TRIK-56
Senior Member
Posts: 810
Loc: Springfield, Mo. USA
Reg: 09-03-00
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03-20-12 06:04 PM - Post#2205317
I'll soon need to buy some new header gaskets for an engine I'm having built for my 56 but I haven't had to buy any gaskets since they came out with the new copper and aluminum type.
Whats everyones opinion or experience with the current types of header gaskets. Are the copper better than the aluminum or do the fiber ones do just as well?
I guess I'm just lucky but the old fiber type I put on my car 15 years ago are still sealing well and have never leaked yet.
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 Jim McCall McShop
"4th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 652
Loc: Billings Mt/ Lake Havasu ...
Reg: 02-18-10
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03-20-12 06:15 PM - Post#2205320
In response to TRIK-56
Copper, Copper, Copper, if you don't want to ever change them again.
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MikeB
Senior Member
Posts: 9388
Loc: Plano, TX
Reg: 08-28-03
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03-20-12 06:26 PM - Post#2205323
In response to Jim McCall McShop
I've never had a leak or blow-out with FelPro #1444. They have a steel core and can be re-used at least once.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FEL-1444/
These are for stock port size and work on most stock heads and many aftermarket heads, like Edelbrock Performer RPM and Dart Iron Eagle 180, etc.
Real Hot Rods have a Clutch!
1955 210 2dr: 327, Brodix IK180 heads, Jones cam, Muncie M20, Wilwood front brakes
1969 C-10 pickup: 350, TH350
My car pictures
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Jim McCall McShop
"4th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 652
Loc: Billings Mt/ Lake Havasu ...
Reg: 02-18-10
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03-20-12 06:42 PM - Post#2205330
In response to MikeB
The only ones that I have Never had to replace at the head or the collector were copper.
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MikeB
Senior Member
Posts: 9388
Loc: Plano, TX
Reg: 08-28-03
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03-21-12 08:15 AM - Post#2205508
In response to Jim McCall McShop
The only ones that I have Never had to replace at the head or the collector were copper.
If we're talking collector gaskets, yes copper or aluminum is the way to go. Being a budget type guy, I use Summit brand aluminum collector gaskets. I have a spare set hanging above my workbench, but have never needed to use them.
On another note, header manufacturers would better serve their customers by including NO gaskets in the box, vs. the worthless paper-like gaskets they provide.
Real Hot Rods have a Clutch!
1955 210 2dr: 327, Brodix IK180 heads, Jones cam, Muncie M20, Wilwood front brakes
1969 C-10 pickup: 350, TH350
My car pictures
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Jim McCall McShop
"4th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 652
Loc: Billings Mt/ Lake Havasu ...
Reg: 02-18-10
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03-21-12 09:03 AM - Post#2205530
In response to MikeB
Mike
I still use only copper gaskets at the head as well, as you will never need to replace them. When you maintain as many cars as I do, anything you can do to prevent future maintenance is the way I go. I have owned a lot of my cars for over twenty years now. You are right manufacturers should not include gaskets with their headers. It makes it appear they are recommending the use of these Cheep gaskets.
Jim
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daustin
Contributor
Posts: 298
Age: 53
Loc: Woodstock, Ga
Reg: 12-03-08
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03-21-12 10:27 AM - Post#2205569
In response to Jim McCall McShop
I tried the copper on my last build, (69 RS camaro) and i'll never use anything else again on both the collector and header flange to engine too. I've had the headers off & on 4 times, still no leaks and with the same set. Amazing stuff!
Don
1957 210 2d Post
1961 Bubbletop Impala
1965 Buick LeSabre
1968 327 Camaro
1968 427 COPO Corvette
1984 Monte Carlo SS
1969 RS Camaro
1969 GTO
1976 Camaro
1993 Silverado 3500 Dually 6.5TD
1993 GMC 1500
1994 9C1 Caprice
1997 Silverado 1500 |
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5Larry7
"11th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1670
Loc: Dallas, TX
Reg: 05-17-04
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03-21-12 12:46 PM - Post#2205649
In response to Jim McCall McShop
Copper, Copper, Copper, if you don't want to ever change them again.
I agree. 
'57 210, Blown 327 cid, Holley HP TBI, 700R4, A/C
'51 Studebaker Starlite coupe, 350, TH400, GV OD.
'08 Corvette Jetstream Blue coupe.
'96 Replica of a 1950's Teardrop Trailer. |
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WagonCrazy
"7th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 2313
Loc: So Cal
Reg: 06-07-05
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03-21-12 12:49 PM - Post#2205650
In response to 5Larry7
Get copper gaskets...you'll never look back.
