header flange gasket

rblong · #1 (**permalink**) 03-08-2005, 06:45 PM

Getting close to getting my new side pipes put together. What are you guys using as a gasket/gasket sealer in your 4 bolt header flange. Because of the heat I thought about using a sheet of lead or aluminum. What do you think?

Tim Brewer · #2 (**permalink**) 03-08-2005, 07:05 PM

I just use a high temp RTV, no gasket.

rblong · #3 (**permalink**) 03-08-2005, 07:17 PM

Yea, I used that before, but I don't think I let it set up long enough before I wanted to drive it. It smoked some for while. I will try to be more patient!

Excaliber · #4 (**permalink**) 03-08-2005, 09:49 PM

I make mine (as in plural) out of a sheet of hi temp gasket material. I say "plural" because I've had the side pipes off a bunch of times. 4 bolts and swap over to the "shorties". Pretty easy to make the gaskets, ball peen hammer and razor blade.

rblong · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2005, 05:49 AM

Thanks for the input. I tried that at a couple of my local auto supplies and they just aren't what they used to be. I do have a source through my company to get gasket stock, so maybe I will go that way.

vettestr · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2005, 06:00 AM

rblong,
You may want to check out the dead soft copper gaskets for your headers. I also rely recomend studs in the head with the anti back off nuts that are supplied in most kits. After 2 cycles of heating and cooling with a retorque each time you will be very happy.
I used to use the white material gaskets and soak them in water for about 2 hours. I used 2 sets at a time as they would scrub against the 2 gasket surfaces with the heat expansion and not the metal or head = header surface so NO LEAKS. The soaking helps them sink a very little bit into or conform to your set-up and starting removes any moisture real quick. THis works but copper is better.

CowtownCobra · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-2005, 03:58 PM

You can get a ready made gasket from Finishline (advertises here) or PAW for the 4-4 flange.

jwoodard · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-2005, 04:25 PM

I made some gaskets out of material I purchased at NAPA. It's called Fel-Ramic by Fel-Pro. The number on it is 2499. It consists of what appears to be normal gasket type material that sandwiches some type of metal material.
Bottom line is it worked great and I never encountered any leaks.

rblong · #9 (**permalink**) 03-09-2005, 07:54 PM

Now you have gone and done it - gave me too many options!!!

Seriously - Thanks for all the help.

Bruce