header leak, quality gaskets?
 

I finally got the Windsor SR aluminum heads on the car, and it fired right off pretty quickly. Problem is I cant get the #5 cylinder to seal up. I can hear and feel a little air escaping from the upper header flange area. I am using the Felpro gaskets recommended by World Products, but I am debating on doubling up on gaskets for that side. Anyone have any tips, or recommended gaskets? I have never had troubles getting a header to seal up, but theses dang heads have fought me the whole way. Spark plug clearance issues, plug wire boot clearance issues.........these things better scream!

Re: header leak, quality gaskets?
 

No Gasket, RED HIGH TEMP RTV will do it. Works every time.

Re: header leak, quality gaskets?
 

Good to hear, I thought I had seen where guys have used RTV before. I will keep everyone posted.
Thanks,
Ryan

Re: header leak, quality gaskets?
 

I always had header leaks every 10,000-20,000 miles or so. The last time I installed headers, I used multi-layered aluminum gaskets from (please don't laugh) Auto-Zone. They were Percy's at about $40. They were somewhat of a bitch to install as they were very thick (1/8" at least uncompressed). So far, (20,000 miles) no leaks and no retightening. Let's just hope it lasts.

Rev

Re: header leak, quality gaskets?
 

Definitely Percy's, i've blown out at least a half dozen sets of the felpro ones i've got 10,000 on the percy's with no problems.

Re: header leak, quality gaskets?
 

Well, I found that the header flange where it meets the head is not the highest quality. Using the old gasket, I could see where the air was getting by. With the news heads having such larger ports, the short comings of these headers are now being brought to my attention.

I put a new Fel pro on it for now, and used red RTV to help fill in where the header flange needed a little help. Let it set up over night and hoping to test fire it off this morning.

Ryan