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.

 

[V6Turbo]

Thanks folks.

Any technique to get the torque wrench access without having to dismantle the wheel well or any other items out of the way.

the stock bolts want to slip on bottom #3 and bottom #5 is a bear.

Thx,

 

['87 Turbo "T"]

For mine I just used a short 3/8” socket & torque wrench with varying extension lengths. Some I used no extensions, a few I used a stubby(like 2”), & some longer.

Allows torquing while not removing anything.

 

[BEATAV8]

3 & 5 super easy to reach from under the car

 

[V6Turbo]

3 & 5 super easy to reach from under the car

Thx...did I mention that am working from my garage. No lift, just jack stands.

Also using stock header bolts and is awkward trying to get the socket to fully seat. Won't grag.

 

[TurboTGuy]

I put studs on mine.

Yep, made it a PIA to change gaskets, ask Gene Bomba...

Sorry, Gene...

 

[V6Turbo]

Torqued.

Using 9/16 socket instead of 14mm made a better fit/grab. Moved the shifter pole tube out the way and was able to access bottom 5 from the top.

Too many close incidence to work from the bottom with just jackstands.

 

[SS/GN]

T/A ships there factory style header kits with gaskets