Would it be wise to use copper header gaskets on my 67 Riv with T/A shorty headers?

I am running Eddy aluminum heads with the T/A shorty headers and I know that the gaskets are a PITA to replace with the engine in the car. I have a set of black carbon graphite gaskets on there now but I am wondering if it would be a good idea to switch to copper before I drop the engine back in the car in the next week or two. Also I wanted to add that the headers were just ceramic coated inside and out. TIA

 

Re: Would it be wise to use copper header gaskets on my 67 Riv with T/A shorty header

I constantly blow a header gasket on #8 cylinder. I have to replace it every year, sometimes 2x a year.

I just pulled the header off last night and am having the flange machined to separate the #8 pipe from the rest. This way I hope that tube will tweak enough to lay flat on the exhaust port.

I'm also going to have that flange checked for flatness and have a few thou milled off it if necessary.

The driver's side has never given me a problem. So as long as your flanges are true, the graphite gaskets should be just fine.

And I can install the passenger side header in my Riv with the engine bolted in the car. The driver's side needs to have the engine tilted just a tad. So it isn't too difficult a job if you have to do it.

But have the flanges checked. I know, kinda late for you because they've already been coated, but it would be nice to know if they are flat.

 

Re: Would it be wise to use copper header gaskets on my 67 Riv with T/A shorty header

Thanks Yardley. Since I have had them already coated and installed I will go with them the way they are and stick with the graphite gaskets. They seemed flat when I put them on but if I have any problems I will check them with a straight edge and have them surfaced. Thanks again.

 

Re: Would it be wise to use copper header gaskets on my 67 Riv with T/A shorty header

copper gaskets do have a good reputation

Remflex are supposed to be good to. They promise no re-torque, no burn out etc.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

Re: Would it be wise to use copper header gaskets on my 67 Riv with T/A shorty header

after installing the graphites, run motor to operating temps, let cool, then retorque !!

Then do it again after driving it a few times - especially the back ones

 

Re: Would it be wise to use copper header gaskets on my 67 Riv with T/A shorty header

TA told me today the torque spec on the headers and graphite gaskets is only 18 ft lbs. I had mine so tight it had squished and distorted the gasket around each port. I'll try just going a tad over snug and see how it goes. I may have been over-torquing them all this time.

 

Re: Would it be wise to use copper header gaskets on my 67 Riv with T/A shorty header

I kept blowing gaskets years back. Went to the graphites along with a tube of copper silicone. Installed them as tight as I could go and kept a wrench in the car. Every couple of weeks I got in the habit of checking the bolts before I started the car. I did this for months and never had a header leak again.

 

Re: Would it be wise to use copper header gaskets on my 67 Riv with T/A shorty header

you know you can rent a torque wrench from pep boys and such, just to make sure you're puttin the correct amount of torque down, you'd be suprised how easy 18 ft/lbs is to achieve if you have a moderate length handle and some moderate fore-arm strength.

As for the copper header gaskets, Im not trying to be a nay-sayer, I know alot of guys have had good experiences with them, but the set I tried was leaking on #7 real soon after install, the heat made the gasket thin out apparently (or the guys who installed it torqued too far) but the passenger side is fine. Maybe it was just a rare bad gasket, all I know is it sounded terrible.

 

Re: Would it be wise to use copper header gaskets on my 67 Riv with T/A shorty header

I cant keep a motor running long enough to justify gaskets! I'm not using gaskets anymore! I torqe it down and let it leak!! The car is loud and its gonna stay that way!! If a bolt falls out Ill replace it! FTW!!
Really though.. your best bet is to use the stock set. You can drop them in "without dropping the headers". Just loosen the bolts enough to be able to slide them in. They have the hooks on them and you just drop them onto the header bolts.! Heres the next trick told to me by a 4x4 guy. Spray them with silicon "Design Engineering Black Hi-Temp Silicone Coating spray" let dry..
. Install them. Torque the bolts down. Heat the headers up.. wont take long.... Torque them down.,... repeat.. drive.. repeat... drive... repeat.. drive lenghten the time between re-torques and eventually you will be done.