Adam, which header gaskets are you refering too? The white gaskets or the TA 825 gaskets? I know I've tried the white ones several times in the past, and I could never get them to last anytime at all, no matter what I did. Tried doubling, even tripling the gaskets, retorqeing, Etc. Then I bought the Poston silver gaskets and had no more problems. My opinion is that the white ones are junk.
TA 1720 stage1 header gaskets - these are the ones that become brittle and fly apart when you stomp on it. I think I'll try the pink ones next time. Hey Dave!!! If you read this, pack me up a set or 2:grin:
I know this thread may be tired by now but her is my two cents. After having numerous problems with header gaskets blowing out cause I neglected to periodically tighten header bolts, I tried using the stock exhaust manifold gaskets and they work like a charm. Plus I do believe its somewhat easier to install than the regular header gasket. I did have a bolt come lose once and had a leak but once I tightened it, all was fine, did not have to trash gaskets. Hope this helps.
I'm not sure if my "white" TA header gaskets are the same as you all are talking about. But I've never had any leaks whatsoever. I did cheat a little and put a thin smear of orange hi-temp Permatex on both sides of the gaskets, especially on the collectors. Lasted for a year of racing and almost daily street-driving...o No: I used the really good ARP 12-point shiney bolts and never even had to re-tighten.o No:
If you are having trouble with the header bolts loosening up put a flat washer on the bolt and it will stop them from loosening.p Mike D.
copper I also tried TA's pink graf. gasket and they always blew out in the corner next to the bolt hole up front. I got smart and called Mike at Automotive Machine and Performance located in Philpot Kentucky ( 1-888-624-3848 ) and ordered a set of SCE COPPER header gaskets for my 455, about $50 bucks, part #071186. I also got a can of copper spray high temp adhesive. Once I got the gaskets, I sprayed both sides of each gasket with it, waited a few minutes for the copper spray to get tacky then installed them. I've had them for 4 years now with no blowouts or problems at all:grin: I've even unbolted my headers twice ( motor came out) respayed the gakets and installed them back:grin: they're reusable! Rick
The one poston part I really like. There metal layered header gaskets. They have the metal foil that will cut your fingers. Last you lonnnggg time!!:TU:
We have a new High end gasket now in stock for the Stage1 455 only. The material that we are using is equal to the Mr Gasket Ultra Seal. This new TA header gasket has an inner steel core and has a temperature rating of 1400'. We are moving this to the top of our gasket line. Priced at $21.00.
Right on! Mike T. I will be calling you tomorrow to order a set to replace my blown out pink gaskets. Thanks for stepping up to add a better gasket!:TU:
Did it... I ordered Mike's new header gaskets. Should be here on Tuesday. I'll post pics and update after a few heat cycles. Paul
Whoa there Adam!!!---I don't know that I'd do this. The portion of the header tube that extends between the header flange to the head (exhaust) surface is there for a reason. It is left there intentionally to provide a seal against the gasket. When you tighten the header bolts all the pressure gets concentrated on these raised area instead of being spread all the way across the 3/8" thick header flange. You should consider just leveling out (making them flat) these raised areas---not eliminating them. I'm going throught the same thing on some MT repros....pull the headers back and you can see where the exhaust has blown past the UNEVEN raised surface...I'm going to leave it--but still level it out...may have to weld some additional metal on there and then work it down to a level RAISED surface. Patton
Thanks for the tip Patton.... That is a very long way off in the future if at all. All I need to do is find a set of gaskets that don't blow once a month.
New header gaskets are here... Mike and crew at TA came through...got the new gaskets today and got drivers side installed. Still fighting with passenger side rear bolt...what a mother! Anyway, the new gaskets are SWEET. Here is a pic.
Old gasket The old gasket came out in pieces. I assume the white-ish portion is where it burned... These are about 1 year old.
