Header/Collector Gaskets

[71383bee]

Finally installing the exhaust on Saturday. I am in the process of installing the 3" to 2 1/2" reducers on the headers and the reducers came with these cheesy looking fiber gaskets. I know that they make copper gaskets, but after looking at them and their price I was wondering if there are any tricks with the fiber gaskets and if anyone has had good/bad luck with them.

I noticed the copper gaskets have like an o ring type lip. Which end do the mount up to the collector or the reducer?

[Toddd]

I used the ROL gaskets on our headers and they are re-usable. I went through too many sets of cheaper gaskets before "I saw the light"

[Tarrbabe]

If you must change to copper, go ahead as they are re-useable over and over. I use the "fiber" gaskets and have never had a problem even after opening the headers at the track 8 - 10 times a year. Your money, your choice?

[pishta]

If you choose to use copper header gaskets, make sure your flange is flat and one piece, not cut to accomodate a stray tube installed from another angle. My Supercomps have an "O ring" design that is NOT compatible with copper header gaskets, you need a FLAT flange or a manifold. As for the copper collector gaskets, I prefer the aluminum "doughnut" looking gaskets, reusable and they seal with even a tweaked flange (from overtightening, trying to get the fiber gaskets to seal) someone makes these cool aluminum sandwich header and collector gaskets for Ford 5.0 and Chevy SB, they look puffy like a clad fiber gasket, Dynomax??

[cuda66273]

I've had real good luck with the white fiber gaskets...old sprint car trick...

Soak them in water over night...they'll swell up a little and get soft, tighten down, run them for a few minutes and re-tork, that's it.

I use this method on both the header and collector gaskets, never had one fail.....yet...

[71383bee]

Cuda that must have been you I got the idea from for my header gaskets. Great I was wondering if the same approach would work on the collector gaskets. I'll slap them on tommorow.

Is antiseize a good idea for these bolts/nuts?

[rumblefish360]

Anti seize is a must for Alumin heads. Fine for iron. Not really needed. It'll help with any removal in the future for sure. Very good in water areas in the head.
I have had mixed results with the gaskets given by the header makers. So far so good with the current hooker gaskets.
I have used Fel-Pro and Mr. Gasket Ultra seals with good results.

[cuda66273]

Hey Bee:
Glad it worked for you, I never use anti sieze on the collector bolts or header bolts never seem to keep them on long enough to sieze anything.

I use 3/8 grade 8 with lock washers.....