A while ago I posted a survey on header leaks... I followed it pretty closely and here's what I came up with.

About a third of us use SLP and the majority of us using them have no header leaks (except for myself apparently).

Edelbrock was the second most used and had only a few more leaks than SLP's.

Of those two, most people said if they had leaks it happened at the head... Prompting me to say that people need to spend the extra dollars on good gaskets as opposed to the "guaranteed to leak Mr. Gasket's".

Of the Hooker, Hedman and Other (likely Flowtech), people reported the most leaks (most at the collector and head). For that reason I'd say they are a poorer design (and in my opinion they are) and should be avoided.

Hope this helps folks in their choice.

 

Now I'm really glad I bought the SLPs!

 

Hedman HTC's, no leaks using Percy Dead Soft Aluminum Gaskets. The best headers I've ever used or seen are Hooker. SLP are good and expensive.

 

Headers have always, since day one, leaked. Its the nature of the beast.

The collector gaskets always blow up.. Use the alum ones.

And the heads, always leak eventually. Especially if your pusing some HP..

-- Joe

 

I'm real happy with my SLP's.
Headers have a reputation for leaking, but it's been my experience to get the best you can afford, and you'll have better luck.The better ones all have very thick flanges at the cylinder head and I think this is the key in this area.
My advise is to get the best you can and use the newer embossed copper or aluminum gaskets, so that if they loosen up and leak, you can torque them back down and they'll almost
always seal up.
(you can do it right, or you can do it over)
My 2cents.
-Rich-

 

My Hedman Shorties leaked badly for the firts year or so. I replaced the gaskets and they would start blowing within a couple of months. Then I got some Felpro and my worries have virtually ceased. I just have to make sure you torque the bolts down periodically.

When you first install new gaskets, tighten the header bolts. Go for a gentle drive so that the engine is at full operating temp and then let the car cool down again, re-tighten the nuts and it seems to work a treat.

Hope this helps.

 

I'll bet more people on this board use Hooker Shorty headers than any other brand. That ought to tell you there is nothing wrong with them.

Gaskets are a problem only for the first few months or so, until you get through enough heat and cold cycles. Tighten them down again.

And, of course, don't use those cardboard gaskets. Use metal reinforced types or even soft aluminum.

 

I always tell people to get copper exhaust gaskets when they purchase headers. I bought SCE's and Stage 8 Bolts for my Edelbrock's and no leaks in 2 years.

 

G-D, my Edelbrocks suck with leaks. I'm stuck with replacing the donut gasket now.