header gasket replacement? universal?

[87blackroxi]

As it reads, the gasket between the end of the long tubes that connects to the exhaust, My gaskets are done for and the exhaust is loud not in a good way. My question is, are gaskets universal in size? Or do I need a specific gasket from Hooker headers? Just don't want to get a pair of gaskets and unwrench the bolts to find out I have to bolt them back up due to wrong gasket size.
Thanks,
Shane

 

[speedmaster4]

there are a bunch of different sizes, unfortunately...seen new headers come with wrong gaskets...even saw one set with different sizes right/left

measure distance between 2 bolts and approximate (guess) collector size...go to local parts store and compare...if u gotta mail order,give dimensions with order and hope...u can also get hi-temp gasket stock from local heating/air cond parts supply house and cut your own--cut outdoors and down-wind from yourself as stock may have asbestos in it

 

[87blackroxi]

there are a bunch of different sizes, unfortunately...seen new headers come with wrong gaskets...even saw one set with different sizes right/left

measure distance between 2 bolts and approximate (guess) collector size...go to local parts store and compare...if u gotta mail order,give dimensions with order and hope...u can also get hi-temp gasket stock from local heating/air cond parts supply house and cut your own--cut outdoors and down-wind from yourself as stock may have asbestos in it

Do you think I can track down the size without pulling the bolts off and measuring? Could I contact hooker headers with the header model?

 

[speedmaster4]

hooker possibly can help...local auto parts/speed shop probably has em in stock, cheaper, today

flange usually has 3 bolts equally spaced...should be able to get to one side to measure bolt centers with bolts installed...any 3-hole gasket with same distance between holes will bolt in...same deal if u have rare 4-bolt flanges

also need rough size of center hole..eyeball od of collector from arms length away with ruler held against collector should be 'crose enough'

speed shops usually have em in see-thru bags on wall

 

[Edmond]

even saw one set with different sizes right/left

That is incredible. They must've had a blind person package the item!

 

[Drjohn]

http://www.holley.com/BrowseCatalogs.asp?Catalog=Hooker&Page=62

At the bottom of the catalog page, the part # is listed for the collector gaskets. If you have questions, call the tech number. They can answer them.

 

[AdvancedAutoCC]

Mr. Gasket Ultra Seal pn 5900....

Don't forget to retighten the header flanges after 100 miles and/or 2 heat cycles. Check them again after 500 miles. Failure to retighten header flanges is the #1 cause of header gasket failure.

 

[Drjohn]

Any of these? http://www.holley.com/types.asp?type=259

 

[87blackroxi]

Mr. Gasket Ultra Seal pn 5900....

Don't forget to retighten the header flanges after 100 miles and/or 2 heat cycles. Check them again after 500 miles. Failure to retighten header flanges is the #1 cause of header gasket failure.

Thanks,
I am a bonehead. I never tightened any of the bolts. Should I tighten the header bolts too? If so, how many lbs?
I just never remembered to tighten it:duh

 

[AdvancedAutoCC]

Thanks,
I am a bonehead. I never tightened any of the bolts. Should I tighten the header bolts too? If so, how many lbs?
I just never remembered to tighten it:duh

Tighten them up as well as you can get them on the flanges (header to cylinder head), and the same on the collectors (header to reducer/exhaust).

5971 is the collector gasket part number from Mr. Gasket.

You'll likely need to "make" a wrench to tighten the flange bolts...buy a Kobalt (Lowes) or Craftsman Pro 7/16's wrench and grind the box end to make it thinner (not too thin), as clearance is a real issue with header flanges on SBC.

carry on...

 

[87blackroxi]

Tighten them up as well as you can get them on the flanges (header to cylinder head), and the same on the collectors (header to reducer/exhaust).

5971 is the collector gasket part number from Mr. Gasket.

You'll likely need to "make" a wrench to tighten the flange bolts...buy a Kobalt (Lowes) or Craftsman Pro 7/16's wrench and grind the box end to make it thinner (not too thin), as clearance is a real issue with header flanges on SBC.

carry on...

Much appreciated