Header Install, need pointers

[Kdubslugga]

Im getting ready to intall some BBK Unequal length ceramic headers, and just had a few questions. I got the Gasket kit, and it came with these thick blue plastic donut ring things, what the heck are those for? Also, i bought new grade 8 bolts for the headers, what should i use on them, anti seeze or lock tite or what? Any other pointers are more than welcome

 

[Ozz]

I would recommend locking header bolts (Stage 8) & copper gaskets. Unless you want to take the chance on doing the job again.

No idea on the donut things.

They're expensive but worth it, IMO.

 

[blk92stangg]

I would say PATIENCE in large doses. Also, be careful when you slide those puppies in, as you can scratch up the nice shiny surface on the master cylinder, strut tower, etc. Unequals are probably a piece of cake to install, while my friend's equal lengths were a nightmare-we had to loosen the tranny mount and jack the engine up to get clearance...needless to say I am not going to get equal lengths anytime soon.

 

[Gearbanger 101]

Copper head gaskets are nice, but they can leak too. They just don’t blow out like other gaskets. I used the Mr Gasket Ultra seals with my Macs (CRAP HEADER) along with some Permatex Ultra copper RTV silicone around the ports and on the both sides of the gaskets themselves, with success. Go from the inside out with your header bolts when installing and don't over tighten. You may need to re-torque them a couple of times after they've had a chance to heat sink (even with locking retainers). Remember to let them cool stone cold before retightening them.