Stock exhaust manifold gaskets?

[Realspool]

I have just taken off my passenger side stock exhaust manifold.The driver's side i just replaced with a stock new direct placement header.Being new I did not use a gasket for the new exhaust manifold(header).Now on my passaenger's side i thought it had a crack but, after taking it off no cracks anywhere,flange looks real straight as well.I am thinking when the stock manifolds were installed about 6,000 miles ago,there was no gasket.Just bolted on.I have heard that if it is not a new header it would be wise to use a gasket to the cylinder head.I have also heard that the new gaskets like 10 to 14$ don't blow out like the older ones do.Any one have any opinions here???I definately have an exhaust leak but I think it was from a no good cheap copper gasket on the flange but I still do not rule out an exhaust leak from the header to the cylinder head.

 

[aggressive perf]

gaskets

The best exhaust gasket to use is a fel-pro 1400 & a little ultra copper doesnt hurt either. If you think you have a leak on your pass. side header check around the header tubes at the flange it is kinda common to find a leak there also.
Bruce Alred

 

[Realspool]

Thanks for replying Bruce.I sent the manifold out and they told me there were no cracks on the runners inside so I am going to have them send it back to me.But i think a gasket would seal it better because its an old header.Is the Fel-pro 1400 the newest best gasket for the exhaust manifold???.I have heard that in years past the gaskets blew easily while the new gaskets can handle alot more heat and stress.Also when you have a new header you can just bolt it on with out a gasket because its new and is going to be straight.Thats why I think a gasket should be used on my car that has 104,000 miles on it and the exhaust manifold is old enough not to be perfectly straight especially aroung the runners like you mentioned..

 

[Realspool]

Anybody running the same gasket(fel-pro 1400) with no problems or have a different gasket that they feel is better?

 

[boostin6]

I don't know.... I used the Felpro factory replacement gaskets from a local auto parts store and they leaked....

So this time i just used a thin bead of Hi-Temp silicone and no leaks yet!!!!!

 

[Realspool]

Thats what I had on mine(just sillicone) when I took them off.But i have to say Im not sure i had leaks there.I think my main leak was the turbo to the flange.Maybe an ultra copper RTV would be better for exhaust manifold gaskets but i still think any RTV sillicone would work instead of a gasket.

 

[aggressive perf]

EXHAUST GASKETS

The felpro 1400 exhaust gasket is completely different than the felpro stock replacement ones, there is no comparision. The 1400 gasket is more forgiving than the copper ones on used headers.

 

[Realspool]

I just ordered those 1400 fel-pro gaskets.I only need the gasket on the passenger's side.They are not copper.They are like composite graphite and seem to be much sturdier then the stock copper ones.I hope they don't blow out real quick, and I can buy some time, with my stock headers.