57 Nomad C4-LS1 Pics
57 210 9passenger wagon Pics |
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Belair56OKC
Contributor
Posts: 121
Age: 57
Loc: Edmond, OK
Reg: 09-28-11
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03-21-12 04:39 PM - Post#2205744
In response to TRIK-56
Go Copper.  .The paper, fiber, so called treated high temp stuff INCLUDED FREE by some manufacturers is FREE for a reason..
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MikeB
Senior Member
Posts: 9388
Loc: Plano, TX
Reg: 08-28-03
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03-21-12 06:15 PM - Post#2205809
In response to daustin
Jim, the 51 Bel Air in your signature reminded me of my first Chevy -- a 51 Fleetline . The previous owner had installed a 235. I added a Fenton floor shifter and the requisite glass pack. I also nosed and decked it and added a stainless piece that ran between the two hood halves. I was later seduced by another car -- my first 55 Chevy.
Real Hot Rods have a Clutch!
1955 210 2dr: 327, Brodix IK180 heads, Jones cam, Muncie M20, Wilwood front brakes
1969 C-10 pickup: 350, TH350
My car pictures
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Jim McCall McShop
"4th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 652
Loc: Billings Mt/ Lake Havasu ...
Reg: 02-18-10
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03-21-12 06:35 PM - Post#2205833
In response to MikeB
Mike
I love your 55, it is a beautiful car. My heart is really in 55 Chevys. In 62 when I was 12, my parents rented our home as they could not afford to own one, and the repair guy for the company that owned our home had a 55 Belair two dr sedan. I loved the car, but unfortunately my first car in 65 was a 53 Chevrolet 210 four door sedan. It would not be until 89 before I got my first 55. It is the black and white one on my webpage.
Jim
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Jim McCall McShop
"4th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 652
Loc: Billings Mt/ Lake Havasu ...
Reg: 02-18-10
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03-21-12 06:50 PM - Post#2205843
In response to MikeB
Mike
Forgot to address the 51. I have owned that car since 09. It is an exact duplicate to the only new car my father ever owned. It was purchased in 1951 by a man in Kentucky. When he died in 64 it was sold to the local dealership with 2450 miles on it. There it sat on display until 09 when I purchased it with 3980 miles on it. My dads parents homesteaded in Bloomfield Mt in 1906. He had three sisters, and in 1940 his parents moved to town, Glendive Mt and my dad stayed on at the farm and operated it for the next 11 years. I was the fifth child born in 1950 and that winter my sister born in 49 almost died as they were unable to get to town for help. In the summer if 51 he sold the farm for $10,000. and after dividing it with his sisters he had $2500. With that money he foolishly went to town and purchased a 51 that was an exact twin to the one I have now, and moved us to Billings Mt. He was never able to own a home again until the last few years of his life. He was a very kind and wonderful man, so needless to say that 51 warms my heart.
Jim
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MikeB
Senior Member
Posts: 9388
Loc: Plano, TX
Reg: 08-28-03
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03-22-12 06:02 AM - Post#2205997
In response to Jim McCall McShop
Great story, Jim!
Makes me want to find a car that was my dad's favorite -- a 1953 Oldsmobile 88 with the 303 engine and 4-speed Hydramatic trans. That car was truly a rocket in its day, and I still remember the rumbling exhaust sound.
After a 1958 Pontiac, he bought a 1962 Olds, but it was nothing like the old 53. More length, width, and weight, with none of the old Rocket 88 excitement.
Real Hot Rods have a Clutch!
1955 210 2dr: 327, Brodix IK180 heads, Jones cam, Muncie M20, Wilwood front brakes
1969 C-10 pickup: 350, TH350
My car pictures
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TRIK-56
Senior Member
Posts: 810
Loc: Springfield, Mo. USA
Reg: 09-03-00
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03-23-12 08:09 PM - Post#2206738
In response to TRIK-56
OK, thanks for your replys guys. Copper it shall be!
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57dood
Contributor
Posts: 219
Loc: Ontario
Reg: 08-11-05
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03-25-12 04:44 PM - Post#2207402
In response to TRIK-56
percys seal 4 good.reusable.
i will never look back,awesome!!
thanks percy
| Gitter Done,Cant drive 55 |
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 4dr 57
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 2728
Loc: The Texas Hill Country
Reg: 11-10-04
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03-25-12 07:47 PM - Post#2207475
In response to TRIK-56
I bought a set of LT1 manifold gaskets (fibre and metal type) and regular black 3/8" header bolts for my fast burn heads from Street & Performance. They have them for all chevys. I tightened them then checked them the day after I took the car out 3 or 4 times. After the 3rd time I noticed they really didn't need tightening. They haven't come loose either. I would not hesitate to reuse them either.
I bought some aluminum seal gaskets from Summit Racing and have taken the exhaust pipe off and put them back on several times with no leaks.
