Since I have never installed headers before I had a question. The instructions only mention putting a bead of silicone around the exhaust ports, no gaskets or anything. Does this mean I don't need gaskets for these headers or is it merely a given? :confused:

yup...use the blue rtv, it's rated for the high temp. you could also use jb weld, or elmer's wood glue... :shaking:



:cow:

I've never seen headers that don't need gaskets what kind of vehical is it and rtv will do nothing to seal exhaust

2001 chevy 4.3-block hugger headers from Sanderson--Makes sense to have gaskets, just doesn't say anything about them in install instructions....who do i believe?

You scare me.

Most headers have gaskets. I would not use RTV unless I had to. RTV can phuck with your O2 sensor. Make sure you clean the gasket to match the ports on the head and the header.
Gnarls.

Thank you guys, first time for everything. Glad I can still scare people (im only 19 ya know, plenty of time to learn some shit). :flipoff2:

A guy I work with just uses red RTV. I *thought* that RTV couldn't handle the temps but he swore by it. That said, would I use RTV? Nope...
Anyway, I never had luck with headers. Every set I had either cracked or leaked in a very short period of time. I'm not just talking about the cheap ones, I'm talking about $300 stainless hooker headers.

2001 chevy 4.3-block hugger headers from Sanderson--Makes sense to have gaskets, just doesn't say anything about them in install instructions....who do i believe?

Since you are using Sanderson headers - look at thier copper gaskets.

http://www.sandersonheaders.com/coppergasketstech8.htm

Buy a good gasket. On my YJ I used the stock borla gasket and it failed after about 5000k, just replaced it with a nice Fel-Pro 3pc gasket.

heard along time ago if you double the paper gaskets and soak them in water before install the didnt leak. did it but durring my drunk days, wrecked the truck before they ever leaked. Now i use red rtv with the gaskets and they dont leak and rarley dont need retightened.

You can do either or, run gaskets, rtv or both. It depends on how confident you are in installing them. I've seen just RTV used in many applications including off roading and drag racing including 7-9 second cars (1/4 mile times not 1/8) that are also run on the streetas opposed to trailer queens. I personally just run gaskets, no RTV on my exhaust stuff and also my customers unless they say different.

Shawn