Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

Choosing intake & exhaust gaskets... really matter?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-18-2017, 05:06 AM
  #1  
TGO Supporter

Thread Starter
iTrader: (7)
 
aaron7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 2 Posts
Car: 83 bird
Engine: 305/383
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Choosing intake & exhaust gaskets... really matter?

Installing a V8 into my car (finally!) and need gaskets for the intake manifold and the exhaust headers.

Before I just get whatever the auto parts store has, I was wondering if there was anything better than that.

I need intake & exhaust gaskets. Intake is an Edelbrock Performer so don't believe I need the crossover port.

I've seen some interesting exhaust gaskets, some even made of aluminum... I really have no idea what to choose!

So, ideas?
Old 06-18-2017, 11:12 AM
  #2  
Member
 
JA411's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Re: Choosing intake & exhaust gaskets... really matter?

Get the proper intake gaskets to match both int. port and cylinder head port. Check OE gaskets they are thicker to give proper crush. Don't use the standard Fel-Pro blue thin gaskets (vacuum leaks and oil consumption). On the headers make sure flanges are straight and flat (no weld beads sticking up, file them down). I always use the gold or orange High Temp RTV sealer only no gaskets. Put a bead of sealer around port opening only (don't put around any bolt holes) follow directions on sealer tube. Retorque bolts after heat clycles. Allow sealer to cure properly. Have had headers on different vehicles sealed this way for over ten years with no leaks. Also use on flat collector gaskets.
Joe
Old 06-18-2017, 12:08 PM
  #3  
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
GeneralDisorder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,255
Received 422 Likes on 323 Posts
Car: 86 Imponte Ruiner 450GT, 91 Formula
Engine: 350 Vortec, FIRST TPI, 325 RWHP
Transmission: 700R4 3000 stall.
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt Torsen 3.70
Re: Choosing intake & exhaust gaskets... really matter?

Remflex gaskets are THE sh*t:

http://catalog.remflex.com

Super THICK. These things never leak on us.

GD

Last edited by GeneralDisorder; 06-18-2017 at 12:15 PM.
Old 06-18-2017, 08:17 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
zed-028's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Perth Western Australia
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: 1987 Z28 Camaro
Engine: 305 LG4 4bbl
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: Choosing intake & exhaust gaskets... really matter?

i grabbed a set of copper exhaust gaskets off ebay and theyre awesome
Old 06-20-2017, 05:20 AM
  #5  
TGO Supporter

Thread Starter
iTrader: (7)
 
aaron7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 2 Posts
Car: 83 bird
Engine: 305/383
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Choosing intake & exhaust gaskets... really matter?

Thanks for the replies!

Originally Posted by JA411
Get the proper intake gaskets to match both int. port and cylinder head port. Check OE gaskets they are thicker to give proper crush. Don't use the standard Fel-Pro blue thin gaskets (vacuum leaks and oil consumption). On the headers make sure flanges are straight and flat (no weld beads sticking up, file them down). I always use the gold or orange High Temp RTV sealer only no gaskets. Put a bead of sealer around port opening only (don't put around any bolt holes) follow directions on sealer tube. Retorque bolts after heat clycles. Allow sealer to cure properly. Have had headers on different vehicles sealed this way for over ten years with no leaks. Also use on flat collector gaskets.
Joe
So go with OEM gaskets and not the thin paper kind? Can do.

Interesting about not using exhaust gaskets with headers, I haven't heard that method before. Very cool idea.

Originally Posted by GeneralDisorder
Remflex gaskets are THE sh*t:

http://catalog.remflex.com

Super THICK. These things never leak on us.

GD
Cool, I'll look into those! Man they have a lot to choose from for the SBC... which did you go with? http://catalog.remflex.com/category_...how=100&page=1

Originally Posted by zed-028
i grabbed a set of copper exhaust gaskets off ebay and theyre awesome
Like these? http://www.ebay.com/itm/131533011118

Though not sure if I need round or square holes. Haven't pulled the intake off yet.
Old 06-20-2017, 10:02 AM
  #6  
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
 
GeneralDisorder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,255
Received 422 Likes on 323 Posts
Car: 86 Imponte Ruiner 450GT, 91 Formula
Engine: 350 Vortec, FIRST TPI, 325 RWHP
Transmission: 700R4 3000 stall.
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt Torsen 3.70
Re: Choosing intake & exhaust gaskets... really matter?

You have to measure your exhaust tubing at the flange and decide on round or square. There may be differences year to year so I wouldn't rely on what anyone else used.

GD
Old 06-20-2017, 10:52 AM
  #7  
TGO Supporter

Thread Starter
iTrader: (7)
 
aaron7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 2 Posts
Car: 83 bird
Engine: 305/383
Transmission: WC T5
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Choosing intake & exhaust gaskets... really matter?

Makes sense. I'll measure my headers.

As for intake, looks like these are the most common sold on ebay. They OK?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/331767165570
Old 06-20-2017, 02:40 PM
  #8  
Moderator

iTrader: (3)
 
Abubaca's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: JAMESTOWN, NC
Posts: 8,367
Received 348 Likes on 275 Posts
Car: 1988 Iroc
Engine: L98 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Hawks 8.8 - 3.73
Re: Choosing intake & exhaust gaskets... really matter?

I used the Remflex for my install too. Very thick, no leaks. ...of course I shouldn't have had leaks regardless of which gaskets I used. ....Are they better? I dunno. Did they work as intended? -Yes.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:44 PM.