Hi guys?
I do more searching and reading on here than anything, but couldn't really find the answer to this.

Car = 1991 Trans am GTA v8 5.7--

What do you guys suggest for the best gasket to use between the exhaust header and the block?
The car has full length ceramic headers (usure of the type, were on when I bought it)
I have a really loud ticking noise on acceleration ..
And also if there is anything I should know about attempting this with a friend, ANY problem that could occur that you might have experienced?
Or what should I make sure to do when replacing the gasket?
Thanks very much in advance for your help.
Fredel

 

Two Types Ive had very good luck with and I'm not talking MrCrap either. Use Felpro Stock replacement exhuast manifold gaskets for a 96+ Vortec truck, there just like header gaskets but cheaper and better, or double up stock replacement gaskets 2 sets flashing facing out. Both of these work better then any header gasket Ive tryed even better sealing then the dead soft aluminum gaskets, either way make sure the head and headers are clean before you try any new gasket.

 

Check the header flanges very closely for warpage. Usually with headers that have thin flanges, when you tighten the bolts, the flanges warp; and then they'll leak forever, especially in between the center 2 ports.

It helps greatly to file or grind the sealing surface of the 2 center ports to where it's slightly convex; that way, as you tighten them and they warp, the center stays in contact with the head.

Also, look very carefully at the flange on the header, and the flange on the head, to make sure that the header sealing flange is actually going to meet the flat flange on the head, i.e. that the header flange isn't either inside the head port or outside the machined flange; and be certain that whatever gaskets you use, cover both the place on the head and the header sealing flange.

The only kind of header gaskets I've consistently had short life out of, are the thick white soft kind. Every other kind I've ever used, either the copper, or aluminum, or the stock metal faced ones like SSC is talking about, or MrG Ultra-Seal, or Fel-Pro, I could get to seal, IF the fitment as described above was right. If the parts don't line up, they'll never seal no matter what you do, until you get different heads or different headers that do mate properly.

 

If you just cannot get a gasket to seal no matter what, odds are it is warped or misaligned as RB said. Despite what some people may lead you to believe, leaks do not have to be common with headers. I have never had a header leak on me. Hell, i have about 20k miles on the headers on my vert, and i am missing a bolt on the #7 primary and everything (stripped threads) and it still hasn't started leaking yet. AAMOF though, i probably should do a once over on all the bolts this weekend since i haven't touched them since i put 'em on.

As for gaskets, if i'm buying i just use the regular fel pro steel core ones, but i have also used edelcrock supplied gaskets with TES in the past, as well as mr gasket generics when i got 'em free.


One last thing, are you sure they are leaking. Headers are naturally very noisy, especially cheap thin headers.

 

Are you sure it's the header leaking? It could be the y-pipe or even farther back and still make a nice ticking sound. Make sure before you go through all of the trouble of replacing the gasket.

 

Use the Percy's seal-4-good gaskets. I had a leak with brand new headers that had a warped flange. I had to remove it and have it machined. All's good now. Highly recommend Stage 8 locking bolts also.

 

Thanks very much for the help guys, all excellent suggestions. How do you guys feel about using 2 gaskets, 1 harder copper or stock replacement and 1 of the softer ones?
I am going to tackle this in the last week of march when I'm off for the week.
Thanks again guys,
Fredel

 

I don't think I'd do that. From what I've used the steel core gaskets with the soft outers work. (Fel-Pro's).

An important item to check is how well the gasket fits the header tube opening. My current Hooker headers have an oval opening that no one makes gaskets for!

If I used a square opening gasket the corners leak. If I used a round opening gasket then the sides leak.

The fix was to get out the welder and fill in the sides. Then use the round opening gaskets.

Don't foget to tighten the bolts on regular basis until they no longer require it.

RBob.

 

I've been real happy with the embossed copper gaskets. About $45 a set, but if there's a leak, something's loosened up. I just re-tighten the bolts and it's fine. Haven't ever had to replace them. Also hear good things about the Percy's Aluminum gaskets, but they're even pricier than the copper.
-Rich-

 

Sounds good, but any idea where I could get them in toronto?

 

I'm with RBob. Ive used the Fel Pros many times with good results. They seal AND I''ve gotten as many as 4 reuses out of them in some cases (like if you have plugs that you have to drop the header to get to a couple).

They look like the junk paper gaskets you get with a new set of headers (aside from being blue in color) but they are WAY better.

 

Thanks very much guys... I just picked up the felpro gaskets at 37.00 (CAN)
I should install them soon, lets hope they work good, but I did find a crack in the old gasket and can feel the exhaust escaping, so these should do nicely.

Fredel