1Bad69

i am going to need to change my header gaskets as they are cracking to pieces...can this be done by removing bolts and prying headers away from heads and sliding in the gasket...or do i need to remove all together....?

groovyjay

I did it just like you said. I'm using Stahl headers, so it might be a different ball game with hookers... :cheers:

GDaina

never had to replace the header gaskets, but that's the way I install them.

ykp53

i removed all bolts except the first one and last one. then i loosened them just enough to remove the old gasket and droped in the new one. it took 45 min. max, and the headers stayed on the car the entire time.


[Modified by ykp53, 8:17 AM 3/12/2004]

Fevre

Mike

I have had excellent results with these on my small block, even when reused:



http://store.summitracing.com/partde...57#largerimage


But the collector version did not work so well, I think they make the insert too thin for it.

1Bad69

ok...well thats good to know...i guess i will give it a try that way....thanks...

LemansBlue68

Take out all the bolts except the two on each end of the header. Just loosen those two to allow the header to move away from the head about 1/4". Most header gaskets have slots in the ends where the bolts go instead of holes for the very intent that they be slid in between the head and the header flange. Then just re-install the bolts you removed and tighten the end bolts back down.

Don't skimp on the header gasket quality. Buy steel reinforced or the soft aluminum. The cheapo asbestos gaskets will blow back out in no time.

Corey_68

Just lossen the bolts and slide off the gasket, that's the reason for the "hooks" on the gasket. A good quality gasket makes all the difference. :cheers:

1Bad69

i was thinking about copper gaskets....

BB wowbagger

I use the Mr Gasket Ultraseals.Works great :cheers: :cheers:

Brettmc

If you want the best, go with the Earl's gaskets that Fevre linked you to in a previous reply. I tried the copper on mine and they leaked like a ho on a Saturday nite. I got the Earl's and, viola, no leaks!! I haven't even had to go back a retighten them. They are some really fine gaskets.

Brett :thumbs:

Fevre

Plus you can replace the inserts at a little lower cost then for whole set up. I even gasket matched them to my heads, just bolt them to the head and trim the excess from around the exhaust port. But be carefull because the inserts can pop out and they are soft and will bend/break if you man handle them, I am speaking from experience. :(

Brettmc

For me, these worked just as well as the header gaskets. It was a bit dicey trying to keep the insert in while I bolted up the collectors but they finally went on. As with the header seals, I haven't touched the collectors since I put em on.

Brett :thumbs:

norvalwilhelm

You will have to be luckyier then I have ever been when dealing with header gaskets. Mine always come out in pieces and I end up scrapping it off in places with a large scrapper. Something that is not too easy with the headers in place.

NHvette

I only have second-hand experience ... but good advice.
Get the graphite foil gaskets that Chris has shown above.

From 73ken73: I put these on, and I have never had a leak or issues
with loose bolts - years later. (almost unbelievable)

A guy (Chuck) that Ken used to work with is a PhD in material science or
something like that. He says he wouldn't use anything but graphite foil.
Oh ... he was referring to super high pressure/super high heat chemical
processing equipment. I guess the C3 headers would be lower pressure.

Expensive .. but cheaper than buying several 'cheap' sets.

:seeya

1Bad69

iwas wondering about that....i hope that they will not be that bad a shape though...