what is the best header gaskets to put on a 97 LT1 so they last longer. Thanks

 

If you're having gasket issues it's usually due to warped header flanges. A good flange will usually seal and hold a seal even without a gasket, but a bad one won't hold a seal no matter what gasket.

The best gaskets though are the multi layer steel gaskets.

 

Anther vote for the MLS gaskets buy a nice set to and you can reuse them, I have taken my headers off a couple times now and have been able to reuse the gasket

Lay some thing with a true straight edge on the flange to see how straight it is

 

does summit have the MLS gaskets if not who does. Thanks

 

BTR has the GM ones for sale.

 

I don't know what's out there for LT1's, and I don't know if summit sells them you'll have to look and see

 

Fel-Pro 1406 and a good ARP 3/8x1 or 5/16x1 header bolt. Retighten header bolts after a few heat cycles because the gaskets will shrink. After that they're golden.

 

Used to be Percy's now Taylor Seal 4 good header gaskets. My Kooks flange was bowed in the center, but flat(if that makes sense...). Tighten the flanges from the center out, pulling the center of the flange to the head first. Also use ARP header bolts. Get a 5/16" boxed end wrench with some length to it and you can torque them well. Don't go stupid tight with them(cheater bar), but snug well. Bolt compare pic....
http://www.ace1252.com/images/1996_L...s/DSCN3919.JPG

Seal-4-Good
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/php-66031
ARP Header bolts
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-400-1210

 

I blew through a Percy's gasket within ~25 miles and 1 autocross event after installing it, almost certainly because the bolts came loose. I took SS RRR's advice from an old thread and got the Fel-Pro 1406 and it's held up well - I kept a wrench in the car this time and tightened the bolts every time I stopped until they no longer backed off.

 

Another vote for the taylor's, I spray em down with copper RTV and they have done very well for me so far.

The ARP bolts with a expensive box wrench (so the head area is thinner) are a god send.

 

If you have headers, I'm sure there is a Remflex gasket that will fit. They are very thick and compress quite a bit. Never had an issue with them leaking on me. I forget which ones I'm using with my LPP's.

 

Exactly what I used and I also have no issues.

 

While I have always used the 1406 on my LT1's, I did just use Remflex on my 355 in my 67 Camaro. More because they exactly match the stock exhaust manifold ports. They compress but will then hold that and not need re-tightening per their install instructions. IDK if they make a D port gasket but they likely do

With that said I will be using the 1406 FelPro when I put the headers on that motor

 

Yes same thing I use, works fine.

 

felpro 1406...heat cycle and retorque...have used them on various projects for approx 20 years, zero issues

 

We like the Fel-Pro 1406 gaskets as well. As others have pointed out there are a couple of possible underlying issues. We would recommend checking for warped flanges. When installing new header gaskets be sure to re-torque the header bolts after a few heat cycles.