Our cars did not come equipped from the factory with any header gaskets. If the flange surface of the header is flat, no gasket is necessary. If it is not flat, NO gasket will hold it. Being turbo cars, they have quite a bit of exhaust backpressure, so it is critical that the flange surface if flat and you have no leaks.. (leaks also hose up the O2 readings, which will make it run like crap). If need be, just have the flanges machined back flat at a machine shop. Any competent shop will be able to do it, and it's not very expensive to have done. Pull the driver side header and check for cracks around where the 3-5 tubes merge... that's where they all crack. You can have them welded up if you have cracks there.... but you need to do some research here on the proper technique/filler mat'l etc. Scot W. on this board performs this service for very reasonable $$ (like $50-$75??) and is a trustworthy place to have it done. He may even have replacement DS headers already welded and flat, ready to swap for your core... not sure on that.
You will thank yourself if you keep your stock headers, get 'em right, and avoid the ebay headers you referred to in your other post.....:wink:
