Has anyone ever used copper header gaskets? I will be finishing my motor install today and have a set of copper gaskets here but I have never used them before. Any pros/cons or installation tips would be helpful?

 

Years ago a guy I knew at our local 1/8 mile track used them on his sbc with alum heads, was constantly checking the bolts. I never knew him to replace one thow. I would think it depends on the fit and quality of the headers.

 

The first couple of times you start the engine and let it run for awhile re-tighten the headers once the engine is cold. This will seat them in better. Hopefully you won't have to replace the gaskets every other day with this trick and a good set of gaskets.

 

I have always used Mr Gasket (non copper) and do as OLDS64 recommends and have never had a problem.

 

I know this is an old post but I'm sure someone will be looking for info in the future I am installing my headers this week and found these gaskets:

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

They are very thick, claim to not need retorquing and guaranteed to stop exhaust leaks, solid graphite good to 3000*f I used the make your own on my boats turbo and it stopped the leak on the flange, Plus made in USA so I'm a fan. I have a 350. Part #'s are below for 350 olds. Just a heads up when I got them I could tell the quality, they are thick, and match up perfectly to my hooker headers and hooker collectors.

8001 collector gaskets
11-001 Manifold gaskets

 

I just put these on my car, headman headers and 350 motor, work great, they are thick. You don't want to bend them, they will break in half!

 

I tried them once. Leaked right after I started the engine. When I went to buy different ones, they told me, if you use copper ones, the headers have to be a good set, with straight, and thick flanges, or like boat headers. Put Mr Gasket Ultra seals,on, and have had no problem since. Been on About 15 years.

 

For an easier to find and less expensive alternative, I use regular Fel Pro exhaust manifold gaskets. These have worked very well on my headers, perhaps because they are a quality set with good flanges from the 1990s.

 

Remflex is not as good as they seem to be. Mine were leaking shortly after starting the new engine. Almost had a heart attack thinking it was rod knock.
Now I use Flatout Racing rubber coated copper gaskets, so far so good.

 

Remflex works great for me. Do not over tighten the bolts.

 

Remflex are soft and thick so it is easy to bend the header flange. I use Summit 111440 copper gaskets.

 

Should not be an issue with a thick quality header flange. Perhaps on a thin flange.

 

I used Remflex on my 76, haven't had a problem with them. I wouldn't say they are soft at all, brittle perhaps .Installed properly they are an excellent gasket IMO.

Eric