Head to header gaskets?

[jcawley3]

any one type better than other? Ported Steel Heads. thanks-John

 

[kidglok]

any one type better than other? Ported Steel Heads. thanks-John

Header gaskets? The ones that GM used from the factory are the best

 

[mybuick]

copper rtv. never used exhaust gaskets and never have a leak.

 

[jcawley3]

copper rtv. never used exhaust gaskets and never have a leak.

hummm...... ok

 

[Nick Micale]

The factory did not use any gasket to seal the headers at the heads. Also, the stock bolts are used with a captured lock washer so it will not loosen. Stock flanges do warp, especially after 25 years of use, and a leak is probable.

I have re-installed too many leaking stock headers, so my customers now always get gaskets, as I want to do the install only once.

If you are going to use an aftermarket set of headers, it may leak w/o a gasket?

Some aftermarket headers use a much thicker flange, and it will NOT comply very well, if at all, to the head surface, so a leak is probable.

On alum heads where you do not want to apply as much torque as you would with an iron head, gaskets are recommended as well a bolt or stud that will not loosen.

What we have found that works best for us is to use copper gaskets, coated both sides with hi-temp silicon, and the use of studs with flanged nuts. My copper gaskets have been re-used at least 6 times, and are still working good!

 

[jcawley3]

Thanks nick.... I knew GM didn't use any.... any certain brand on the gaskets or the silicon?

 

[Nick Micale]

Copper gaskets are here:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sce-4472/overview/make/buick

Permatex Ultra Copper is silicon we use.

 

[jcawley3]

does it matter if the heads have had some porting done?

 

[jcawley3]

these the correct studs?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-420-1402

 

[Nick Micale]

these the correct studs?
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-420-1402

Yes, they are correct, but for a LOT less $$$ you can buy 3/8" set screws with an Allen head for easy install and removal, and the bolt store should also have a correct nut with a flange that will hold better than the small ARP nuts.

Measure your existing bolts for the proper length.

 

[whitehot1]

I bought a set of SCE copper gaskets and have been using them ever since and that was 13 years ago. One of the best purchases i made even though i thought it was a little expensive for gaskets at that time. I also bought the copper turbo to header mount gasket and the turbo to down pipe exhaust gasket.

 

[jcawley3]

Thanks for the help..... everything ordered.

 

[TurboBuRick]

It's a good practice to true the header flanges on a belt sander.

 

[jcawley3]

It's a good practice to true the header flanges on a belt sander.

ok, should have them off soon

 

[Spooling]

I use Fel-Pro 1400's