When I put my headers on a few months ago I didn’t have header gaskets so I just used the manifold gaskets I had in a gasket set. Every one says that you have to keep tightening the header bolts to keep them from leaking but mine never leaked and I never tightened them yet and I put about 2000 miles on it since I put them on… did any one else use manifold gaskets? Is there any reason that they shouldn’t be used with headers?

thats all i use.. they seal 1000X better than about any "header" gasket i've ever used before... i dont even bother with "header gaskets" anymore

I bought a set of the $40 copper flange gaskets. They leaked bad. I figured anything has got to be better than this. So I picked up USED manifold gaskets laying on the ground. Wiped the dirt off them, then blew with air. Put them on and aint had a leak yet (1500 miles or so)

I just use High temp silicone. Never had a leak yet (Iron heads).

Many times. They seal up real good on most headers. Just make sure they are capable of covering the entire header tube flange. They don't have much "beef" to them so they won't always cover up the header tube flange on every set of headers.

What is the composite of the materials used in the stock manifold gasket? And can that be bought in a roll? I'm thinking I could then make my own and be sure they fit perfect. I've got Sportsman II heads and headman full length headers.

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1974 Sport Coupe. Original Owner.
383 SBC, TH350, 3:42 posi, rear discs, IROC steering box.

Don't know if you'll find it. Probably a Garlock material with the steel facing. Never seen it anywhere.

Most stock intake gasket we make and our competitors make are a solid core. Most of our HP intakes are not solid core so they can be trimmed to meet the ports if they have been worked on. Pat

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by PL 73RS:
Most stock intake gasket we make and our competitors make are a solid core. Most of our HP intakes are not solid core so they can be trimmed to meet the ports if they have been worked on. Pat</font>

Pat,
I think they were talking about exhaust manifold gaskets rather than the intake gaskets.

Yes, I've used them too, just because I had several sets left over from complete engine gasket kits.

Mr Gasket makes a good, dark grey colored gasket(ultraseal?) that holds up 10x better than the ole white ones do.

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John Wright

We make a great composite graphite with a perf core for headers. Tough as heck. I thought they were talking about intakes. My mistake. Darn this diet, it's making things fuzzy. lol

[This message has been edited by PL 73RS (edited February 15, 2005).]