Header gaskets

[Cowbell]

Just took my headers into the machine shop to get resurfaced and I'm waiting for them to get done. Got a question for any of you car guys...

Gaskets or no gaskets?? They are on a 350 sb and I've had a couple small leaks ever since I put them on and they are about as annoying as the 2008 presidential election. I've tried different types of gaskets and some do a better job but not 100%. Anybody ever run without gaskets and just use some high temp silicone?

 

[sldgy]

Try cutting your gasket into sections, this has worked for me in the past.

 

[WC820]

the expensive Fel-pro thick sticky ones are about the best i have ever used. stage 8 headder bolts with the lock tabs help too

 

[Pimp Daddy]

I put mine on with those thick cereal box type gaskets. Got em nice and hot then let them cool right down. Re-tighten all the bolts and never had a problem with them. Always use lock washers too. Loctite will just melt and take off.

 

[adrenaline junkie]

Percy's dead soft aluminum. They are awesome. I think summit and jegs sell them.

 

[turbospl311]

Definately the soft aluminum gaskets. They work awesomely well. We use them on any car we can get them for.

Don
Idaho Speed Center
www.idahospeed.com

 

[Beels]

Another vote for the aluminum.

 

[Mad Max Performance]

Yup, the soft aluminum are the only way to go. I put a nice thin, even coat of high temp RTV silicone on there too, and then carefully tighten them up. I dont run them for a day, then start the vehicle, let it get real hot, and then tighten them some more. Any time I have done that, they last for years.

 

[Sambo11]

The key to using silicone is letting it dry 100% before you fire the thing off. If you don't let it dry before you fire it off you will boil it out. Race motors hi-temp silicone is all we ever use and never have a leak.