Header install question - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

GR8WHITE1 · 01-25-2014, 09:48 PM

Picked up some stainless power headers and noticed the install instructions say to just coat header and head with the supplied high temp aluminum rtv and install. No reference of re using factory manifold gaskets.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

B-_-RAD · 01-25-2014, 09:55 PM

I installed stainless works which are basically the same, just used stock gaskets. Never heard of no gaskets.

TBone · 01-25-2014, 09:59 PM

Re-using factory gaskets is what most of us did.

Also, if you have not already, check out the DIY that is posted on here somewhere. It will give you a great idea how to do it yourself, if you are going that route.

T.

45thAnniversary2SS · 01-25-2014, 11:07 PM

I ordered replacement OEM gaskets.

jvoisel · 01-25-2014, 11:29 PM

I used a new set of gaskets just because I had them. You won't have any issues reusing the old gaskets though.

axis · 01-26-2014, 07:22 AM

A few header companies say to use RTV but I have no idea why. The OEM gasket is perfectly fine and can be reused until it's toast. As others have posted, if you have to have a new gasket, get the OEM one. I don't think there has been a single issue when using the stock gasket, while there have be a few issues using aftermarket ones.

GR8WHITE1 · 01-26-2014, 12:02 PM

Well I had already installed them yeaterday and used the supplied rtv only. Was debating removing them and putting the original gasket back on but decided to let it cure overnight. Well fired her up this morning and no leaks took her for a 20 min drive and still good. Hopefully it holds. Sounds like a beast with the npp exhaust. :eek:

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

Kelly@PCMofNC · 01-27-2014, 08:51 AM

Cool, hope it works out! We just use new GM gaskets, never the orange RTV.

Jason@Phastek · 01-27-2014, 09:32 AM

With most aftermarket Headers you will get either RTV or a new gasket. You will find that most experienced shops will re use the factory gasket. They work great and will last longer than the aftermarket gaskets.

Slowhawk · 01-28-2014, 04:59 AM

Most experienced shops will just install new gm gaskets to get the correct crush on them. More of a garrenty they will never leak. Many people re use the stock gasket with great success.

01-25-2014, 09:48 PM	#1
GR8WHITE1 Drives: camaro Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: ca Posts: 431	Header install question Picked up some stainless power headers and noticed the install instructions say to just coat header and head with the supplied high temp aluminum rtv and install. No reference of re using factory manifold gaskets. Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

01-25-2014, 09:59 PM	#3
TBone Negative Camber Junkie Drives: 2010 1SS LS3/6MN ABM 1 of 23 Join Date: May 2009 Location: ChiTown, IL Posts: 1,824	Re-using factory gaskets is what most of us did. Also, if you have not already, check out the DIY that is posted on here somewhere. It will give you a great idea how to do it yourself, if you are going that route. T. __________________ "Horsepower is something that looks great in a Magazine article, but suspension is what actually gets you around the track fast.." Jack Olsen The drag strip is like sniffing glue, it's cheap, it's a decent buzz, it doesn't last long and they are all the same. Road racing is like China White Heroin, the buzz is stronger, the high lasts for hours, it's extremely addictive and they are all different. I can't wait for my next Track fix. DA HAWKS OWN DA CUP!!!!!

01-25-2014, 11:07 PM	#4
45thAnniversary2SS Drives: 2012 45th Anniversary 2SS LS3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 2,812 View My Garage	I ordered replacement OEM gaskets. __________________

01-25-2014, 11:29 PM	#5
jvoisel Drives: 2010 2SS/RS M6 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: New Orleans, La Posts: 436	I used a new set of gaskets just because I had them. You won't have any issues reusing the old gaskets though. __________________ 2010 2SS/RS

01-26-2014, 07:22 AM	#6
axis Search Ninja Drives: 2010 Black 2SS/RS A6 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Central Ark Posts: 7,183	A few header companies say to use RTV but I have no idea why. The OEM gasket is perfectly fine and can be reused until it's toast. As others have posted, if you have to have a new gasket, get the OEM one. I don't think there has been a single issue when using the stock gasket, while there have be a few issues using aftermarket ones. __________________ 2010 Black 2SS/RS A6 Halltech CF 102 fed GPI modded intake manifold Bo (knows) White ported TB Kooks LT's/ Dynomax VT Pfadted (springs/sways) Dyno tuned by Rhino and GPI I once parallel parked a train.

01-25-2014, 09:55 PM	#2
B-_-RAD Banned Drives: ... Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: ... Posts: 398	I installed stainless works which are basically the same, just used stock gaskets. Never heard of no gaskets.

01-26-2014, 12:02 PM	#7
GR8WHITE1 Drives: camaro Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: ca Posts: 431	Well I had already installed them yeaterday and used the supplied rtv only. Was debating removing them and putting the original gasket back on but decided to let it cure overnight. Well fired her up this morning and no leaks took her for a 20 min drive and still good. Hopefully it holds. Sounds like a beast with the npp exhaust. :eek: Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

01-27-2014, 08:51 AM	#8
Kelly@PCMofNC Drives: 2010 RS/SS Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 959	Cool, hope it works out! We just use new GM gaskets, never the orange RTV.

01-27-2014, 09:32 AM	#9
Jason@Phastek Drives: 2010 Camaro Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Houston Posts: 284	With most aftermarket Headers you will get either RTV or a new gasket. You will find that most experienced shops will re use the factory gasket. They work great and will last longer than the aftermarket gaskets.

01-28-2014, 04:59 AM	#10
Slowhawk Drives: 1999 Trans Am Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bridgewater,Ma Posts: 2,017	Most experienced shops will just install new gm gaskets to get the correct crush on them. More of a garrenty they will never leak. Many people re use the stock gasket with great success.