Thread: Header gasket suggestions

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Well I'm in need of a good header gasket for a 350 with hooker headers. I've had a decent looking felpro before on a header with a 1/2" flange and it still managed to leak. I want something that I won't have issues with. Thanks!

Earl's has a replaceable insert gasket that I've found does a great job. Summit carries them - not cheap tho Earl's Performance 29D03BERL - Earl's Performance Pressure Master Header Seals - Overview - SummitRacing.com
I've had my headers off a couple times and they still are sealing well, but expect to replace the inserts this winter

Best advice I would give is use your torque wrench, even clamping pressure does wonders. Start at the inside ports and go out, and do it a couple of times. If you want after you take a drive, let it cool and go over them again, I have never had to do that personally, the felpro will work just fine.

I can't argue with Pepi's answer, but like Dave I used Earl's metal gasket with the replaceable inserts and have had zero problems. The constraints of my header bolts make it very difficult to accurately torque the bolts, but the Earl's gasket has sealed just fine.

Originally Posted by rspears

I can't argue with Pepi's answer, but like Dave I used Earl's metal gasket with the replaceable inserts and have had zero problems. The constraints of my header bolts make it very difficult to accurately torque the bolts, but the Earl's gasket has sealed just fine.

I too cannot use a torque wrench on many/most of the Percy's header bolts* I'm using.
Oh and as good as most Fel Pro gaskets are, always had trouble with their exhaust gaskets

* Percys Splitlock Header Bolts - Black Steel, 3/8 x 1 Inch, Set of 16 - Speedway Motors, America's Oldest Speed Shop

Earls are very good, the most important thing is to get the gasket to match the header. If you have a round port on the header flange then you need a round gasket, a square port will need a square gasket. Sbc has different sizes for the square ports as well.

Thank you very much, good advice! I think I'll order those they are worth the price if they seal nicely

Originally Posted by ojh

Earls are very good, the most important thing is to get the gasket to match the header. If you have a round port on the header flange then you need a round gasket, a square port will need a square gasket. Sbc has different sizes for the square ports as well.

They are hooker headers any ideas if they are square or round ported? Also do the earl gaskets come in different sizes?

I would also recommend using Stage 8 locking fasteners. I used them on my headers, and ten years later, I am still on my original header gaskets.

Performance Auto | Locking Fasteners

I

Originally Posted by rumrumm

I would also recommend using Stage 8 locking fasteners. I used them on my headers, and ten years later, I am still on my original header gaskets.

Performance Auto | Locking Fasteners

will do, when I fix something anymore it's done right. I learned my lesson in earlier years. This happens to be a rid that someone else had before me, they werent as particular about it as I seem to be

Originally Posted by rumrumm

I would also recommend using Stage 8 locking fasteners. I used them on my headers, and ten years later, I am still on my original header gaskets.

Performance Auto | Locking Fasteners

Great fasteners but just a word of warning to any SB Ford owners - these will not work as the tube to bolt distance is very close.

A common issue with header gaskets blowing out, and/or sealing poorly, flange bolts loosening etc., led me to do some research on this subject..I was happy that I did.
I used Percy's Splitlock bolts, and Rem-flex gaskets on my BBK headers, and have never had an issue.
Rem-flex gaskets are designed to allow for some headers that are not 100% true, (which leads to the leaking/blow out issues).Just follow the directions re bolt torques. You don't need to squish the heck out of them for a good seal.
The Percy Splitlock's are easy to install, and definitely will not back out if installed as per the instructions..

My experiance with header gaskets has always been bad on a street car untill I started using stock ex.manifold gaskets. And just like me they are cheap.

I find OEM gaskets work just fine also. For sure the OEM has been tested many more times and on a load of cars.

So I'm removing these headers today to order the earl gaskets. I'm going to figure out what gasket I need. I never knew there were so many different shapes of gaskets for the same engine... Round port, D port, square port at 1.35" and 1.5....