gaskets for my basket case

[mymontesa70]

So my car sounds like a helicopter due to a header gasket leak. this is a frequent and not uncommon problem i know,especially with the SB. So this weekend im going to try the trick where you soak the gaskets in water, shake off the excess, put them on and start the car, heating up the gaskets and expanding them for a tight fit.  Im doing this to the headers, collectors and cut out flanges. 

 

question is : Has anyone tried this method before? Is there a gasket in particular that has a high success rate?

 

thanks in advance

[monte70car]

Personal I would order some copper gaskets for the header to head and then either copper or alum collector gasket. On my big block I have the paper Headman header gasket and the collector is a ball and socket design. I used to run the alum collector gasket with a set of Mr. Gasket head to header black gasket with no issue.

[cny first gen 71]

You could try remflex gaskets they cost a little more bug worth it. Pretty surd I sas Napa was handling them now.

[mymontesa70]

Sounds good thanks.

 

Side note, ever heard of any cool ways to keep the bolts from backing out ? Or is it just check and re tighten

[Leghome]

My son in-law uses the blue lock tite on his. Just enough stickem to keep them from backing out

[cny first gen 71]

Just remember you may want to retorque then after a few heat and cool cycles, just a thought.

[gprimm]

Remflex.  Put them on 3 years ago and it has been perfection.  Just don't overtighten.

[mymontesa70]

awesome, sounds like Remflex is the way to go. Spend a few dollars now and not have to worry about it in the future

 

thanks for the help

[mymontesa70]

hate to bring up an old thread. I went to pull the trigger on ordering my remflex gaskets this morning, and just by chance thought id read a couple reviews. Turns out alot of people are unhappy, even when following install instructions to a T they say they're blowing apart after 2 months. 

 

Somebody give me some good news, anybody here have remflex gaskets installed for more than 6 months with good results? Gprimm i see youve had good results so im starting to feel a little better. right now it seems like alot of coin to drop on something that might need changing again next summer. 

 

 

thanks as always

[cny first gen 71]

Haven't put mine on yet to busy driving it but sure will let you know when I do. But that may be to latd for you. Look at the percentage of good and bad reviews.

[mymontesa70]

after reading good vs bad i decided to go with them. thanks for the input

[cny first gen 71]

For sure let us know how you make out although i've already got mine so we'll see.

[mymontesa70]

So i finally got around to installing those remflex gaskets this weekend. They seem to be worth the buck, sure as heck stopped my leak plus leaks i didn't know i had! (collector) Its a little strange they say no need to re tighten after a heat cycle. Its really hard to resist the urge to check them. Also 20ft lbs was the recommended torque which also seemed on the light. i guess only time will tell. All in all it sure is nice to hear my car sounding nice again, i almost forgot how much i love my exhaust. 

[Sam (Bones)]

Not the gaskets you have to worry about, it's to bolts loosening up, I always use a medium strength loctite to make sure or stage 8 header bolts with locks

[mymontesa70]

Sam i should of added i threw a dab of lock tight on all the bolts. now i just have to sell my house in order to get suspension parts.