headers and leaks

[ramjet gmc]

i plan on puting on some headers this weekend what is the best gasket to put on to prevent leaks

 

[bryguy00b]

iv heard copper or aluminumn ones. ive got aluminum and paper ones back to back on my collectors and they still leak..guess there warped or not at the right angles..cause those damn things alaways leak..i just live with it /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif on the heads i just put some paper mr. gasket ones on and they seem to be fine

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

I've got Mr. Gasket Ultra-Seals on mine. They're the only Mr. Gasket product I'll even consider using. Somehow the left side one blew out and got all loose, I'm not sure how.

 

[Confedneck]

whatever you use, put it together, then drive it to normal operating temps, then retorque..

 

[bpiccioni]

I used to work with a guy who bought a wrench to keep in his glovebox just to constantly tighten his headers.

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

[ QUOTE ]
whatever you use, put it together, then drive it to normal operating temps, then retorque..

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh...forgot to mention it's the collector that's loose not the flange gasket. I know all about retorquing the flange gasket.

 

[Confedneck]

i was replying to ramjet...sorry..i always just click the last post..

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

No biggie, I do the same.

 

[mudjunkie 82]

I double up the gaskets and a drop of loctite does wonders

 

[mojo-jojo]

I use early corvette exhaust manifold gaskets, easier to use because they're in 3 pieces per side. I've changed engines in the /forums/images/graemlins/burb.gif a couple of times and have always been able to re-use them. As for the collector flange check out these part numbers from summit.
(1)FLO-15922 Kit Header Collector Ball Flange 3.5" Coll. Onto 2.5" Exhaust System $58.39 B/O
(2)FLO-15923 Ball Flange Collector Kit, 3.5 in. Collector / 3.0 in. Exhaust, Pair $58.95
(3) FLO-15924 Ball Flange Collector Kit, 3.0 in. Collector / 2.25 in. Exhaust, Pair $45.95
(4)FLO-15925 Ball Flange Collector Kit, 3.0 in. Collector / 2.5 in. Exhaust, Pair $45.95
I couldn't find pics, but it's a ball and socket fit like on cats.

 

[dyeager535]

[ QUOTE ]
I use early corvette exhaust manifold gaskets, easier to use because they're in 3 pieces per side.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Fel-Pro kit I bought for my '74 truck engine uses the same gaskets. Aluminum facing on one side, looks like paper on the other. Buddy uses those with his headers, says they seal way better than the paper ones that come with the headers. His never leak apparently.

 

[mojo-jojo]

I tighten'em down run the engine to operating temp, let cool and tighten again, never had a problem with a leak on that end.

 

[87BrnRsd]

I was told to run them with no gaskets, and that they would seal up better that way. This information came from a very respectable engine builder who has been building engines all of his life if anyone wanted to know.
-Harrison

 

[WARP1]

Stage 8 locking header bolts work well. I use them on my car and K5.

 

[Confedneck]

stage 8 being a company? where can you get them at??