Header gaskets

[ptsrv8]

Hi all,

Bit of advice needed please
I am ready to start fitting my headers to the cylinder heads of my chevy 350 (changing from under-slung to sides), the gaskets supplied to me look like they have been cut from a sort of graphite paper / thin card with scissors.
Questions that i am pondering...
1. Will they seal being so thin? (the ones that I removed were much thicker).
2. Do I need to use any paste to get a good seal.
3. Should I bin them and get another set, if so where from?

Your experience / advice would be greatly appreciated.
Ta for now

[ptsrv8]

Hi,
Is anybody logged in that can help me with a bit of advice on this one please?

[Steve-Art]

Hi Paul ,

You could always make some from copper sheet, just heat it up to cherry red to anneal it once you've cut the shape of the flange.
It should stay soft enough as you bolt up the header to give a good seal.

Steve

[mikey]

They may be Ok, but I tend to use the felpro ype etc. You can get them from Real Steel
Mike

[Miket]

Originally Posted by mikey

They may be Ok, but I tend to use the felpro ype etc. You can get them from Real Steel
Mike

Agree with the other Mike, use felpro, not worth the hassle and cost if yours don't seal.

[keane]

Paul, dont forget that you can use silicone to seal without gaskets, a lot of the US people swear by it, there was a discussion on this subject some time ago, do a search, good luck. Dave

[taurus]

Just finished fitting my headers with gaskets and silicon sealer, works a treat no problem, also used the silicon to fit the side pipes to the headers.

Peter.

[ptsrv8]

Thanks for the advice so far guys,
Is the sealant especially for exhausts? ie, do I get it at a Halfords type place?
Cheers

[keane]

Paul, I see there are no more replies, looking at some info elsewhere, a lot seem to recommend Permatex ultra copper high temp rtv, real steel will stock that, have a look at its properties and cross reference with other high/extreme temp sealants, do an internet search and see what comes up, the hotrod type boys are good for info. regards dave