Header Gasket

[73pony]

OK. So my Headman Headers have been on the car for about 8 months. Used the gaskets that came with the headers, paper type. Lets just say they are junk. Already blown out on the passenger side (although a small one). Since I am replacing the heads in the near future (next couple of weeks) I am going to put up with it for the time being. My question is what header gasket should I use or does anyone recommend? Copper? Aluminum? They will be in Aussie 2V heads on a 351C. Headers are Headman 1 3/4" primaries with 3" collector. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[turtle5353]

The paper ones are junk and is just a blow out waiting to happen in my opinion. I personally use the solid copper gaskets. I have had them for 5 years or so now and have had them on and off numerous times with 0 leaks.

I have also used just high temp RED gasket maker in the past with good results on my mud truck. But its not nearly as pretty and makes a bit of a mess.

 

[c9zx]

You can use almost any performance gasket that properly fits the port and header primary tubes. Lightly coat both sides of the gasket with clear, 100%, silicon and let it completely cure. It will stay sealed and will not burn up. I also use split lock washers on the bolts, when possible. Keeping the bolts tight is the key to avoiding gasket blow out.

 

[73pony]

Cool thanks for the info guys. And I am thinking I like that Silicone trick.

 

[Mister 4x4]

I just used the metallic gaskets that came with the headers - so far, so good.

Of course, I think it helps that the mounting surfaces on the heads had been machined true, and the header mounting surfaces checked for being true prior to mounting them.

 

[will e]

I have found using stage 8 header bolts are an effective way of keeping the bolts from loosening:

http://www.7173mustangs.com/thread-stage-8-header-bolts

 

[73pony]

I just used the metallic gaskets that came with the headers - so far, so good.

Of course, I think it helps that the mounting surfaces on the heads had been machined true, and the header mounting surfaces checked for being true prior to mounting them.

Yeah mine came with cheapo paper gaskets. I also have 8 months of pretty "spirited" driving on them. I didn't think they were going to hold up great when I put them on, but it was what I had at the time and spring was here.

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

Remflex look em up- they are great.