Thread: Exaust Gasket Advice

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Hello, First post here!

I have a 396 BB Chevy w/ Steel heads. I am looking for advice (or website links) for GOOD QUALITY exaust HEADER gaskets. I hate the cheap white ones, and I don't want to spend a fortune either.

Are copper ones any good?

ALSO:

Are the header locks(bolts) that have the internal ramming bolt worth the expense? ($75-100) for 16!!

I might suck it up and buy em if I know I'll never have to worry about them loosening and blowing out my gaskets again.

Thanks

I've never run a big block Chebby, but on everything I've had headers on I've used stock gaskets and haven't had any problems.

use the mr gasket extra thick ones, i've never had a problem with them, and for bolts use the ones with wire locks, they work nicely...

I got the copper summitt gaskets fo $29.00. Nice thing is they do not leak and you can reuse them. I have never been able to reuse the fiber ones.

If you're blowing header gaskets, might be worth your time to take the headers to a machine shop and have him run them across the surface sander. I use studs and lock nuts (not nylocks!) to hold the torque on headers. Install new gaskets, warm the engine, retorque the headers..... Works for me..