noob header question

1988_gt_mustang

New Member
Nov 18, 2004
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Michigan
well im gettin the car ready fer th road and i want to fix thwe exhaust leak hell i have going on so i ordered a new h pipe and want to replace my header gaskets which dont seems to be doing anyhting to help air from escapeing.. I have BBK shorty headers and i was wondering if i can just go to the local auto store and get a gasket that will fit them or do i have to order them seperate.
 
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You can use any header gasket that the part store calls for, just tell them what you've got and they'll hook you up. BUT, i suggest buying copper gaskets, as they seal better and can be reused.

Also, since you said "noob" i'll give you a piece of advice. When you're ready to put the headers back on, only put the very end bolts on first, screwed in just far enough to hold the headers from falling off, and then drop the gaskets in place. This will save you a TON of headaches. Also, it would help a lot if you took a bolt to a hardware store and matched it up to a nice high grade Allen head style bolt that matches the thread pattern and length. For me, the Allen head bolts are like a blessing when it comes time to torque them down, and you run less of a risk of stripping them out as long as you use the right size key. Just make sure you don't go cheap and buy the highest grade bolts you can find.
 
I recommend Fel-Pro 1415 exhaust gaskets. I've never had one leak, and I've even re-used them several times. Also make sure and re-torque the header bolts after the first couple hundred miles, and continue to check them every so often.