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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: olman on March 08, 2018, 12:24:39 AM

Title: copper exhaust manifold gaskets
Post by: olman on March 08, 2018, 12:24:39 AM

Has anyone used copper gaskets to insure a good seal with the cast long tube headers?  Happened to see some on epay and looked pretty good with a raised ring around the port to compress when tightened.

Title: Re: copper exhaust manifold gaskets
Post by: Heo on March 08, 2018, 03:23:30 AM

I bought one set, tried them on, dont liked how they
was sticking out everywhere so i went back to what
i allways use hightemp silicone newer had a leak with
that

Title: Re: copper exhaust manifold gaskets
Post by: machoneman on March 08, 2018, 06:35:21 AM

Highly recommend them for steel tube headers but zero experience with any cast iron header.

Have had a set on my SBF in a '70 Mach1 for years now with Stage II's SS locking bolts. Never need re-tightening, no leaks, are easily removed from aluminum heads. Two things: always use anti-seize on any header bolts and especially SS bolts in aluminum. The other is the quality the welds on the flange facing the head. I've noticed that on the Hooker Comps I have and other makes, the weldments are pretty rough and need to be filed down a tad to ensure the faces are flat and won't leak regardless of the gasket material one chooses.   

Title: Re: copper exhaust manifold gaskets
Post by: e philpott on March 08, 2018, 03:10:30 PM

I like the solid copper too , installed long ago and hold up great with no blow outs or leaks

Title: Re: copper exhaust manifold gaskets
Post by: bw_kc on March 08, 2018, 05:20:02 PM

I'm running them on my long tube headers.  Work well - reusable - have had them on my car for over 10 years.  Should work on your cast iron headers as well.

Title: Re: copper exhaust manifold gaskets
Post by: olman on March 08, 2018, 07:30:49 PM

Thanks guys, for the price I'll try a set and see.

Title: Re: copper exhaust manifold gaskets
Post by: TripleJ on March 09, 2018, 06:58:47 AM

A copper gasket will work great, soft enough to seal but still allows heat transfer from the manifold back to the head. Saving the manifold from cracks and warpage

Joe Menard