header leak, quality gaskets?

Rev · 05-14-2007, 08:58 PM

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

bailey_57 · 05-17-2007, 06:29 AM

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.

rwhite65 · 05-17-2007, 08:19 AM

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

05-14-2007, 08:58 PM	#1
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	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 __________________ '66 Coupe, 306, 350-375 HP, C-4, 13.07 e.t., 104.8 mph, 1/4 mi. O.B.C. #2 '66 coupe

05-17-2007, 06:29 AM	#2
bailey_57 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Berwick,Pa Posts: 127	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. __________________ '89 GT hatch back performer rpm intake, performer rpm cylinder heads, fms e-303 cam, kirban adj fp regulator, holley 65mm tb, harland sharp 1.6 roller rockers, alum driveshaft, 3.73 gears (283 rwhp, 303 rwtq new numbers with new heads)

05-17-2007, 08:19 AM	#3
rwhite65 Ride Hard Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Wyoming IL Posts: 1,094	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 __________________ 65 Fastback 91 roller 306, H/C/I AOD-Bauman, PI Stallion, 4.10's and traction loc 04 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition 79 Ford F-250 4x4 - Restored

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Al. header gaskets? Anyone used them?	Rev	Windsor Power	6	09-15-2006 09:01 PM
Header gaskets	Stang951	Windsor Power	18	11-01-2002 05:57 PM
HEADER GASKETS	91blownpony	Windsor Power	5	01-26-2001 08:27 PM
Head Gaskets, Header Gaskets, Intake Gaskets, etc	AxemanZZ	Windsor Power	8	01-11-2001 01:09 PM
Tri-y Header Quality	289Eric	Classic Mustangs	2	08-23-1999 02:32 AM