1) I bought the "special" exhaust gaskets (Flatoutgaskets). Do I still need to spray the copper sealant on these? (Please say "NO" because they are on and I don't want to remove them )
2) How important is it to use exhaust ealant between the primaries and sidepipes? I'm 1/2" away from having my pipes on without it
Thanks
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Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #629, BBM Side Oiler Block, 482ci, Richmond 5 speed
Posts: 851
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Joe,
No need for sealant on the header gaskets. I wouldn't bother with sealant between the primary pipes and the side pipes either. I used no sealant on mine. One side is great with no exhaust leaks. The other side has a slight leak that sometimes causes a backfire on that side when I let off the gas. So, I've taken it off 3 times and tried to get it to seal with various sealants. Each sealant I've tried only lasts about 2-4 weeks before it burns away and puts me back to square 1.
Joe, I never use a spray on the header gaskets to the heads, but if you have iregularities in the surfaces at the side pipes, you might want to put just a little on to help keep the gases out of the engine bay.
The white gasket board from Mr. Gasket make great side pipe gaskets. It is what I use.
Just a quick note, you might want to gasket the flang to frame mounting as it will reduce the amount of noise in the cockpit.
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Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #629, BBM Side Oiler Block, 482ci, Richmond 5 speed
Posts: 851
Not Ranked
No real secret other than just be careful. I usually support the back end of the side pipe on a cardboard box. I drape a towel over it so I don't accidentally "customize" my paintjob with the rear of the sidepipe. Make sure all of your primary pipes are loose at the head. Backing off each header bolt about 2 or 3 revolutions should do it. The first time I installed them I put a little vaseline on the inside of the sidepipe and on the outside of the primary pipe to get them to slide more easily. Good luck.
Sounds like you are getting close...... Keep in touch and check out the post I made tonight for a So Cal cruise. Hopefully you can be up and running by 8/15.
Got one side (Driver's) setup tonight...took 4 Advil immediately afterwords. That was tough! Gonna sleep good tonight! I was trying start it up this Thursday on my son's birthday. Not sure if I will make it. One more sidepipe. Then hook up the dash and battery and I should be able to start it up. Getting close...I hope I can make the 15th...that will depend on the rest of the Registration process.....
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"There are 10 types of people out there....the ones that understand binary and the zeros that don't."