Recommendation for exhaust header gasket for 350?

[TruckintheBoro]

Hey All,

A newbie here. My mechanic will start installing a new motor tonight or tomorrow, a 350, in my 1967 C10. I need to get a set of exhaust header gaskets quickly...we have autozone, advance, napa, o'reilly etc. all near me. Any recommendations for what product I should pick up?

Thanks

[bry593]

You can use standard iron manifold gaskets (perforated steel with fiber core) for most small primary headers mounted to stock heads.

Be aware that your headers are going to leak. They will always be a problem (clearance, noise, spark plug wires).

As I like to say, "Headers are for race cars and kids who have never experienced headers".....

[HotWheelsFan]

I use high quality no matter what brand. Fel-pro is a favorite, other name brands are fine as well. Higher quality would be layered metal and gasket material, less quality would be the fiber only material. I would stay away from racing copper gaskets.

Just make sure the gasket ports are the correct shape or size. They don't need to be an exact match to the header openings, but they need to be correct for the contact area to the head. Many different shapes of header port openings and generally only a couple different shape gaskets. If you have a choice of 2 different part numbers, pick the best fit to the sealing area of the header.

You should have no trouble, but sometimes parts store employees have no idea how to correctly pick out parts.

Bob

PS: I would use header gaskets over stock manifold gaskets. Not to step on any ones feet But headers work great when properly installed, for me at least...

[GASoline71]

Few years back I tried a set of header gaskets made by Remflex. I dig them a lot. Spendy, but worth it.

Gary

[68 P.O.S.]

A set of Fel-Pros will work fine. If you have cheap headers, you'll likely get leaks. If you have good quality headers with a thick flange, you won't have to worry about leaks.

[Rickysnickers]

Remflex is the way to go! They make different port sizes. So, if you go that route, measure the port size and shape on your header and get the one that is closest in size to what you have.

[Thundarr]

When I switched from stock exhaust manifold to a set of Sanderson Shorty's, I went through a couple of different sets with no luck until I finally tried the layered aluminum. I think they are Mr. Gasket brand.

Not a problem since.

[Accelo]

In my younger years the flanges were always undersized and would leak like crazy because just tightening the bolts warped them. I was always replacing the gaskets but that wasn't the issue. The cheap headers were the issue. Now you can get SS flanges that are 3/8 think or more. If I had a gasket kit, from the motor rebuild, I would use them. Remember GM didn't use gaskets on the cast-iron manifolds from the factory.
Cheers

[TruckintheBoro]

Thanks all for the advice about the gaskets. Much appreciated. I wouldn't have put headers on the truck myself, but the prior owner did, so they're what I've got...

[pontiacvince]

I have always used the factory metal manifold gaskets sandwiched to any header gasket with hi-temp silicone. The manifold gaskets go to the head side, and the header gasket on the header side. Mine have never leaked once tightened down.

[TALLone71]

this is great timing on this thread!... I'm getting ready to replace the header gaskets on my nova, its been a few years, and they are definitely due! might as well replace my spark plugs while I'm there, the center ones are a ball of fun to get to ... I have ramhorns on both of my c10s though, much easier to deal with...thanks for the info on the gaskets guys, I have used the stock style ones, and some of the brand name header gaskets with mixed results, on the longevity of them, thanks for sharing the info guys!..good luck with the engine install on the 67' TruckintheBoro!

[kaycee]

FelPro nothing else, tighten them down run until hot do this twice and havent had to touch them in years.

[garyd1961]

Headers dont always leak, years ago I always had trouble with the flange on the collector but that was with the old 3 bolt flange.
Now I have Headman headers with header gaskets ( brand?) and the ball type flange on the collector. I have been running them for over 6 years without any sign of a leak.
Just be sure to retorque your bolts after running it long enough to get everything hot. It's probably a good idea to check them a few times over the first week or so.

[DocZz]

Originally Posted by pontiacvince

I have always used the factory metal manifold gaskets sandwiched to any header gasket with hi-temp silicone. The manifold gaskets go to the head side, and the header gasket on the header side. Mine have never leaked once tightened down.

This is the best answer ^^^
Factory style coated with Permatex UltraCopper.

[Big Kev-O]

My header bolts kept loosening, I tried high temp loctite, didn’t help. Installed some Proform self locking SBC header bolts (Part66753) and it solved the issue. 5 years leak free. There is a reason lots of motors came with manifold bolt lock tabs. Locking bolts or tabs are a must for me. Flanges should be at least 5/16” thick or they will warp.

An old man once told me all headers leak… he also said electric cars would never be fast.
Posted via Mobile Device

[bigbadchev72]

Remflex are the only ones I use now and several of my hot rod buddies are on to them now as well a few of them have some serious hardware (496 stroker, Blown 540) I also wrap my header bolts in teflon tape and have not had them loosen up on me since.

Also dont cheap out on your headers and get some good heavy flanged ones also helps. They also make weld-on ball and socket collector flanges and this has been a game changer!

[Myself]

Locking header bolts and Mr. Gasket 'Ultra-seal' is what works for me. Tens of thousands of miles with no leaks. Do a re-torque on the header bolts after a few heat cycles. Then on the collector flange,....either cut them off and weld on some ball & socket type flanges, or find the manifold donut gasket that will fit in the flange and bolt them together with that INSTEAD of a standard gasket.

[ga-stepside]

Remflex is the ultimate header gasket IMHO. I've used them on three different cars and have never had a leak.

[MikeB]

You can't go wrong with Fel-Pro #1444 for stock size ports. They have a steel core.

[72SB]

+ 1 on Remflex, especially because they have a large selection of port size/shape

However I have FelPro 1406 on my 357 motor