[Don Boc]

I have to replace a header gasket on my BB chevy. I am using a set of Walker Dynomax headers on my round port big block. I was going to use a set of the Earls gaskets but they are oval port gaskets and don't match up good. Has anybody used the copper ones made by SCE?

 

[bottlerat]

Unless you enjoy leaks stay away from the copper gaskets. Go with felpro or Mr Gasket composite gaskets and you won't be disappointed.

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Don Edmonds
T.C.Member 1033
1969 Chevelle
2000 Harley softail deuce
www.bottlerats69.homestead.com

 

[Jimmy P]

I'll agree with the above statement. If you use the 'composite gaskets, the trick of soaking them over night in water works well.

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Triple Black 69 SS 396

 

[Cardiac]

I use Sandersons copper gaskets with a 3/8" bead of silicone on the header side. Typically, I would use silicone only, but I wanted to isolate any contact from the steel header to the aluminum head and still use the silicone.

On the header, you can run a 3/8" bead of high temperature RTV Black around each header port. You will want to install the headers when the silicone skims over, usually about 45min to 1hr. Torque them at 25-30 ft lbs. I used a couple of all-thread bolts to help slide the header in place. I realize in some applications this can be very difficult, but it is well worth the effort of not having to retighten header bolts all the time

In a typical application, the bolts will stretch if you over tighten them and become loose because they have no room for movement. Silicone is more pliable than a regular gasket therefore giving more leeway for expansion. This will help prevent them from stretching any further as the header expands & contacts from the extreme hot and cold.
To answer you next question, yes the silicone will withstand high heat and exhaust pressure; in addition, it comes off very easy when you yard the headers out. A lot of guys I know, and some running as high as 14.5:1 compression, use silicone on their headers without fail!

 

[Mytmouse]

I agree totally with bottlerat above. I tried Earls and the copper kind on my 67 with Dynomax Headers both leaked and i had that match up problem with Earls. I went with Fel-Pro and they worked like a charm and no leaks. Much easier to install also.

Mytmouse



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67 SS396 350HP 4 sp 3:55 Posi Butternut Yellow w/Black Vinyl
68 RS Z/28 302 350+Hp? 4sp 4:10 Posi, Euro Red on Black
70 SS396 350HP 4 sp 3:55 Posi, Black on Black

Mytmouse A.K.A. Robert Stacho
ACES Member # 04359

 

[chevl71]

any one try the dead soft aluminum ones?
Or HPC's No-Blow gaskets? They are an expandable graphite on a wire mesh that expends.

Sounds good!

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Doug, Chevl71
Team Chevelle member #625
Gateway Area Chevelle Club member CM028

chevl71 homepage

 

[ken70ss396]

Tried the dead soft aluminum on my brothers brand new supercharged smallblock, headers to collectors.Told they were guarenteed not to blowout,,,,,,,they did, on the way to the first cruise night and the hot exhaust started the rubber on the motor mount on fire.Thanks to friends with fire extinguisher. No more death by fire soft aluminum!

 

[chevy302dz]

I've got deadsoft aluminum header gaskets on my 350 and they work great. I drive mine everyday and no problems.