Best Headers gasket out there?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dubie · 03-25-2004, 02:13 PM

What is the best type of gasket to use for sealing headers up to the head? Are some brandes better than others? recommendations?

Bobalouie · 03-25-2004, 02:15 PM

Percy's Dead Soft Aluminum

strokenit · 03-25-2004, 03:00 PM

dont use any I havent ever they just get in the way and I have never had a set leak

Dean · 03-25-2004, 03:25 PM

I could see not putting gaskets on stock manifolds, but non on headers? I've never been that lucky.

I'd do a few engine warm ups and tighten when you install them.

Mudder · 03-25-2004, 03:26 PM

the metalic manifold gaskets

Hotrod70C10 · 03-25-2004, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mudder67
the metalic manifold gaskets

I agree. I have had a set of them on my truck for over a year and haven't had a leak yet.

Mudder · 03-25-2004, 03:33 PM

and they are only 7 bucks or so..........you can start all the bolts then just drop them in place

**Yukon Jack** · 03-25-2004, 03:34 PM

I went with the Percy Deadsoft Aluminum gaskets for my 454 - course I haven't fired it yet, but they sure look like they ought to work excellent. Given they way the compress, I can't see how they could leak.

*67Fleetsidedream* · 03-25-2004, 03:51 PM

Plain ole header gasket. Just check the bolts everynow and then to make sure they are tight.

dubie · 03-25-2004, 04:05 PM

the gaskets you would use for manilfolds wouldn't work....would they?

Mudder · 03-25-2004, 04:06 PM

sure will

dubie · 03-25-2004, 04:25 PM

good, I have 2 sets of them kickin around

What about the studs? are they the same as well? if not, what length do I need for the headers

J · 03-25-2004, 04:27 PM

I was always told that manifold gaskets will burn up if used on headers. I cant verify this.
I use the metallic ones. No leaks, easy to install and cheap.

dubie · 03-25-2004, 06:49 PM

TTT
Anyone know about bolt length for headers? are the bolts the same as factory manofolds

Bowtie67 · 03-25-2004, 07:14 PM

You should use header bolts, if you dont, you will have a tough time installing them. Some headers are real tight even with header bolts.

cableguy0 · 03-25-2004, 07:38 PM

you need to use header bolts normally a new set of headers come with em. they are generally between 3/4 and 1 inch long and the normal 3/8 x 16 thread pitch. they have a smaller head on em

valk_ryder · 03-25-2004, 08:40 PM

I bought a set of Summit's house brand $79 headers. The flanges were a little skimpy on material. I used the Percy's round port and it filled in the gaps from the crappy headers.

Autozone in the Oklahoma City area recently started stocking Percy's.

*67Fleetsidedream* · 03-25-2004, 08:50 PM

They will burn up if you put the metal part of the gasket towards the head. The metal part is supposed be what touches the header. Header gets hotter than the head, so paper part goes on head.

*rage'nrat638* · 03-25-2004, 10:47 PM

3/4 INCH BOLTS ARE FOR STOCK CAST HEADS...
1 INCH BLOTS ARE FOR ALUM. HEADS....

I RECOMMEND STAGE 8 LOCKING BOLTS....
NEVER HAVE TO TIGHTEN.....

THE CHEAP PAPER GASKETS...LIKE TO STICK TO THE HEADS AND MANIFOLDS....

I SPENT MORE TIME TRYING TO SCRAPE THAT JUNK OFF...

BUY SOME GOOD ALUM./COPPER GASKETS..
OR USE THE STOCK GASKETS....BUT PUT THE METAL ON THE MANIFOLD SIDE....

Bill72BB · 03-25-2004, 11:17 PM

Percy's Dead soft worked for me ,..

Longhorn Man · 03-26-2004, 01:08 AM

fell pro manifold gaskets hold up fine. I have a set on mine thats been there for a couple years now, and no blow outs yet. I even removed one header when I dropped the tranny, I got mega cheap and reinstalled the same gaskets. (figured I may as well try) so far no problem.

BurnoutNova · 03-26-2004, 01:15 AM

the best way to prevent leaks is a good header flange.

i also used copper jegs gskets andthey dont leak

LudwigTheMad · 03-26-2004, 02:11 AM

used regular ones from the store, used copper ones and used what I think are the allum. kind

they all work if you install them corectly....

however it doesn't hurt to use a littlle (I stress a little..lots bolt down pressure you know) high temp silicone (red) on them..

(I know...the screwy guy silicones everything....

you can use the stock bolts...but may be hard to get at bolt head......I'd use a set of header bolts (you can usually get them in any parts store that caries at least minimal performance parts)

I use some high temp locktight on them...but check them when ever you check you oil to see if they are comming loose....I actually lost one and never knew it....no leak....(guess the silicon really worked huh?) bigger problem on allum. heads.

