ktm Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 My LS1 swap likes to chew through the header collector gaskets. The first gasket that was installed at the exhaust shop was a typical composite gasket. It lasted all of 1000 miles before burning through. I then installed a solid aluminum gasket on both collectors and they only lasted 6000 miles. The pictures below show the gaskets after I took them off the car. The second image shows the two gaskets overlaying each other and the distortion is identical, eventhough they "failed" 180 degrees apart. In other words, one gasket failed facing the radiator core and the other facing the rear of the car. Does anyone else have this issue? It's not hard to change them out, only a PITA due to the tight confines and the bolts siezing due to the heat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stock Car Mafia Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 On multiple threads there are posts of people burning through these gaskets. Most say either deal with changing them out or cut off the 3 bolt flange and weld on a v band. Another option is extending the collector down underneath the car and then add a v band. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Gadsby Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 Thanks for helping me choose to go v-band Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RebekahsZ Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 I went the v-band route and it's been great. V-bands DO seize, so they aren't totally perfect either, but I'm happy with mine. Put antiseize on the tiny t-bolt to prevent galling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heavy85 Posted November 28, 2015 Share Posted November 28, 2015 On the Sanderson headers I dont use any gasket and they dont leak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikey303LSZ Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 (edited) I would recommend the Flowmaster ball flange set. I've owned cars with regular header collector gaskets and they always seem to leak after a period of time. The ball flange provides extra degrees of freedom in terms of alignment whereas I don't think v-bands will. Here's what they look like on my car. I love the ball flange setup and would do it again in a heartbeat. I've got ~4500 miles on this setup with no leaks and don't expect to ever have any based on the design and sealing surface area. This design is similar to what some of the OEMs are using. Hope this helps. Edited December 1, 2015 by Mikey303LSZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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