Header gaskets for steel against aluminum heads

[64 f100]

What would work best? I've ordered a set of aluminum gaskets that are layered, but have also noticed some stainless made in the same way in layers. Mostly concerned about damage to the heads. What experience have most of you had with this application?

Rich

[bird55]

I don't have aluminum heads BUT I have used copper gaskets for my headers. I got them thru FPT in Seatlle although they do not manufacture them. Sorry wish I could recall the contact.
They have worked really well. Not cheap though.

[bird55]

here's the contact FORD Powertrain Applications.

Phone/Fax: (253) 848-9503

[64 f100]

Thanks, I am tempted to just use high temp silicone sealer. Just afraid of damaging the heads. I thought of copper but with steel headers and aluminum heads I was concerned about metal reactions with each other. And yes copper gaskets are nice and expensive, but prices on all gaskets are high. Frankly, I bought the aluminum ones for half what I would have had to pay Jegs amd Summit, or any local parts house.

[chris401]

What would work best? I've ordered a set of aluminum gaskets that are layered, but have also noticed some stainless made in the same way in layers. Mostly concerned about damage to the heads. What experience have most of you had with this application?

Rich

Look at Remflex. There material is as as stated. Mine have been reused once. It looks like the same material I have seen in oil field equipment and near automotive catalytic converters.

[LM14]

On my dirt late model engines, we never used header gaskets. Red silicone on the header flange, let it skim over and snug them down evenly. Run it to heat it once and let it thoroughly cool. Once cooled, snug the bolts again. If you try to tighten them hot, it will squeeze all the silicone out of the seal and you will have steel against aluminum. 1/4" bead all the way around the header ports works fine.

SPark

[HotRodMatt]

remflex the best and the only thing i or our shop uses.

[64 f100]

Thank you all for the advice and knowledge. I will check into the remflex gaskets.

[64 f100]

For those that suggested remflex gaskets, I have a question. I bought a set and these look good but I have one problem I need to ask about. These gaskets are about 3/8 inch thick that I received. Are yours that thick? What this does is only leaves about 3/8 inch of the bolt sticking thru on the head side. Since these are aluminum heads, I prefer the bolts stick thru farther. I may have to buy bowtie header bolts to fit right.

Rich

[HotRodMatt]

some times we buy longer bolts for them if they were iron i would just snug them down.

1.0 inch header bolts will be good. they are supposed to squish a good amount, i think it 35 foot pounds? says on package.

good luck!

[chris401]

They will crush.

[bird55]

I use allen head setscrews with washers and nuts. Much better control on torque and protection of the head. Also use some type of antiiseize. I can buy them locally so I don't know where to suggest getting except possibly McMaster-Carr.

And in some cases this makes it easier to hang the headers with a few studs instead of trying to start bolts.