Hey guys, Is there anything I can do to eliminate leaks when I install my headers to the block? Also from the headers to the y pipe. Thanks for bein' here for guys like me.

 

I have had good luck with Felpro header gaskets. Also go with the locking header bolts, I can't think of their correct name right now, but if you order from Summit or someone, they knew what I meant when I ordered 'locking header bolts'. The heads of the bolts are hex shaped and moon shaped clips go on the hex bolts with the cut out of the moon part facing toward the header tube. This keeps it from backing out. Then you put on a clip that fits into a notch on the bolt keeps the moon clip from just falling off. I might have had one of the retaining clips fall of once, I think. You might have to grind the moon clips a little to get them to fit 'cause there isn't enough room between the bolt and the header tube. They are tough to get on, but will save you a lot of time in the long run so you don't have to tighten them up. I've used that combo on two installations so far and neither of them leaked at the heads. As far as the collectors go, I have had sh@*ty luck with those leaking. I hear Percy's collector gaskets are good. On my past two experiences, nothing I could do would keep those things from leaking, I tried Permatex sealant, but that didn't last long. I wonder if the expensive headers with the smaller, short collector tube extending just past the actual flange where you bolt up the collector help solve this problem (Like on the SLP's as opposed to the Hedman's with just the flat collector connection). This might be more info than you need, but take what ya' need.

 

Hey there, thanks for the info. I'll try the bolts. I am going to try the high temp copper gasket sealer around the heads and the collector and see how that works.