TwistedSS

iTrader: (3)

So im getting ready to a header install on my car. I have heard that you can re-use the stock exhaust manifold gaskets...is this correct? Also I have heard of people having problems with the "paper" type gaskets that come with most headers...I got mine used, so no gaskets. Should I go over to GM and get a new set, order a set from AutoZone (paper gaskets) or re-use the stockers?

Thanks in advance
Matt

onebadZ28

Yes you can re-use the stock gaskets. I did, but if i had it to do over i would have got new ones. I wouldn't recommend using the paper gaskets. good luck with the install. post pics when all is complete

tylerdj

iTrader: (31)

The paper gaskets tend to burn up...if your stock ones are in good shape you can reuse them or if they're not just go order a new pair of GM ones.

staringback05

iTrader: (8)

i also reused them....just make sure their not badly bent or damaged

MY02REDWS6TA

iTrader: (2)

I agree if the stockers are not in bad shape reuse them. If you are not comfortable with reusing them go to the dealer and get new stock ones. Like $15 each.

-Freak-

iTrader: (6)

What about copper gaskets that i got with the pacesetters, do they work fine or should i get some Fel Pro gaskets?

MY02REDWS6TA

iTrader: (2)

I was totally expecting to get the crappy paper gaskets with my Pacesetters last Fall and to my surprise they came with the nice copper ones. I had already purchased the new stock ones and debated on which ones to use. I used the new stock ones 'cause they are proven but I dont think you would have any problem using the copper ones.

aaron653

iTrader: (1)

i bought new gaskets from the dealer and glad I did...old ones had holes in them

TwistedSS

iTrader: (3)

Well i'll find out in the morning...my local GM dealer has a set in stock if I need them. I'll plan on re-using the stockers if they aren't damaged.

Pacesetters are coming with copper gaskets now? Thats good. Whats the general consensus on copper gaskets?

staringback05

iTrader: (8)

hmm i didnt get copper with mine

-Freak-

iTrader: (6)

I bought the coated headers, ory and 02 extensions from a local club member and he gave me everything he got with his order from new era. I'm not sure if he ordered them separate or what, but from the way he made it sound they came with the headers.

TwistedSS

iTrader: (3)

A friend of mine had an LT1 Trans-Am and bought some uncoated Pacesetters for it about a year ago...they came with copper gaskets.

MavrikTA

iTrader: (27)

Mine didnt come with copper....just the crappy paper ones. Throw the paper ones away. Reuse your stock. Ill bet most people here did. I did.

BobDoLe

iTrader: (11)

i just finished up installing my mac mids with a friend. it took some time...
you could reuse the stock gaskets, but i would recommend running over to autozone. that extra 15 minutes could potentially save you a few hours if you found the stock gaskets were a little tweaked.

TwistedSS

iTrader: (3)

So, I started messing with the car last night, around 6pm. I pulled the coil packs off, pulled the plugs, moved stuff around, removed the cat-back and y pipe..that took about three hours by myself. This morning, a friend and I started working on getting everything else off. Broke two studs total off the cat to manifold flanges, had those off in ten minutes. Unbolted the manifolds from the heads, those were off in an hour (bolts were kind of a pain). Had lunch, then slid the new headers in and they went in without any trouble at all. Guess I have the car far enough off the ground . Bolted the driver side header on, installed coil packs and new plugs. That side was done in about 45 minutes. Passenger side- we started two bolts...the rear keeps wanting to cross thread and doesnt want to go in properly. Now I have to go to work (got called in on my day off ...will hit it hard when I get off work. So far, no major problems. Hope I dont **** off my neighbors too much when i start it up later...haha

hammerhead

iTrader: (1)

I got some Percy's Seal4Good aluminum gaskets. They're multi-layer metal gaskets like the stock ones, but they're soft aluminum to be more forgiving.

http://www.percyshp.com/index.php?op...id=5&Itemid=34

I didn't want copper ones because copper and aluminum (heads) can develop galvanic corrosion.

Viper

iTrader: (6)

Percy's here too, my new stock ones leaked after a while.

TwistedSS

iTrader: (3)

So, got everything put back together...had to run a thread chaser down the holes for the bolts in the passenger side head. Everything went smoothly after that. The Y-pipe I got was slightly out of alignment so I decided im going to drive to the exhaust shop in the morning...open headers

I had the TSP rumbler cat-back on the car, but it will be TOO loud with the headers. Im putting my stock exhaust (SLP dual-dual) back on and I have a 3 inch QTP cutout. Hope it sounds okay.

Didn't get to fire it up in the garage tonight...didn't want to anger my neighbors. lol

TwistedSS

iTrader: (3)

Fired the car up this morning...open headers

AWESOME...LOUD....Now I have to drive it to the exhaust shop.

hammerhead

iTrader: (1)

LOL. I just finished my header install and did the same thing. Holy NASCAR! I have to bring it to a shop to connect the Y to my GMMG. It'll be a fun drive.