I am putting on SLP 1 5/8 headers on my ZZ4TPI. What I need is real life experience, not guesses, or my buddy has this blah blah blah. What header gaskets are you using with SLP headers on Aluminum heads? How good are they/do you like them/do they leak? Also what bolts did you use? I am thinking Stage 8 locking. Anyone with experience with these please let me know. I was reading in Super Chevy they had Stage 8 come up with a custom set for an LT1 so hopefully they will do the same for me. This is my wifes car so exhaust leaks are not an option!

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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI
92Z28convt5spd
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

 

Don't bother with paper gaskets, they don't work at all. Get either Mr Gasket copper gaskets or Percy's High Performance aluminum gaskets. They cost $30-$40, but it's worth it. Believe me, installing new paper gaskets every couple of months gets old real fast. And unless you (or your wife)enjoys tightening header bolts every other week, get the locking bolts. I got the aluminum gaskets for $30 at Advanced, cheaper than Jegs. And they're reusable.

 

Thanks for the info, I'll check the local parts store (Autozone/DAP/PepBoys) for the D-port header gaskets. Any experience with ARP 12 point header bolts?
Thanks

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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI
92Z28convt5spd
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

 

I've been running Stage-8 locking header bolts for over a year now, it's nice finally not retorquing or losing the darn things. Absolutely gotta get 'em dude.

Use lots of anti-sieze on the threads regardless of what bolts you use, you don't want 'em freezing into your aluminum heads.

FWIW I'm running Edelbrock TES headers on GMPP aluminum heads, same heads as your ZZ4.

-Kevin

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1982 Z-28

See http://www.mycar.net/mafb/registry/detail.cfm?id=276 for details

 

Rob,

I've never had an exhaust leak with my SLP headers. I did 3 things. First, I made sure the flanges were true. I put a straightedge to them and found that my center two port tubes were off by about 1/16". I had the machine shop true them up. I used SLPs gaskets. They have worked great for me. I made sure to check the header bolts an hour after running the engine. I then checked them a week after that. Haven't leaked yet.

Tim

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TRAXION's 1990 IROC-Z
Best Time = 12.587 @ 107.97mph (1.710 60ftr) on the long runner setup.
All Natural. No Force. No Drugs. Stock Bottom End. Stock Body Panels. Stock Wheels. No Weight Reduction.
Gunning for NA 11's with the MiniRam II and Hooker LT Headers.
-=ICON Motorsports=-
Moderator: PROM board at thirdgen.org

 

Im using Earl's pressure master gaskets..they're soft composite pieces inserted in an aluminum housing, anyway they seal good i put them in about 2500 miles ago w/ the cheap *** bolts that came w/ the headers. just tightened a few of the bolts yesterday (the ones i could reach easily) BUT I HAVENT HAD ANY LEAKS YET

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350, Comp 262, Edelbrock Performer intake 600 cfm carb and exhaust, headers

 

My 1 5/8 headers have individual flanges, not one long one all the tubes are connected too. So if one is a little out of square, tightening it to the head should square it up I'd think. Thanks for your advice all. I sent an e-mail to Stage8 asking for a custom kit.
Rob P

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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI
92Z28convt5spd
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!