Best header gaskets???? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mark25 · 08-29-2002, 07:23 PM

sliding in the new 383 stroker this weekend and was wanting to know the header gasket you guys have had the best luck with??? i have a set of hooker comp ceramic headers with the 5/16" flanges, and the stage -8 locking header bolts. what do ya all recommend?????

RON WOODGEARD · 08-29-2002, 09:10 PM

I have the ones with the replacable inserts, I could never get a set to seal for any length of time with the headers I'm running now (It's been so long ago I bought them I don't remember what they are) I think HEADMAN.. anyway I seen advertised these gaskets with replacable inserts, they really work It's been about 5 years since I changed them the last time, before that it was AT LEAST every year.

I also went to the soft aluminum header collecter gaskets and they made a big difference too.

RON

big.l.a · 08-29-2002, 09:19 PM

Go with Copper Gaskets they are more expensive. But they really last.......

jeremy martin · 08-29-2002, 09:56 PM

Summit sells Copper Embosed gaskets.They have them for either round or square port and they run about $32.00. 1-800-230-3030 or www.summitracing.com. Jeremy

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 08-29-2002, 10:28 PM

A little tip for small block headers, cut your flange between your center 2 exhaust ports and the outer exhaust ports and they won't warp as bad and blow gaskets

.o. | .oo. | .o.

cut and shape them and they look pretty trick too between the cyl's.

Longhorn Man · 08-29-2002, 10:40 PM

Headers have never given me any trouble up top, I just slip in stockmanifold gaskets, and they hold fine, nevewr had to cut them or anything.
Now the collectors ALWAYS gave me trouble, till i bought the dead soft alluminum ones. I bought a set back in '98, and they have been on 3 sets of headers, and removed so many times, i can't even remember, and they STILL do not leak.
Hooker makes a very good product. (I have a set of rust coated super comps on my GMC) I would hesitate on any cutting or copper gaskets. Try the manifold ones up top. Spend time and money on them only if you have to. Replacing upper gaskets is not a real tough job, so if I'm wron, you spend 1 1/2 hrs at te most o it. If I'm right, your headers will remain uncut, and sealed for about 5 bucks instead of 30 or 40.

dave's70 · 08-29-2002, 11:42 PM

I'm the same as longhorn. I just doubled up on my stock manifold gaskets and have not had any problems.

*Zkast* · 08-30-2002, 12:27 AM

I"ve found that nothing will make a cheap header seal lol. But since you have good ones, run the copper gaskets.

I used to run Mr. Gasket set, soaked in water then bolted on wet. Never had a leak unless the bolts backed out.

Now I have a set of E-lock's on it

mikep · 08-30-2002, 01:10 AM

Ive got copper gaskets on my Summit cheapy headers. I Torqued them down once and never touched them again and they have never leaked .

68 with 350 TPI · 08-30-2002, 01:34 AM

I have had good luck with dead soft aluminum and copper gaskets.

I have also used high temp copper gasket maker around a paper gasket with good luck.

CoryM · 08-30-2002, 03:04 AM

I have had good luck with just the MR gasket header gaskets. Last engine swap on the camaro I used just the stock manifold style gaskets on someone elses suggestion, bad mistake. They burned out within a few days.
The main thing is to tighten the bolts every week for the 1st few weeks. The reason you get leaks is not from poor seals usually. Its from the bolts coming loose, then you have a hole for the gasses to exit, those hot gasses roast the gaskets and thats why the bad leaks. The reason the soft metal gaskets work so well is only because when you start to get a leak you can just crank it tight and the gasket hasnt burned out already.
CoryM

mooneyes · 08-30-2002, 07:16 AM

im with longhorn on this one..stock manifold gaskets..as for the collectors i use the cheap gaskets with high temp copper silicone..seems to work fine for me

kxmotox247 · 08-30-2002, 02:47 PM

Copper gaskets. No doubt about it. Although I have used straight ultra-copper sealant and had that last.

cableguy0 · 08-30-2002, 05:06 PM

i use the felpro header gaskets that look just like manifold gaskets but are made for headers which allows u to leave the two outside bolts in the headers when u install the gaskets.and u dont have to mess with header alignment and all that crap.

gabet40 · 08-31-2002, 01:28 PM

has anyone tried the Permatex Ultra black silicone that sanderson recommends on all its headers, instead of a gasket?

08-29-2002, 07:23 PM	#1
mark25 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Vassar,Ks 66543 Posts: 375	Best header gaskets???? sliding in the new 383 stroker this weekend and was wanting to know the header gasket you guys have had the best luck with??? i have a set of hooker comp ceramic headers with the 5/16" flanges, and the stage -8 locking header bolts. what do ya all recommend????? __________________ '72 C-10 Cheyenne Super, 402/TH400, Bucket Seats, tilt, tach, AM/FM & shoulder harnesses and a ground up restoration

08-29-2002, 09:19 PM	#3
big.l.a Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Allen, TX. USA Posts: 210	Header Gaskets Go with Copper Gaskets they are more expensive. But they really last....... __________________ 71 C10 LWB With Edelbrock 7101& 1406 Carb Accel HEI Blue Print Accel 8.8 Wires Soon to have possi & 186 Camel hump heads Dropped 2-1/2F&4R Dynomax Headers Duals Flowtech Aftburners Tonneau Cover Frm 89 F150 79 Monte C

