2nd Blown Kooks Headers gasket in 2 weeks - Page 2

tweeter81 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-25-07, 05:56 PM

The shop that installed my Kooks said that the Percy's gasket that shipped with the headers would not hold up, so they used some MLS (multi-layered steel) gaskets and they seem to be holding up fine. They told me to retorque the header bolts after 5000 miles. And I haven't tracked the car yet with the headers, so the underhood heat has not been nearly as high as it could be.

**The Tony Show** · #17 (**permalink**) 10-25-07, 06:14 PM

Gasket opinions seem to be plentiful (and different).

My Techs both agreed that the Carbon/Steel gasket included with the Kooks headers (which is made by Percy's) was a superior gasket to the "Dead Soft Aluminum" ones in the FAQ. I had already purchased the latter, and they made this determination after looking at both in person.

Go figure.

CTSV_Rob · #18 (**permalink**) 10-25-07, 07:45 PM

Chef and Jon,

Glad to see there are others that enjoy the car as much as I do!

Seems like a couple of the gaskets are made by Percy and I would have to say they make a fine product. I am a firm believer that if installed properly, torqued properly and at least twice, and a flat header flange then you cannot go wrong with either gasket. I still think the ceramic gasket (fuzzy one) Really seemed a bit strange but they do seem to work. Now whether they work better or not I cannot say.

Looking forward to getting my ECM back tomorrow.. You can bet it will go in and need to be tested!

RobWilson · #19 (**permalink**) 10-25-07, 10:29 PM

The consensus on Corvette Forum seems to be the GM gaskets. I have had Kooks headers on my C5 for 3 1/2 years and they have been off the car twice. Once for the clutch install...we reused the GM gaskets I used when the headers were originally installed. In June, the heads/cam LS1 was replaced with a 403 LS2. We used new GM gaskets and reused my Kooks headers. I've never had any problems with exhaust leaks.

Just my $.02