Best header gaskets?

[kyleBblazercrazy]

The copper ones suck. No joke. The aluminum ones are better. They seal better and unless you run it hot all the time they won't burn out. As far as the ports go you look at the heads and the gaskets and you can see the difference. 305 heads are most likely round. Square ports are usually high performance high flow heads.

 

[565bbchevy]

Depending on the style gasket you choose you would really want to match the header flange more than the exhaust port, as long as there is enough surface area on the head for the gasket to seal and not block the exhaust port, it is fine if the gasket is larger or different shaped as long as it matches that criteria.
Remember it is the header flange that is compressing the gasket to the head and if you use an embossed gasket it is more important for this to match because that is were the seal is made.

 

[mr evil]

Head looks rounded square, header looks oval.....watcha think?
Edit. No idea why pics are orientated that way.....

 

[565bbchevy]

Did you have those headers installed already on your engine and if so what were the previous style gasket used?

 

[kyleBblazercrazy]

The round gasket is what will work for you. The square is way bigger. If you use the embossed copper gaskets don't over tighten them or they will distort and leak.

 

[kyleBblazercrazy]

I would suggest lock tight on the bolts. You don't have to pay me any mind but I have dealt with a few sets of headers. And I am still learning as well.

 

[truracer20]

Never had a copper gasket fail or leak. Any gasket can leak if not installed properly. Also never had one that couldn't be reused over and over and over.......

 

[mr evil]

Did you have those headers installed already on your engine and if so what were the previous style gasket used?

Nooo, they came left in the car(81 Cutlass) that I pulled the frame from for my car. No idea what motor was in it...assumed chevy. I did just check sizing....the heads measure 1.25" square, while the headers measure 1.25"wide X 1.5"high. Does that screw me?

I would suggest lock tight on the bolts. You don't have to pay me any mind but I have dealt with a few sets of headers. And I am still learning as well.

Appreciate the ideas kyle, helps me think things thru.... I do have a set with lock washers, so hope they'll be ok.

 

[mr evil]

I was hoping for that too truracer.....I may get lucky and hit it right the first time, but I know me better than that

 

[565bbchevy]

I would measure the gasket surface area on the head from top to bottom if the raised portion of the header flange sits on this area you should be fine with the correct gasket.