Which header gaskets to get?

[hiattwl]

I have stock heads with mac headers and the passenger side, #1 cylinder has blown out a chunk of the gasket. IT's the cheap crappy kind and i'd like a very good gasket to replace this with. Which part number should i get, and also, i need to know if i can get them at advanced, or if i should pony up and have them overnighted from summit. Thanks, Wayne

 

[SlowGT]

I have stock heads with mac headers and the passenger side, #1 cylinder has blown out a chunk of the gasket. IT's the cheap crappy kind and i'd like a very good gasket to replace this with. Which part number should i get, and also, i need to know if i can get them at advanced, or if i should pony up and have them overnighted from summit. Thanks, Wayne

I believe the most commonly used gasket is the FelPro-1415. Port size of 1.25 x 1.5. The FelPro-1486 has port sizes of 1.40 x 1.40. I'm don't recall what stock port size is anymore. Take an old gasket and go to Advance. They should have what you're looking for.

Just found THIS on their website

 

[S/CBlack95GT]

Felpro 1415- $15 bucks from Summit.

 

[1TRIKGT]

I used the copper ones. Supposed to be stronger than the paper ones.

 

[SlowGT]

I used the copper ones. Supposed to be stronger than the paper ones.

Who makes copper gaskets for stock port configuration? and how much are they?

 

[hiattwl]

yeah, don't want paper at all, that's what was in there, and i see how well it holds up, i want copper, and i'm wondering if mr gasket copper seals are good, as advance carries them.

 

[hiattwl]

Who makes copper gaskets for stock port configuration? and how much are they?

I saw some on advance auto parts website and they were about 46.88 a set. I'm probably going to get those as they say stock port, and if i got the same copper style gaskets from summit overnighted to get here by tomorrow, it would be about 58 due to the outrageous shipping costs.

Wayne

 

[SlowGT]

Hmmmm....Mr Gasket #7160. Can't believe I missed that last night

 

[hiattwl]

Hmmmm....Mr Gasket #7160. Can't believe I missed that last night

Should i get it? I want a great seal with a long last.

Wayne

 

[millhouse]

I used copper rtv. It was recommended due to the high exhaust pressures caused by the turbo. It's been a week with no leaks!

 

[SlowGT]

Should i get it? I want a great seal with a long last.

Wayne

Can't say for sure without checking out #253 in person. I've never seen need to run anything better than the FelPro-1415. I personally, couldn't justify that much money for a stock port gasket. If it makes any difference in your decision making, I'm putting my 408 together with a set of Mr Gasket header gaskets of the same style as the #253. Except mine are quite a bit larger.
The key to a good seal on the header is having them torqued down properly. You don't just torque them once and go. You take your wrench with you & everytime you shut the car off (while it's still hot), you tighten the header bolts until you don't get anymore on each & every bolt. Even in the parking lot before you go into church on Sunday morning if necessary. Could be anywhere from 3-6 times after you originally put them on. I have NEVER had to replace a header/exh manifold gasket, on any type of engine, that was torqued down with the previously stated method.