Header questions

[nad]

Alright, so yesterday I bought a set of what I think are some cheaper Hooker long tube headers from a local guy for $30 bucks. He said they'd only been used a couple times, and they look like they're in good shape, they just need to be cleaned up and need a good coat of paint.

Anyway, he explained to me that I should mill file the head and the header flanges smooth and run with no gaskets, since gaskets constantly blow and cause problems and leaks.

So my question is, has anyone done this? I just thought it sounded ridiculous and I planned on buying some good gaskets and running gaskets.

Also, these headers have a heat tube exhaust clamped on one of the runners and I don't currently have a heat tube setup on my motor. So am I okay to just take this little rig off, or should I plumb in a heat tube to my intake?

Also, the openings for the ports on the heads are just perfect circles on these headers. He said they're for a 4x4 Chevy, but aren't most 350's oval port heads? Will this little bit of shape difference matter?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

When you paint them use paint intended for a BBQ.

I wouldn't bother milling the headers so you can run without gaskets. Get good quality gaskets and make sure the bolts stay tight (but not too tight or you'll warp the flange, use a torque wrench).

I would take the heat tube thing off.

Don't worry about the mismatch between the ports on the heads and the headers.

 

[nad]

Alright, cool. I have some high heat 1200 degree flat black I'm gonna use on them. Thanks for the help.

 

[nad]

Also, if the headers didn't come with any bolts, can I get bolts at a parts store? The ones on the manifolds are rusty as hell.

 

[nad]

Anyone?

 

[onetonbb74]

header bolts in the help section at your local auto parts store should have them. Most ive seen are 3/8 head on a 5/16 bolt black anodized, should come in a pack of 12. Manifold bolts are waaaay to long to work, and the head is too big to fit flush on the flange.

 

[nad]

Should I use self etching primer on these or is there a high heat primer to use? Also, it recommends baking them in the oven for 2 hours at 400 degrees. Is this necessary? Has anyone else had any experience with header paint?

Also, anyone heard of mill filing the heads and headers, or should I just use gaskets?

 

[onetonbb74]

Gaskets all the way.

 

[Duntz00]

i cut the flange between the tubes on my headers and have only replaced the passenger side gasket in 3 years

heres a pic of mine

 

[GMCLegacy]

I used high temp silicone on mine. its been on there for a little bit less than a year with no leaks. the truck mainly stays on the street. some of the header mfg recomended it this way. just let the silicone cure before starting up the engine.

snug up the bolts, and repeat after the truck as gotten to operating temp and cooled back down.