Installing TA Performance Header-Need RTV Gasket?

[V6Turbo]

Hello,

About to install DS header from TA performance. Should I use RTV silicone gasket? I had Permatex copper RTV on my stock headers originally.

Some say no gasket needed whatsoever.

Thx,

 

['87 Turbo "T"]

Depends on who ya talk to HAHAHA.

Both surfaces should be totally flat. Factory was nothing. Some use copper spray. I use Remflex.

Up to you as long as they don’t leak.

 

[BEATAV8]

^this
Flat, clean & straight matters the most.

 

[1KWIKSIX]

I’ve been using FelPro 1400 gaskets on mine for years without any issues .

 

[Nigel]

I had to make the cross over joint round again to work with the new DS header.

 

[Turbo6inKY]

Depends on who ya talk to HAHAHA.

Both surfaces should be totally flat. Factory was nothing. Some use copper spray. I use Remflex.

Up to you as long as they don’t leak.

Remflex works great unless your valve covers leak. The oil breaks the gasket down and they'll fail. The Copper spray will only work if the surfaces are really smooth, it doesn't have much ability to fill gaps and irregularities. Any pitting on the head or the manifold flange and you can get a leak.

Permatex Red has worked well on mine. Run the bead, let it flash about five minutes, assemble the parts and snug them. Let it sit an hour, then torque it.

YMMV. That interface is a very difficult problem to completely solve. I don't think any solution is going to last forever. I consider that interface a maintenance item. The only way to get them to never fail when you don't want them to is to start re-sealing them as part of your regular maintenance plan.