08-29-2002, 09:56 PM	#4
jeremy martin Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Sacramento California Posts: 60	headers gaskets Summit sells Copper Embosed gaskets.They have them for either round or square port and they run about $32.00. 1-800-230-3030 or www.summitracing.com. Jeremy __________________ 70 lwb 2wd 64 bug 00 silverado 4x4 00 Impala "SECOND PLACE IS JUST THE FIRST LOSER"

08-29-2002, 10:28 PM	#5
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	A little tip for small block headers, cut your flange between your center 2 exhaust ports and the outer exhaust ports and they won't warp as bad and blow gaskets .o. \| .oo. \| .o. cut and shape them and they look pretty trick too between the cyl's. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

08-29-2002, 11:42 PM	#7
dave's70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: comox, british columbia Posts: 110	I'm the same as longhorn. I just doubled up on my stock manifold gaskets and have not had any problems. __________________ 70 C-10 350 with weind intake,eldelbrock carb,HEI,305 heads,a mild cam. also a blazer tank w/bed fill,shaved stake pockets and tailgate

08-29-2002, 09:10 PM	#2
RON WOODGEARD Resident Young Old Dude ! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Nevada Posts: 1,948	I have the ones with the replacable inserts, I could never get a set to seal for any length of time with the headers I'm running now (It's been so long ago I bought them I don't remember what they are) I think HEADMAN.. anyway I seen advertised these gaskets with replacable inserts, they really work It's been about 5 years since I changed them the last time, before that it was AT LEAST every year. I also went to the soft aluminum header collecter gaskets and they made a big difference too. RON

08-29-2002, 10:40 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Headers have never given me any trouble up top, I just slip in stockmanifold gaskets, and they hold fine, nevewr had to cut them or anything. Now the collectors ALWAYS gave me trouble, till i bought the dead soft alluminum ones. I bought a set back in '98, and they have been on 3 sets of headers, and removed so many times, i can't even remember, and they STILL do not leak. Hooker makes a very good product. (I have a set of rust coated super comps on my GMC) I would hesitate on any cutting or copper gaskets. Try the manifold ones up top. Spend time and money on them only if you have to. Replacing upper gaskets is not a real tough job, so if I'm wron, you spend 1 1/2 hrs at te most o it. If I'm right, your headers will remain uncut, and sealed for about 5 bucks instead of 30 or 40.

08-30-2002, 12:27 AM	#8
Zkast Account Suspended Join Date: May 2002 Location: Olathe, Kansas Posts: 929	I"ve found that nothing will make a cheap header seal lol. But since you have good ones, run the copper gaskets. I used to run Mr. Gasket set, soaked in water then bolted on wet. Never had a leak unless the bolts backed out. Now I have a set of E-lock's on it

08-30-2002, 01:10 AM	#9
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Ive got copper gaskets on my Summit cheapy headers. I Torqued them down once and never touched them again and they have never leaked . __________________ No truck :-(

08-30-2002, 01:34 AM	#10
68 with 350 TPI Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wingate NC Posts: 456	I have had good luck with dead soft aluminum and copper gaskets. I have also used high temp copper gasket maker around a paper gasket with good luck. __________________ Life is good with a 6-71 supercharged 355 in a 72 camaro

08-30-2002, 03:04 AM	#11
CoryM Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Surrey, B.C. , Canada Posts: 874	I have had good luck with just the MR gasket header gaskets. Last engine swap on the camaro I used just the stock manifold style gaskets on someone elses suggestion, bad mistake. They burned out within a few days. The main thing is to tighten the bolts every week for the 1st few weeks. The reason you get leaks is not from poor seals usually. Its from the bolts coming loose, then you have a hole for the gasses to exit, those hot gasses roast the gaskets and thats why the bad leaks. The reason the soft metal gaskets work so well is only because when you start to get a leak you can just crank it tight and the gasket hasnt burned out already. CoryM __________________ 1970 heavy duty C-10 fleetside sport truck. Vancouver B.C. Canada http://www.geocities.com/chevroletc1070 "Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high." Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, Canadian Army

08-30-2002, 07:16 AM	#12
mooneyes Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Slippery Rock PA USA Posts: 1,692	im with longhorn on this one..stock manifold gaskets..as for the collectors i use the cheap gaskets with high temp copper silicone..seems to work fine for me __________________ Ken Lyons, Slippery rock pa 68 short step 327 t10 4 gear 72 2wd blazer project 70 lwb 305/700r driver 78 caprice project 02 cavalier D.D ( hate it!!)

08-30-2002, 02:47 PM	#13
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,397	Copper gaskets. No doubt about it. Although I have used straight ultra-copper sealant and had that last. __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

08-30-2002, 05:06 PM	#14
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	i use the felpro header gaskets that look just like manifold gaskets but are made for headers which allows u to leave the two outside bolts in the headers when u install the gaskets.and u dont have to mess with header alignment and all that crap. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

08-31-2002, 01:28 PM	#15
gabet40 Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 565	has anyone tried the Permatex Ultra black silicone that sanderson recommends on all its headers, instead of a gasket? __________________ Current owner of 2016 2500 Silverado Midnight Edition. Former owner of: 69 1/2 ton, change from long/fleet to short/fleet, shaved door handles, shaved tailgate, 4/6 drop, power windows, 700r4 72 blazer, 350 with Holley Commander 950 DFI, crane energizer cam, 350 tranny, dual sanderson blockhuggers/magnaflow exhaust



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