changing header gaskets

dsmith · #1 (**permalink**) 05-23-2006, 12:08 PM

Well, I made it through emissions last friday and hope to have a permanent plate on the car before the weeks end.

It has been backfiring quite a bit lately and I started wondering about my header gaskets after reading some other posts. One look and I noticed that my plugs had turned from pearly white to a shade of brown. Sure enough, the header gaskets are leakers.

Does anybody have recomendations on procedure to get the tubes off.
It is an ERA 427c with a 428 in it, individual headers. the tubes have flanges with top and bottom bolts only.

Rear cyl on driver side looks damn near impossible. Spent 1/2 hour taking 2 of the lower bolts out the other day, only to have to put them back when I couldn't do the whole job.

I have arranged access to a lift on Saturday morning and have also purchased some Fel-Pro gaskets for it. I noticed that the Fel-Pros have a four-bolt pattern, making the side walls of the gaskets very thin.

Lower bolts also look as if they will be more accessable with the car up on the lift.

Could't find any of the copper gaskets I have seen mentioned, anyone have a manufacturer or part #

Any advice, both on the gaskets and for any instillation tips would be greatly appreciated

david

dsmith · #2 (**permalink**) 05-23-2006, 12:22 PM

looked further into some of the previous posts and found the name of Byson headers. Called tham and they said they do not make a gasket for the 428.

Anyone know of any other hi-performance gaskets?

The felPros that I have don't look like they will hold up all that long.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

david

Buzzmobile · #3 (**permalink**) 05-23-2006, 12:56 PM

go get some cooper ones...I think any FE will work.

strictlypersonl · #4 (**permalink**) 05-23-2006, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsmith

...

Does anybody have recomendations on procedure to get the tubes off.
It is an ERA 427c with a 428 in it, individual headers. the tubes have flanges with top and bottom bolts only.

Rear cyl on driver side looks damn near impossible. Spent 1/2 hour taking 2 of the lower bolts out the other day, only to have to put them back when I couldn't do the whole job.

Lower bolts also look as if they will be more accessable with the car up on the lift.

david

If you look in the manual, you'll see instructions on making a "special" wrench for the top rear bolt on the driver's side. The bottom bolts are all accessible from the bottom.