header gaskets
 

copper or paper????

i just put on some headers and i got copper ones and they leak like crazy!
but i allways hurd that copper was the better of the 2??

Re: header gaskets
 

percys dead soft gaskets work good

Re: header gaskets
 

My soft gaskets from NAPA have done just fine, very small leak on the drive side.

Re: header gaskets
 

I use exhaust header gaskets from FELPRO for my headers. I coat them with Coppercoat sealant and let it skim over, before I put them on. I then use teflon tape on my header bolts and that way they do NOT back out. The bolts hold until you take them out and then you just put on new tape for the next time you put them in. I have been doing this for years and have not had a gasket leak on any of my trucks. (3 trucks and 2 cars with headers installed)

Re: header gaskets
 

Last time I had headers on a K5, they blew the cheap Mr. Gasket set regularly and I got tired of changing them. I called the Summit Tech line and explained my problem and asked what to buy. He said Felpro's best would do the job, I think they were 'blue permas' or something like that. I ran that truck another seven or eight years without a header leak.

Re: header gaskets
 

I always run felpro header gaskets. tighten them down the first time let it go through a few heat cycles re-tighten and your done. i have had the same gaskets for years with thin flange dynomax headers

Re: header gaskets
 

I think copper is better when sealing against an aluminum head. The standard ones I let soak in water, torque on, then like others mention tighten again after a few heat cycles.

Re: header gaskets
 

I don't use header gaskets, had too many leak when we raced. Used 'em all from the high dollar fel pro's to the cheapy ones from the parts house. Started using red silicone, haven't had one leak yet.