Header Leaks

[72freak]

I tested many brands of headers over the years and finally figured out how to ensure they wont leak...........take them off and put manifolds back on!!!!
That solved all my problems and wasted money on headers and gaskets

[piecesparts]

I guess I will have to disagree with the thought of putting manifolds back on. I have headers on all of my vehicles and since I got to the pooint of using teflon tape and FEL-PRO gaskets (coated with Copper Coat adhesive), I have not had any leakage issues. The headers on my Impala has been there for quite a few years and the headers on the stroker motor in the 84 truck were on there for 3 1/2 years before I broke a rod and now 2 years without a leak. My Son's truck had issues with the collector gaskets, but I used Fel-Pro and adhesive with doubled gaskets and that was two years ago, no leaks. Use quality bolts, gaskets and make sure the pipes fit to the header and are NOT pulling on the pipes to make them warp. I truly hate the factory garbage that is mated to the engines.

[zeeklu]

I agree with what piecesparts said. The exhaust pulling on the header is a big part of collector leaks. I put one of these just after the collector and never had a leak.http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku Cutting the header at the flange at the head sounds like a good idea also. Chris

[leadfoot067]

i use REMFLEX header gaskets and collector gaskets...put them on a consistent leaker havent had a leak since...havent used the aluminum ones,but have used the thin copper ones and if the flange is warped they will leak....

[CAL 58 GMC]

The Stage 8's Grade 8 locking header bolts really work well with a set of Mr. Gasket copper header gaskets. I never had a leaking problem after.