stock appearing with factory manifolds and the tri power and running 10 second quarter miles. I realize he is way beyond 427 CI.
I posted a year or so ago and surprisingly could not find anyone who had done a 427 build with AFR heads on a 1968 or 1969 and kept the original pieces and squeezed it under the factory big block hood. Thats my plan. Hopefully I don't run into too many issues. I may end up changing to headers down the road if I want more power but I like the to keep everything looking as original as possible.
So for now I plan to keep my tri power and use the factory manifolds and have hidden the AFR with orange paint to qualify for vintage license plates. I am aiming for mid 500 hp and torque. Thanks for the link to the Earl's type gaskets, they look pure quality. I will check the Percy ones as well.
Here is a picture of where I am at right now.
Pete
I have been very intrigued with Steve's build in Washington State with his blue 1967 convertible that is stock appearing with factory manifolds and the tri power and running 10 second quarter miles. I realize he is way beyond 427 CI.
I posted a year or so ago and surprisingly could not find anyone who had done a 427 build with AFR heads on a 1968 or 1969 and kept the original pieces and squeezed it under the factory big block hood. Thats my plan. Hopefully I don't run into too many issues. I may end up changing to headers down the road if I want more power but I like the to keep everything looking as original as possible.
So for now I plan to keep my tri power and use the factory manifolds and have hidden the AFR with orange paint to qualify for vintage license plates. I am aiming for mid 500 hp and torque. Thanks for the link to the Earl's type gaskets, they look pure quality. I will check the Percy ones as well.
Here is a picture of where I am at right now.
Pete
#11
Team Owner
#12
Le Mans Master
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This is what happens when people assume its a SBC or you are using headers. You tricked us all.
#13
Safety Car
Count me in the graphite gasket camp.
The Earls are great, but I'm not sure if they are available for the 427. Remflex is also good. Both are a little pricey, but well worth the money for the quality.
The Earls are great, but I'm not sure if they are available for the 427. Remflex is also good. Both are a little pricey, but well worth the money for the quality.
#14
Racer
Thread Starter
Should have been a little more specific re my build. Those Earls gaskets do look amazing but C6racer you are right, I just looked everywhere and they seem to have discontinued the Big Block Chev version. (The small block is readily available)
I love that safety wire look Andies but If I was to try that it would look horrendous!
Thanks again for all the help everyone
Pete
I love that safety wire look Andies but If I was to try that it would look horrendous!
Thanks again for all the help everyone
Pete
#15
Race Director
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The Fel Pro graphite style work great. I've got them on my turbo set up with no issues. Been re-used several times.
You can also just use hi-temp silicone if you don't want gaskets showing and want it to look closer to stock. Turbo guys with mega heat and backpressure do it all the time and it works fine.
JIM
You can also just use hi-temp silicone if you don't want gaskets showing and want it to look closer to stock. Turbo guys with mega heat and backpressure do it all the time and it works fine.
JIM
#16
Racer
Thread Starter
Thanks Jim,
Everything else is Feldpro on my engine thus far. Not sure why I let an auto parts guy suggest the MR Gasket copper way back when. I will check out the feldpro graphite as well.
This forum is such a wealth of knowledge!
Everything else is Feldpro on my engine thus far. Not sure why I let an auto parts guy suggest the MR Gasket copper way back when. I will check out the feldpro graphite as well.
This forum is such a wealth of knowledge!
#17
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I don't see anything particularly wrong with using the coppers. But silicone won't show if done nicely.
JIM
JIM
#19
Burning Brakes
I just got my rebuilt 427 back onto my frame. Someone suggested that the best exhaust manifold gaskets where the copper Mr Gasket style which I used for my steel heads. I have changed my steel heads over to AFR aluminum heads. Does anyone know if their would be any corrosion type issues when using dissimilar metals. In other words, are these still appropriate?
Thanks, Pete
Thanks, Pete
#20
On the other hand, I have a 40 merc flathead V8 which was in my father's 32 Ford Roadster rod (which we still have) and it had copper head gaskets with a set of "high" (for the time) compression aluminum heads. It never seemed to bother them. Must be more to it than just copper, aluminum, and electrolyte.