Ultra Copper on Headers ??

[Ken Cunningham]

Some have recommended no header gasket, just use Ultra Copper. I'm looking at my tube of Permatex Ultra Copper Hi-Temp RTV Silicone Gasket right now, and on the back it reads "High-Temp -- special additive for up to 650 degree F (343 C) temperature resistance."

How can I use this on a header I'll be installing next weekend?

1) the 650 deg is very conservative; or
2) the header-head connection doesn't ever exceed 650 deg; or
3) the temperature rating of Ultra Copper is not important in this header-head connection.

 

[salvageV6]

I'll take number 3 Ken.

Skim coat allowed to set up for 15 minutes or so. Prolly take a good 5 to get a good skim coat on them anyway.

I think once torqued it just burns into a sticky gooey mess at first and then burns to an ash layer that helps seal any minor imperfections there may be.

In other words it doesn't do much of anything for you, just make sure the surfaces are flat and true.

Haven't taken mine off yet to test my theory however.

 

[V6 Beast]

4) Use felpro 1400 gaskets and never have to worry .

Sully

 

[GN ERGY]

I use ultra copper for my header gasket on my chevy motors with headers. You can still see it there when you remove the headers. I don't use any type of gasket, just the ultra copper. I let it skin for 20 min. then assemble them. I put it on the head, not on the header. I've never done the headers on my GN yet, but some day when I get my cracked header welded.
But I'm partial to Loctite products because I used to work for them for 8 yrs.
Tarey D.

 

[TurboDave]

Personally I prefer to put a moderately light coat on the header flange, then install.
The only time it's going to blow out is if you have an uneven surface to work with. If your header flange is flat, or can be drawn flat, you should have no problems.
Give it over night to dry though before firing it up.