L6 header gasket..

[Cruez]

I noticed when I took the intake off of the engine there is a small amount off soot around the # 2 exhaust port.

 

I believe (can't remember) the gasket I had on before was a stock nissan gasket...

 

I have heard the Felpro gasket seems to be a little better, Anyone got any suggestions on the gasket???

[Lockjaw]

I liked the Nissan one with the metal on the back. Just put a nice little bead of permatex ultra copper around the exhaust ports on both sides, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and then put it on. Should not have any problems then.

 

Also might be a good idea to replace your lock washers. I had to do that on my turbo car, since I kept having bolts loosen up.

[Guest Al 260Z]

I vote for OEM. More expensive but much more sophisticated construction with sheet metal wrap. My technique is to coat with hi-temp nickel anti-sneeze from Felpro (!). Due to temp differential between head and exhaust manifold, there's a lot of relative motion especially at #1 and #6. My theory is that the anti-sneeze lets 'em move w/o tearing up the gasket.

 

When I asked about this a while back a few folks posted back preferring the OEM gasket even with headers.

 

I've found that you need to tighten manifold nuts at 500 miles and at 2000 miles. After that they seem to stay put.

 

Later,

Al

[Cruez]

I'll try the copper permatex deal.... because It looks like the flange on that ex port is not quite flat...

 

I pulled the old gasket off and it was the Nissan part with the metal backing.... (thats what I thought I bought )

 

I am going to go ahead and replace all the studs, nuts and washers since I didn't do it last time...