Help, who has installed their own headers?

[H2 Daddy]

I am installing my Gibson headers and the instructions say to use the "stock O-Ring gaskets" between the headers' collector pipe flange and the Y-Pipe flange. I did not see any type of gasket in this location.

Did you have a gasket between your stock exhaust manifold and the Y-Pipe? If not did you just bolt the two flanges together? Any leaks at this joint?

[H2 Daddy]

I am installing my Gibson headers and the instructions say to use the "stock O-Ring gaskets" between the headers' collector pipe flange and the Y-Pipe flange. I did not see any type of gasket in this location.

Did you have a gasket between your stock exhaust manifold and the Y-Pipe? If not did you just bolt the two flanges together? Any leaks at this joint?

[TMKHUM]

There is no o-ring.

There should be a triangular gasket with a 3 hole pattern and center cutout for the exhaust pass thru.

Generally its best to order some factory GM gaskets as the headers generally come with crappy gaskets.

Tom

[H2 Daddy]

Thanks TMKHUM

Upon closer inspection with a light I noticed the O-Ring is seated inside the Y-Pipe flange. I bolted the two flanges together and after starting did not find any leaks. Time will tell.

[TMKHUM]

GM must have changed there flange seal. I put a set of shorties on my Trans am (aluminum 5.7 liter variant of our 6.0 liter motor) and they utilized the gasket I mentioned. I guess they must have switched up to o-ring donut seal along the way.

By the way what type of gasket was on the exhaust manifold to cylinder head? On the LS1, I have typically seen a 2-layer metal gasket used...pretty good stuff...especially coming from the factory.

Tom

[H2 Daddy]

It was a three layer metal gasket.