I own a 2001 L with JDM Long tubes and Hi-flo cats. I have been using stage 8 locking header bolts and I keep getting exhaust leaks at the head. Can anyone recommend a gasket, perhaps copper?

 

I used the stock gaskets and cut them to make 8 individual gaskets. They haven't leaked yet. I also use the copper gaskets for the collecter.

 

I used the stock header gaskets and copper flange gaskets. I still have a problem with an exhaust leak at the heads. I haven't gone back in and retorqued the bolts yet. I am kind of dreading it with the Stage 8 locking bolts. They are a serious PIA. I wouldn't recommend them unless you're really **** about not wanting to worry about your bolts backing out.

 

Thanks for the info guys!!

 

Please excuse me, as I don't own the headers yet.

What makes the Stage 8 bolts a pain? How much better are they than what comes with the headers? How hard is it to get a good tight seal at the heads? How about at the collectors?

 

Pain?--- E-clips in very tight places. The top side isn't too bad; but, the bottom is tight.

Better than supplied?----- Not so much better than serve an extra purpose. They won't back out..... EVER.

Collectors?--- If I had it to do again, I'd use aluminum gaskets at the flanges.

 

Strange... I've head my headers on for 10k+ miles and over a year and have not had a gasket leak. (the time I thought I did, it was the spark plug launching itself from the head)...

dan

 

Is that read: "Until you want them to come off." ?

or: "never coming off"


Why aluminum over copper?

Please pardon the questions, I am learning

 

I have a slight exhaust leak on my stock exhaust....

 

This will be my third time replacing my exhaust head gaskets. First time was the JDM supplied gaskets, then the Ford gaskets, now I may either try the Bassani or Ford gaskets again. I have copper collector gaskets, they work great.

Bassani or Ford?

 

Percy's!

Header Gaskets

Collector Gaskets

 

the only time I heard an ehaust leak in my Lightning was after a night of fine dining at Joe's ALL YOU CAN EAT Bean Factory

 

percy's certainly didn't work for me:



just my experience.

I did notice that when I went to autozone, to get some replacements, that they are selling percys there. I had ordered my set direct, I didn't think I'd find them locally. who knew.

In any event... I'm using mr. gasket now, but haven't had a chance to drive the truck to know if they are going to hold up or not.

later,
chris

 

They're soft. You don't have to torque them down until they squeeze flat there Popeye. LOL

 

OK, Which P/N is for 5.4 motors?