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FE Header Gaskets or not?
Hi All,
I'm just wondering whether or not to use header gaskets on the FE or just a bead of RTV? I'm using individual headers to side pipes rather than the cast iron stock manifolds. I've read of folks not using gaskets on cast iron manifolds. I have shiny new and flat faced Edelbrock heads. Opinions please. :D |
Gaskets for me. I have the same head. In fact I've had iron heads, Shelby alum. heads, and now have Keith Craft alum. heads (Edelbrock casting). Always used gaskets.
David |
It's not even a question; get quality crushable copper gaskets and install them with 1" long header bolts with anti-seize. They will never leak.
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Edlebrock header gaskets for me. E-brock heads with side pipe headers. No leadks in 8000 miles.
John |
Thanks Guys, I love this place.
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I like the Mr Gaskets but a good copper gasket with a raised sealing bead is the ticket. Check your flange thickness and bolt depth. A 1" bolt will bottom out on thinner flanges on the bottom (blind) holes.
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Quote:
It will be worth your while to test one on the flange you have. |
I tried copper and the standard paper/metal gaskets and none worked. I now use the Percy's laminated aluminum gaskets. They work!
If your headers flange is warped you can split one gasket and use one and one half on each side. I have reused them at times and they still work. Dwight Exhaust Header and Manifold Gaskets - SummitRacing.com |
I havn't used gaskets in years. Strictly copper high temp silicone. Fit's perfectly, inexpensive, easy to find and buy, and lasts for years. What more could you ask for?
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...lheadergoo.jpg |
The factory FE iron head and exhaust manifolds did not require gaskets; tubular headers are only reason for gaskets and everybody has a unique perspective.
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Used aluminum multi layer gaskets from Percy's on the FE and on the Windsor, both with aluminum heads.
Used copper gaskets with the Cleveland and iron heads. No leaks at all. |
Well - you all convinced me. I was going with HT silicon sealant but I went ahead and ordered a set of copper gaskets (steel heads). 1 inch ARP header bolts seem to work fine on my ERA headers w/o gaskets - no bottoming. I first tried a 3/4 inch bolt and they were clearly going to be too short.
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I eventually went with just Hi Temp Copper RTV and no gasket with 3/42 bolts.
Only time will tell if that's a good call. :) |
Has any automotive manufacturer ever used RTV as an exhaust gasket? The thousands of gaskets that I have removed over the years (not failed gaskets) have mostly been made of some type of metal, or no gasket at all.
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I had no gaskets with 3/8" individual flanges, fitted with studs and APR serrated flange nuts.
I have the feeling that less restrictive sidepipes allow for no gaskets (same for the slip joint: no gasket). |
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