BBC Header gaskets

[82sbshortbed]

This may be a dumb question but, I need header gaskets for the camaro style headers for the 454. Don't know what brand the headers are so. Are all BBC Header gaskets the same and how do I tell what gaskets I need?

 

[bucket]

You can buy gaskets for many different port sizes. The aluminum type gasket works great. Get a gasket with a port size that matches the sealing surfaces of the header flange.

 

[legopnuematic]

Percy's Seal 4 Good is a gasket that people seem to have good luck with https://www.jegs.com/i/Percy's/760/...QpHMrVzb7w0DdybHiwf5gaQ83FanTmGBoCyjIQAvD_BwE
Mr gasket sells the same gasket (same part numbers) and should be available at a local auto parts. I am using the Mr gasket for my SBC and have no complaints. Port matchable too

 

[QBuff02]

I use felpro 1410's on my 454 headers, no issues.

 

[82sbshortbed]

Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure if I needed the square ports or round port gasket. Seen them both ways.

 

[nvrenuf]

I use felpro 1410's on my 454 headers, no issues.

This ^

They worked great on my 781's.

Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure if I needed the square ports or round port gasket. Seen them both ways.

You need to identify what heads you have, the easiest way is to pull the valve cover and get the (raised) casting number from between the valves. Once you have that check Mortec or google, etc to identify if they are "peanut", "oval", etc type heads. Be advised, the head types are identified by nicknames for their intake ports, not literal exhaust port shape descriptions (ie; oval heads are still square-ish on the exhaust side). Buy gaskets accordingly, I prefer Felpro "Performance" series gaskets.

 

[MikeB]

Whatever you get, make sure the gaskets don't cover any part of the exhaust port openings, especially at the top where flow is greatest. Same with the header tubes. Can't tell you how many header flanges I've had to hog out a little to match the top of the exhaust ports.

I've always had good luck with Fel-Pro gaskets that have a steel shim sandwiched between fiber materials. I've used aluminum gaskets only for collectors, but they work awesome and can be re-used.

 

[Super-Dave]

I have used a number of different brands over the years. Some lasted a year or so and others just a few weeks. Then my carburetor guy who races a 9 sec '64 Chevelle, turned me on to Remflex and I have never used any other brand. They are thicker and once torqued down (20fp IIRC) you never have to re-tighten.

I can attest to that personally. I am converting my '74 square from shorty headers to long tube this week and will be using Remflex without hesitation.