I like stuff that works.
Stanley
| Wife: "Don't race the Police car, Stan!" |
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Thadd
"11th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 11069
Age: 73
Loc: Rolling Hills, Ca,
Reg: 12-30-01
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03-25-12 08:59 PM - Post#2207502
In response to 4dr 57
When I had my Muffler/hot rod shop, I ALWAYS used FelPro header gaskets. I could not afford to be replacing failed gaskets on my dime. I also ran a bead of Hi-Temp RTV around the ports on both sides of the gasket. NEVER had a failure. Fel-Pros small block gaskets are either 1404 or 1444. The 04's have bigger ports.
The other key to making the gaslets leak is to properly tighten the header bokts. After the first tightening, I run the engine for 5 or so minutes.Then I tighten them again.
Then I let it cool for an hour or so and crank down on them one more time.
It took me a while to hold my mouth just right, but as posted above, I NEVER had a failure.
| Proud member of the BABY BLUE T-SHIRT BROTHERHOOD |
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vabeach56wagon
Valued Contributor
Posts: 2975
Loc: Chesapeake,VA,
Reg: 04-22-02
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03-26-12 04:57 AM - Post#2207562
In response to Thadd
Our local roundy-round racers use no gaskets, just hi-temp RTV. That's what I've done on the Gob and have never had a leak.
paul
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alans 55
"12th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 3714
Age: 64
Loc: Amarillo, Texas
Reg: 03-20-01
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03-26-12 05:04 AM - Post#2207564
In response to Thadd
copper is good and recommended. used them on the 427 in the comet and not a problem one. on the 55 I put the old style mr. gasket white ones on 6 years ago and haven't leaked yet. but the way to do it on the fiber ones is to soak them in water for an hour or so before putting on. then tighten and re-tighten as Thadd mentioned. but again with todays technology copper is the way to go.
alan
Cruzin the Texas Panhandle,1/2 way between somewhere and 1/2 way between nowhere
www.picturetrail.com/alanan55
Drivin'my 55 Chebby 210 and playing w/my
40 Ford coupe 327/4sp/9" found and brought back home after 33 years |
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models916
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1861
Age: 62
Loc: Addison, IL
Reg: 05-28-10
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03-26-12 07:35 AM - Post#2207620
In response to alans 55
remflex has cushion in it so it seals irregular surfaces and keeps the bolts from backing out. A bit pricey, but a pretty nice exhaust gasket. Their reps are always at DragExpo and SEMA.
http://catalog.remflex.com/category_s/1.htm
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 jeffs55
"8th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 11674
Age: 54
Loc: Shelby Forest, Tennessee
Reg: 01-05-06
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03-26-12 03:33 PM - Post#2207765
In response to models916
I just use two sets of stock manifold gaskets.
Fiber to fiber. Cheap and I've never had an issue with blow out.
Of course those won't work (well) on bigger than stock ports.
I have aluminum on the collectors.
Jeff
55 Handyman
66 F100 project
32 3 Window Coupe project
1996 Silverado short bed extended cab
I actually own 2 Chevys now!
My Pics
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TRIK-56
Senior Member
Posts: 810
Loc: Springfield, Mo. USA
Reg: 09-03-00
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03-26-12 05:40 PM - Post#2207815
In response to alans 55
Alan,
As I said in my original post, the gaskets I have on my headers now have been on there and still don't leak after 16 years and they are just the old fiber type gaskets. Granted, the car is only driven a thousand miles or less a year but still, thats a long time for fiber gaskets to last.
Like you however, before I put them on I soaked them in water and tightened them down a few times after I ran the car. It seems to have worked pretty good!
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55 Shaker
Member
Posts: 1043
Age: 63
Loc: north central IL.
Reg: 03-13-06
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03-27-12 10:49 PM - Post#2208326
In response to jeffs55
I just use two sets of stock manifold gaskets.
Fiber to fiber. Cheap and I've never had an issue with blow out.
Of course those won't work (well) on bigger than stock ports.
I have aluminum on the collectors.
Jeff, your idea sounds interesting. I usually just use one, but doubling them up sounds like a good idea. Put the engine back in the car tonight, so I'm going to give your idea a shot.
Brian
| The older I get, the more dangerous, I am !!!! |
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4dr 57
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 2728
Loc: The Texas Hill Country
Reg: 11-10-04
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03-28-12 07:06 AM - Post#2208396
In response to TRIK-56
Something else you might want to look at while your waiting are the header flanges.
After laying a steel strait edge on the flange I found them to be uneven. It didn't look like much so I tried to file them myself w/o any luck
I had them resurfaced which may also contribute to their great seal.
Stanley
| Wife: "Don't race the Police car, Stan!" |
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