Need some answers on header gaskets/hardware

[dogsht]

Regular cheap gaskets always eventually burn out deteriorate and leak. Not that their are not garage queens that have not been on there for 40 years and still don't leak. But if you drive them daily in all weather and the car sits outside its only a matter of time. Am I anti header gasket no. I have had great luck with the Remflex. Read their website and you will understand why they seal better and do not burn out.

Hardware I just used regular header bolts with them and have never had them back out. I think this is because in part the gasket helps hold them snug so that they don't back out. I was intrigued though by the locking header bolts that have like an allen wrench thing inside the head that is used to lock them. Headers are a great upgrade done right.

 

[moose]

I have had great luck with the Remflex. Read their website and you will understand why they seal better and do not burn out.

I've read over the website a few times and like what they're saying. Especially about the rebound factor so the bolts don't back out. However, i've read horror stories about them and have seen pictures where the gasket had chunks fall out while it was installed. I ended up gettin the jegs brand with a steel core sandwiched between graphite outer layers. They were $15 and it won't feel like as much of a waste if they fail within a short time span. And if they do, I think I'll try the Earls gaskets.

I was intrigued though by the locking header bolts that have like an allen wrench thing inside the head that is used to lock them.

Me too, but i've read about people having the allen head screw break rendering a lot of work to remove the bolt. I ordered some ARP bolts and Mr. Gasket split lock washers. I've read that a few people have used them, including 85 Cutlass Brogham, with no problems.

Headers are a great upgrade done right.

Agreed, which is why I refuse to use shorties.

 

[moose]

heres a trick i was told about years ago, take the gaskets, soak em in water, after 15 minutes, install, tighten let em dry 20 run car, been doin this since i was told, an never had a leak, an i used all gaskets i could find in a pinch, fel pro is the best in my book, but hey what do i know

Ever do this on gaskets with graphite?

 

[Crazcnuk]

"Regular cheap gaskets always eventually burn out deteriorate and leak. Not that their are not garage queens that have not been on there for 40 years and still don't leak. But if you drive them daily in all weather and the car sits outside its only a matter of time."

Mine have been in there for a decade or so and I drive the car several times a week, and It has never been garaged. I raced the car regularily for the first year after I changed to the Mr Gasket 'cheap' gaskets. I've had far more trouble with the slip joints, than the gaskets.

I still have the copper ones around here somewhere.