Part # for FE exhaust header gaskets

[Young1]

I am seeking advice for exhaust header gaskets that don't blow out and leak.
C1AE iron heads
Exhaust ports are 1.84 x 1.28 stock per Steve Christ book.
I am sure they are ported some.
Is copper the best way to go?

[spdbrake]

I've had 100% no leaks on my last 4 motors with Remflex gaskets. I've tried quite a few over the years, Percy, Hooker, Mr. Gasket, Cometic, JBA, Hedman, Dynatech, Annealed 5052 alum, Dead soft copper, and others. tried matching surfaces to the heads and doing away with the gaskets (one of my not so bright ideas...) Sorry, truthfully I typically throw away what ever gaskets usually come with a set of headers and use the Remflex.
I stick with ARP drilled header bolts as well and use .025" inconel safety wire. Mucho better than Percy locking header bolts (unless you enjoy installing heli-coils) or fumbling with Stage-8 c-clips.

FE Engines - 332, 352, 361, 390, 410, 427, 428

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/arp-400-1205

[DanEC]

I have re-worked 1961 390 Hi-Po heads and used Felpro 1442 composition gaskets with no problems. I first tried SEC copper gaskets (have 3 sets hanging in the garage) but I had problems with them. I eventually traced the problem to a header bolt washer trapped between the block and header flange (my fault) but I also noticed there was a minute leak at every port along the raised bead. My advice would be get the Felpro gaskets and be done with it.

You do have to be careful with header gaskets on FEs as I think there are at least 4 different port height/bolt layout variations. The SCE # was 4034 for my early FE heads.

[Shootnride]

I use Felpro 1442 gaskets on ported Cobra Jet heads. Haven't had any issues with them.

Ted

[keezling]

Factory used no gasket F.Y.I.

[Shootnride]

Originally Posted by keezling

Factory used no gasket F.Y.I.

Yes, but if you're speaking of the "factory" being Ford, they also used cast iron exhaust manifolds with machined mounting flanges. I could be wrong, but I'm not aware of them using tubular exhaust headers on street cars.

Ted

[keezling]

One thing I did on some problem headers way back when was to cut the flanges between the pipes so they bolted on independent of each other and conformed to the head surface. Gaskets are at best a band aid. If the flanges aren't flat or have weld blobs sticking up it will always be a problem. I hate exhaust leaks, best wishes on success for you. (Ford did run factory tube headers with very thick flanges, like 1\2" thick)

[Shootnride]

Originally Posted by keezling

(Ford did run factory tube headers with very thick flanges, like 1\2" thick)

Interesting. The only ones I ever remember seeing were on the Thunderbolts. Guess I'll have to do my homework better.

Ted

[Young1]

Felpro 1442 are ordered. Pick them up tomorrow thanks so much for the experienced info

[Large Arbor]

I used two sets of copper gaskets on my aluminum FE and it sealed tight. I will try to find the part number.

Phil

[pgermond]

I was blowing exhaust gaskets regularly until I switched to copper. SCE gasket p/n 4034. Be sure that you check and tighten the header bolts every 50 mi or so until they seat and stay tight, otherwise you will be changing gaskets way more than you like.

[Dominik]

I used 3/8" individual flanges (in fact 10 mm) without gasket. Studs with the serrated face nuts (ARP). I feel the the less restrictive your exhaust is, the less it leaks at the headers.

When I had more time, and no friends(!), I safety wired the header bolts. Thank you ARP for those nuts! Now I can party more.

On a side note I always use slip-in headers to sidepipes to keep the vibraions away from the pipes which often lead to cracks. Okay, I know, that wasn't part of the question...