Installing Headers

[kevio]

I've been told that gaskets that come with headers are not very good. Can anyone recommend some high quality gaskets. I don't want to install them twice.

[Bobby Kbro]

Kevio, I am positive that you are going to get a metric butt load of responses on this question, so I would evaluate them all very closely. Remember, everyone on the net is an expert, or at least thinks they are.

Let me give you my very biased opinion, after all, I do believe that everyone is entitled to my opinion.

You are basically correct, the gaskets that normally come with headers are those paper gaskets that are thin. They won't last for more than a few weeks before they wave the white flag at the heat and exhaust gas pressure. There are some really good header companies that provide decent gaskets so don't be too quick to toss them. I favor the aluminum or copper gaskets that are soft enough to conform to the imperfections in the metal but are strong enough to handle the heat and pressure. Even the fiber gaskets that have aluminum inlays and steel underwires will do the trick.

Just putting in good quality gaskets may not be enough to last for years, so you may want to give some thought to your installation procedures. I would not use any type of gasket sealer on good quality gaskets. Shouldn't need it.
I would install the bolts in the headers from the center outwards. That is install the center two bolts then the next one outward on either side of the first two bolts. Once they are all in and finger tight, go back to the center two and give them a couple of turns. keep working outward to the next set of bolts (as you installed them) and tighten them a couple of turns.
Keep doing this untill you reach the torque value that the header manufacture recommends.

Now here is the real leak stopper: Run the engine for a couple of heat cycles.
Heat the motor up to operating temp and let it cool down completely. Do that a few times. The metal will expand and contract. Because the metals are not made out of the same constituents, they expand and contract differently. This can cause a leak after a period of time, so to head that off, check the torque on the header bolts and tighten as needed. Use the same tightening procedure as described above.

There you have it Kevio. My opinion.

[powerjames]

Originally Posted by kevio

I've been told that gaskets that come with headers are not very good. Can anyone recommend some high quality gaskets. I don't want to install them twice.

Kevio, there are a lot of excellent gaskets out there on the market place. In many cases, the gaskets that come with a set of headers may not be the highest end gaskets as you can imagine from a cost-savings standpoint.

There are a few different schools of thought on gaskets, and I'm not a professional, but I know alot of people are having success with the new "MLS" style metal shim gaskets. In fact, they are OEM on the 2008 Corvette.

[DollaDollaBill]

Kevio, I am curious as to what headers you got. Maybe, it is a brand we already have experience with and maybe able to say stick with them or upgrade them. Who knows?

[kevio]

I bought the BBK ceramic shorty headers.

[powerjames]

BBK is about 10 minutes from our offices!

I am not sure what type of gaskets they offer, but I'm sure they are high quality. BBK makes nice parts

I can tell you that Fel Pro and Cometic makes excellent MLS style gaskets and other manufacturers also make nice gaskets including Holley and SCE and others. I think Flatout Gaskets also makes a nice MLS gasket.

[Bobby Kbro]

I'm not an outrageously huge fan of the MLS gaskets because of the cost. I'm still a keep it simple kinda guy so I'm not always looking for the latest technical edge. I figure that if you find a gasket that works and fits in the budget, then there is no need to overkill the problem. If it ain't broke don't fix it mentality.
However.....James builds some pretty damn good motors and he looks for every technical advantage he can get. So that deserves at least a listen. Even from an old fart like me.
On the exhaust gaskets though....I'm staying with what has been working for me. The aluminum or the fiber gaskets with aluminum inlays are budget friendly and are "fire and forget" parts. They'll last and not blow out or burn up.
If you are taking your headers off and putting them on regularly (I'm not sure why you would want to do that) then the MLS gaskets are the way to go. They are reusable and well worth the expense in the long run.
It all boils down to budget for me.

[DollaDollaBill]

Off the record, I have talked to some other gasket makers and they also said that the Felpro MLS is about the best one on the market. So from the hounds to you, my bet would be on the Felpro MLS.

[Bobby Kbro]

DollaBill.
In what aspect? If a gasket seals, it's doing it's job. It isn't like it's going to seal better. It either does or it leaks. Period.
If you want reusable gaskets, MLS is the way to go. If your putting them on once and they are staying on for a period of time, they are not the best economical choice.
I defy you to tell me that a gasket seals more than 100%. It either seals or it does not.

[DollaDollaBill]

Kbro - remember that ass gasket that didn't seal you up at the hotel. Don't make me tell everyone about your escapades with ass gaskets in Las Vegas. True, a gasket that seals is doing it's job. Who the hell cares if you can reuse the gasket. I don't. The statement I made was that I am to the understanding that the Felpro MLS gasket is the better MLS gasket on the market. words from a Felpro competitor.
Here is a little education for you. I know you know how to read so go check this out https://extranet.federal-mogul.com/f...ets/index.html