plasmeh

iTrader: (10)

So I slapped on a nice set of Jeg's aluminum heads to my 350 over the past few weekends. Everything went together great! I used some nice fel-pro header gaskets to seal things up between the heads (D-ports) and the headers (1 5/8" Hedman's). Well, they lasted until I hit my first WOT and ALL of the ports blew. I have yet to check the header bolts (ARP's with washers) but I suspect that the gasket seated and I needed to re-torque them and didn't.

I have a couple questions. Since I am using a D-port head with circle port headers, what gasket shape should I be using? The dimensions on the D-port of the head are 1.530"H x 1.545"W and again the port on the header is 1.625" diameter. I assume that since the port on the header is larger than the head, that is a good thing. But it still leaves me a bit confused as to weather I should be using a D-port gasket/circle port/rectangle. Any light you can shed is appreciated.

I've also heard mixed opinions on the Mr. Gasket Copperseals. I'd like to get them as my ultimate goal is to be free from dreaded exhaust leaks, but I'm hesitant to pull the trigger with all the mixed opinions.

Thanks guys.

plasmeh

iTrader: (10)

I was thinking about running these: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mrg-7152g/overview/

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

Use the rounder gaskets that match the headers. If flange is flat a copper gasket will work ok and you can improve that with a little bit of copper rtv. Sealed my turbo car with moderate backpressure til bolts backed out and then developed a small leak

Else look up remflex. Best gasket i used to date. Seals up imperfections and lasts long time. Used it on my turbo car with zero leaks. More expensive but worth it
Part number 2004 or 2005 would cover that. Heads have a big exhaust d port, surprised to see them that big. Remflex has a d port gasket but i dont think i would try that with non d port headers

plasmeh

iTrader: (10)

The problem with the hedman's is that the primarys at the flange are anything but flat. They stick out a small bit. I'd rather not go through the hassle of taking them back off, having them planed and then sticking them back on. The remflex's look nice - thick, but nice. I'm wondering if I would run into clearance issues near my control arms with how thick those are. Are they sold in pairs or individually? I can't tell. Item on amazon looks like an individual pack.

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

Should be in pairs and they are thick but crush fit down with bolt torque. That way any imperfections are filled in. Sounds like you would need that for yours since they arent perfectly flat. I got mine thru remflex directly

plasmeh

iTrader: (10)

Ordering up a set of the 2004's. I had read around online and many people have had a lot of success with these. Let's just hope I don't break them putting them in!

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

Which fel-pros did you use? The paper and steel ones? Or did they not cover the header port? Are the headers bigger than the exhaust port?

Use the fel-pro graphite coated ones from the performance catalog. (I use 1405 or 6, I cant remember)
Make sure you use the ones that best match your header port.
Use 1" long bolts with a lil dab of anti-seize on the threads. (I buy 2 arp intake kits and use the small head bolts.)

jdracer13

Honestly the only time that we use header gaskets is on our dyno. What I suggest doing, is cutting the flange in between each tube and making sure the plate is flat with a straight edge, if need be use a file to get them straight/level. We recommend using the High Temp RTV rather than gaskets because they tend to blow out more than what the RTV does. This has really helped the dirt track guys eliminate their exhaust leaks, unless it was improperly done or they hit the area with a pressure washer.

Best Wishes