Hey all, I am currently running kooks headers on my 330. I have gone through 4 sets of header gaskets though. Everytime I really get on the throttle, I end up blowing a piece of gasket out and the result as many of you know is not a nice sound. So my question is, does anyone have a suggested brand I could run that would fit and not blow out so easily?

I have found these through Jegs: PERCY'S ''DEAD SOFT'' HEADER GASKETS -21349 but never heard of them before.

Thanks!

 

I have been using Mr Gasket Altra Seal gasket, And have not had a problem. Also your flanges need to be straight.

 

You might try a set of copper gaskets.

 

check out flatout gaskets rubber coated copper. Little pricey but worth every penny.

 

I've been using Percys at the collector. No problems for years with them.

I double up on the mr gaskets at the head. I get about 3-4 yrs. before regasketing.

One the days I'll try something else at the head/flange. I'd try the percys.....

 

I ditched header gaskets years ago and used Fel Pro exhaust manifold gaskets instead. They have held up well for a lotta years now.

 

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the info

 

You need to make sure your header bolts aren't backing out. No gasket on earth will last if it isn't being clamped. Use lock washers or something like what the factory did with bent-over tabs.

One other suggestion is to not install the center bolt, or at least not tighten it as much as the other four. It's the only one which isn't in line with the others and thus provides uneven clamping of the gasket by actually tilting the header.

 

you may try just torquing them to spec but you should recheck the torque on headers most everytime you drive it untill they get some miles on them

 

I also have a set of Kooks on the 330 in my 65 Cutlass. I really like the 100% graphite gaskets from Remflex. I have used these on a 455 Olds and a couple of BBC applications. They have never leaked or blown-out ever. They are pricey, but worth every cent.

http://catalog.remflex.com/OLDSMOBIL...T_p/11-001.htm

 

I like these copper gaskets:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-111440/overview/