collector gasket

[76bonanza]

I guess I am going to try new collector gaskets to try and solve my noisey headers. I have dynomax coated headers they say 3"collector so do I need 3" ID gaskets? Also are the copper ones the best?

Do I just unbolt take the old one out and put the new ones in and tighten the crap out of them? Any tips to make them seal better?

Thanks

[Destructo]

Pretty much all the collectors are standard sizes, and their all the same, so all you need to know is the 3" part.

[ocbaud]

my headers dont use collector gaskets. they use this type of cupping system.

i'm not sure if i like it or not.

[MylilBowTie]

I used a sharp blade to remove all the old gasket. To make sure the gasket was all removed.

[piecesparts]

I use Fel-Pro 3" collector (# 2001) gaskets on my truck and my Son's truck. I also have the Cyclone (now Dyno-max) coated headers. I coat them with a little coppercoat gasket sealer and them bolt them in. My son's truck I have to double his up due t a little mis-alignment in the exhaust pipes. On my truck the gaskets lasted 15,000 miles (until I had to take the motor out. There were no leaks. I personally have not tried the copper gaskets, most people swear by them, but I have had excellent luck out of the Felpro gaskets, so I imagine I won't change.

[1972]

I had the guy at the exhaust shop cut my collectors off and weld the exhaust pipe directly to the header, I've never had any leaks.

[Mike76251]

Make sure you don't over-tighten those bolts and warp the flange.

[beaterC10]

I have the aluminum gaskets that Summit sells. I have had the same gaskets on two different engines, they work great. I would assume the copper gaskets would work as well. I used the copper coat sealer and stainless collector bolts with never seize. I have had the collectors apart and back together on a few occasions and everything still seals up.

[76bonanza]

were can you get that copper coat sealer?

[76bonanza]

When you say warp the flange the two collector rings do look warped but have not took it apart yet. Do you think if it is warped doubling up on the paper gasket will work better than the aluminum one? I cant seem to find a leak but they tick pretty bad at the collectors and everyone seems to think it is a leak. I dont know. I can only hear it at idle. Will a small leak at the collector hurt anything?

Thanks

[78chevstepside]

i like headerhush flange stiffners amd aluniumn gaskets no leaks ever.

[Russell]

So yeah, I know my flange rings on the headers are bent, no doubt about it, how can a guy straighten it to fix my header leaks?

[corn]

If your collectors are warped, get the bolts started but before you tighten them up clamp the bowed areas with visegrips. Also I use high temp silicone on both sides of the gaskets. Smear it on & let them hang from a wire for a day or so. I have reused the gaskets doing this too.

I didnt even know they made them for collectors now. The aluminum gaskets do work best, that is if you are talking about the stock manifold sandwiched style gasket material. Ive used manifold gaskets for header gaskets for years with awesome results...corn

[78chevstepside]

seems to me the pic above will solve your bent flanges . The stiffners will make them straight. Headerhush power flange stiffners are just flanges that bolt on over your origional ones. You could make them yourself. I use the powerflanges and aluniumn gaskets 5 years and no problems or leaks.

[76bonanza]

How do you get those flange stiffners on the collectors? Are they they two pieces? And were can I find them?

Also will a small leak hurt anything or is it just mostly annoying.

[Russell]

Just annoying, lets some exhaust out right under the cab, and causes some popping / excessive noise when slowing down / accelerating.

I'm also interested in those flange stiffeners, where does a guy get them, and how much does a set run someone? My exhaust is slightly crooked, and I bent the flanges getting it put together (DOH)

[78chevstepside]

Actually the flanges are 6 pieces per flange with dual exhaust 12 pieces. they come in a set of 12 peices. headerhush powerflange sytem are made in portland oregon. Baxter auto parts in the portland ,vancouver area carries them. Showing is a set for one collector. I have 1 extra cause they come in sets. I needed only half for the croosssover pipe. Baxter autro parts has a web site

[MylilBowTie]

I thought it was said a while ago that they stopped making them Baxter auto that is? I think this was when most members where still at another site though. I looked at the website and didnt see anything but I may have over looked it.

[78chevstepside]

your right I called baxter they quit carrying the powerflnges. One could make them with some effort. I have called the company the makes them before and he told me he would ship. I cant find his listing nomore.
he did ask me if I wanted to sell them, I declined. It a real small company and may went out of bussiness. Being a welder for a living they seem simple to make to me.

[MylilBowTie]

Im sure you could have enough business just here to make it worth while if you did sell or make them. I really would like a set just like what you have (2.5in) I know of a friend of mine would probably want a set also.

[Russell]

I'd also like a set...

[Mike76251]

Better check for a patent on 'em before you gear up to sell any.