Gaskets or NOT ?

[HOTSIX]

I heard someone say once NOT to use exhaust gaskets.

I have the ATR stainless headers on my car. When I installed them - I used gaskets. Those silver coloured ones that Fel-Pro (I think) makes...and I even think they came with the kit.

SO - question is...do I use gaskets or not ? If no - why not ?

Anyone here ever NOT used gaskets ???

 

[Boost231]

ok

u need to use exhaust gaskets the felpro 1400's if i remember right. from the factory these cars didnt have them because everything was machined flat and perfect so you wouldnt need them well over time with the heating and cooling of both the heads and the headers there not completly flat anymore so you needs to use gaskets. i hope this helps

brent

 

[HOTSIX]

Hey, thanks.

Thats kinda what I was thinking...
Actually...ya...my orig headers didnt have gaskets when I took them off and whipped them across the garage !!!

 

[Boost231]

hey

let me know if you have any other questions i might be able to help you out.

brent

 

[TType84]

heres what happens

the metal outside burns off

the remaining inside cardboard does jack ****

you have a header leak

i took those pos gaskets off and used copper RTV

dont ever use gaskets they SUCK

 

[Turbo85T]

I found that the cheap gaskets work quite well if you put a bead of high temp RTV on the cardboard side. Just outline with a 1/4 bead and let set overnight. I have had a set on for 2 years and no leaks so far.

 

[b4black]

The silver/cardboard gasket compress over time. Then the bolts loosen and the gasket blows out. Maybe you can avoid this if you retorque them often.


If you don't need them, don't use them, IMO. I never use them anymore. Just a light bead of ultra copper.

 

[cool 84]

Another vote for no gaskets. I used them one time and they lasted until I hit boost for the first time. If you have to use them, use copper as they will last. Regular gaskets are guaranteed to blow out no matter what.

 

[Turbo85T]

Let me clear something up. My old set of stock headers had warped flanges.No gasket on the market or a whole tube of high temp RTV would keep them from leaking. I found a good set of stock headers (better than mine) at the salvage. They still were slightly warped. The gasket took up the uneveness,along with the RTV. Also if you drill the header bolts and safety wire them it helps a lot. A leak between the head and flange can get red hot.Not much will withstand that.

 

[HOTSIX]

Okay...maybe, since I have a set, I will go with the Fel-Pro 1400's and the Ultra copper on BOTH sides of the gasket.

I had 1400's on it for about 300 miles or so with the odd 20+ PSI boost in there and they didn't seem to leak. I had 'um in there late last fall and hardly drove the car - so I guess this is not a fair test of them....