Exhaust port mismatch?

[Kerry j]

I got the Hooker Super Comps for my 64 Galaxie back from getting ceramic coating and started to mock them up when I noticed that the ports on the Dove SK heads I'm using are about 1/4" higher than the flange on the headers.

My headers are like these: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HOK-6205HKR/ and they have the 4 threaded holes for each exhaust port. The headers also have the 4 holes for these heads, but the flange and gaskets are made about 1/4" lower than the head port is.

I knew there were port heights, but didn't think I needed to worry about it because the headers had the same 4 bolt configuration as the heads.

Does anyone know if the Dove SK heads had an oddball port location? I can't imagine Hooker would make it's headers for a 64 Galaxie to fit a 390 GT head.

This just seems odd to Ross and I both, we've been talking about it and can't quite figure out what's the best way to proceed.

Thanks!

[jayb]

Kerry, I agree that Hooker would not have made headers for the Galaxie that featured the lower exhaust port.  Besides, a four bolt pattern indicates a Cobra Jet exhaust port, which is not one of the lowered versions.  The only possible conclusion is that the Dove heads have a raised exhaust port.  It's too bad that they didn't raise the bolt pattern along with the port...

I would forget about using the side bolts, slot the top hole in the headers down somewhat and then use an allen head bolt in that position if necessary, and a normal bolt with a large diameter washer on the bottom position.  Hopefully there is enough meat in the header flange to allow you to raise the headers up on the head if the top bolt hole is slotted down. 

Good luck on the problem - Jay

[My427stang]

Get to slotting those holes Kerry  

Failure to do so only delays it until later, after the first exhaust leak

[Kerry j]

  LOL, yea, I know, I know. I've looked and looked and every time I look, the damn things still don't line up!

Have you ever used copper gaskets? I have a set that are a closer match than the Mr Gasket ones I've been looking at. But they're so thing and seem pretty hard, so it's hard for me to believe they would seal as well. Just wondering....

[jayb]

I've never used copper header gaskets, but I have the same concern as you do.  The header flanges are not usually arrow straight, and I don't know how a copper gasket would seal in a situation like that.  I'd prefer a composition header gasket.

[cammerfe]

For several years, so far as I know, Dove heads have had a raised exhaust port location. But I was under the impression that the amount of relocation was a half-inch. It might be worthwhile to call Dove (440 236 5139) and ask Earl for some info.

KS

[plovett]

I have copper header gaskets on my 428.  They seem to seal well.  They were fairly thick as I remember.  I can't remember the manufacturer or part number off-hand, but I think I can find the info if someone wants it.   Just FYI.

paulie

[ScotiaFE]

I've never used copper header gaskets, but I have the same concern as you do.  The header flanges are not usually arrow straight, and I don't know how a copper gasket would seal in a situation like that.  I'd prefer a composition header gasket.

Hey Jay
When you where pounding away on the mules for the book, I sent you a set of some really nice Hussey Copper 428
header gaskets. It was a few years back. You never tried them?
They are the best. I have run them for years and swear by them.
I want my 29 bucks back from Hussey if you didn't get them. lol

[jayb]

In fact I did get those gaskets Howie, and I bolted them when testing one of my mules, but the headers were so warped that I was able to get a feeler gauge between the gasket and the header flange seal ring.  So, I took them off and have never used them.

Maybe if I didn't have such a beat up pair of headers for the dyno mule, there wouldn't have been a problem