SBC Exhaust headers

[Sal Lubrano]

I need to change the exhaust headers gaskets on a SBC. Is there any way to tell if it is an oval or square port without taking the headers off?

 

[RobsIron]

Buy the factory 3 piece exhaust manifold gaskets. Loosen header bolts, drop in metal side to header.

Will work with square or round. Never change them again.

 

[Sal Lubrano]

Are you saying to use those tin looking type fel-pro's which you have to break apart? They work with headers? They are better than a Mr. gasket ultra seal header gasket?

 

[RobsIron]

Yes. I use the AC ones. They are perforated "tin" with gasket material on the other side.

Used them for years. Easy to install(drop in with bolts loose)..cheap too.

 

["Turbo-T"]

Oval and square port refer to BBC heads. Some sbc heads are D ports.

Probably what you're thinking is the header....most I've seen were round.

I like the Mr. Gasket Ultraseals....always used to blow out those cheap cardboard gaskets, never again with the Ultraseals.

 

[RobsIron]

I was thinking he meant the headers.

Most are round, but my Brodix track 1's are D port and use a square gasket.

I use the AC gaskets for both.

 

[gofstbuick]

If you have stock SBC heads gen1 heads, the ports are probably square, unless you have D-port heads. Personally I like Earls pressure master header gaskets. It is an aluminum frame with replaceable graphite impregnated inserts. I have never had one of those gaskets blow out. Earls also markets collector gaskets, that use the same principle.

 

[camaro75racer]

I agree with RobsIron. I always run the manifold gaskets because unless you buy the nice copper header gaskets they are ****.

 

[gunslinger]

Buy the factory 3 piece exhaust manifold gaskets. Loosen header bolts, drop in metal side to header.

Will work with square or round. Never change them again.

+2

They'll work great on cheap headers with thin flanges too.

 

[Sal Lubrano]

All fixed and no leaks. I found out why it was leaking in the first place. The previous owner got lazy and never even finished tightening one of the bolts. The car has headers and the passenger rear bolt was near impossible. It took removing the wheel liner to reach it. Still we were stretching and could only use an open end because of the header tube. It was one quarter turn at a time with our fingertips. But it is all tight now. Thank you for all the help and advice.