03-25-2004, 02:13 PM	#1
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,853	Best Headers gasket out there?? What is the best type of gasket to use for sealing headers up to the head? Are some brandes better than others? recommendations? __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

03-25-2004, 03:34 PM	#8
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	I went with the Percy Deadsoft Aluminum gaskets for my 454 - course I haven't fired it yet, but they sure look like they ought to work excellent. Given they way the compress, I can't see how they could leak. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

03-25-2004, 04:05 PM	#10
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,853	the gaskets you would use for manilfolds wouldn't work....would they? __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

03-25-2004, 04:25 PM	#12
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,853	good, I have 2 sets of them kickin around What about the studs? are they the same as well? if not, what length do I need for the headers __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

03-25-2004, 04:27 PM	#13
J Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Yuma, AZ Posts: 164	I was always told that manifold gaskets will burn up if used on headers. I cant verify this. I use the metallic ones. No leaks, easy to install and cheap. __________________ '72 C-10 '99 Silverado '91 S-Dime

03-25-2004, 02:15 PM	#2
Bobalouie Fetzer Valve Technician Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Stillwater, OK Posts: 205	Percy's Dead Soft Aluminum

03-25-2004, 03:00 PM	#3
strokenit Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: WI Glenwood city Posts: 52	dont use any I havent ever they just get in the way and I have never had a set leak

03-25-2004, 03:25 PM	#4
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	I could see not putting gaskets on stock manifolds, but non on headers? I've never been that lucky. I'd do a few engine warm ups and tighten when you install them.

03-25-2004, 03:26 PM	#5
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	the metalic manifold gaskets

03-25-2004, 03:33 PM	#7
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	and they are only 7 bucks or so..........you can start all the bolts then just drop them in place

03-25-2004, 03:51 PM	#9
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	Plain ole header gasket. Just check the bolts everynow and then to make sure they are tight.

03-25-2004, 04:06 PM	#11
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	sure will

03-25-2004, 06:49 PM	#14
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,853	TTT Anyone know about bolt length for headers? are the bolts the same as factory manofolds __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

03-25-2004, 07:14 PM	#15
Bowtie67 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,266	You should use header bolts, if you dont, you will have a tough time installing them. Some headers are real tight even with header bolts.

03-25-2004, 07:38 PM	#16
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	you need to use header bolts normally a new set of headers come with em. they are generally between 3/4 and 1 inch long and the normal 3/8 x 16 thread pitch. they have a smaller head on em __________________ 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.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

03-25-2004, 08:40 PM	#17
valk_ryder Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 57	Percy's Dead Soft Aluminum... I bought a set of Summit's house brand $79 headers. The flanges were a little skimpy on material. I used the Percy's round port and it filled in the gaps from the crappy headers. Autozone in the Oklahoma City area recently started stocking Percy's.

03-25-2004, 08:50 PM	#18
67Fleetsidedream Wiseass secured himself a BAN Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: MOON!!! Posts: 2,282	They will burn up if you put the metal part of the gasket towards the head. The metal part is supposed be what touches the header. Header gets hotter than the head, so paper part goes on head.

03-25-2004, 10:47 PM	#19
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	3/4 INCH BOLTS ARE FOR STOCK CAST HEADS... 1 INCH BLOTS ARE FOR ALUM. HEADS.... I RECOMMEND STAGE 8 LOCKING BOLTS.... NEVER HAVE TO TIGHTEN..... THE CHEAP PAPER GASKETS...LIKE TO STICK TO THE HEADS AND MANIFOLDS.... I SPENT MORE TIME TRYING TO SCRAPE THAT JUNK OFF... BUY SOME GOOD ALUM./COPPER GASKETS.. OR USE THE STOCK GASKETS....BUT PUT THE METAL ON THE MANIFOLD SIDE....

03-25-2004, 11:17 PM	#20
Bill72BB Thats the Hillbilly way Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Torrance,Ca Posts: 5,979	Percy's Dead soft worked for me ,.. __________________ BILL Torrance Calif 90504 Member DUF Club Member Old Farts Club 72 3/4ton Custom Camper BB402/400 trans Dynomax Cerama-coat headers , Hei distributor ,Edelbrock 1411 air,ps,pb,leafsprings ,98 chevy 60/40 seat,S10 shoulder belts tilt,3.54 Dana 60 rear. 16" Eagle wheels with LT265/75 16 tires,Gaylord Lid,H4 headlights with 100W relay conversion. " If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself " Marriage changes passion...suddenly you're in bed with a relative. A GUY'S PRAYER.... Lord, I pray for a nympho with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and likes to fish and hunt and has a Harley .Amen ,

03-26-2004, 01:08 AM	#21
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	fell pro manifold gaskets hold up fine. I have a set on mine thats been there for a couple years now, and no blow outs yet. I even removed one header when I dropped the tranny, I got mega cheap and reinstalled the same gaskets. (figured I may as well try) so far no problem.

03-26-2004, 01:15 AM	#22
BurnoutNova Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,057	the best way to prevent leaks is a good header flange. i also used copper jegs gskets andthey dont leak

03-26-2004, 02:11 AM	#23
LudwigTheMad Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Ramona, CA Posts: 2,033	used regular ones from the store, used copper ones and used what I think are the allum. kind they all work if you install them corectly.... however it doesn't hurt to use a littlle (I stress a little..lots bolt down pressure you know) high temp silicone (red) on them.. (I know...the screwy guy silicones everything.... you can use the stock bolts...but may be hard to get at bolt head......I'd use a set of header bolts (you can usually get them in any parts store that caries at least minimal performance parts) I use some high temp locktight on them...but check them when ever you check you oil to see if they are comming loose....I actually lost one and never knew it....no leak....(guess the silicon really worked huh?) bigger problem on allum. heads. __________________ That's right, I'm back in the game again. No it's not pink..... 1972 Blue and White Suburban.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.