New headers and exhaust time.

[john42]

I'm purchasing the new FF 302 headers and new exhaust pipes. I currently have BBK shortys and J-pipes and some very abused, dented and completely blown out exhaust pipes. Other then the headers and pipes, which gaskets are recommended to get? Also, do I need shims?

[wallace18]

No shims needed with the new ball-socket style exhaust from FFR. I really like Remflex header gaskets.

https://www.amazon.com/Remflex-3028-Exhaust-Gasket-Engine/dp/B00B2HMD5A/ref=asc_df_B00B2HMD5A/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312061942313&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6425405583287840961&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1015134&hvtargid=pla-597413590684&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=63195598318&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312061942313&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6425405583287840961&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1015134&hvtargid=pla-597413590684

[CraigS]

I quit using gaskets at the head. That does require that you assure that the mating surface of the header is flat. Then use either ;
https://www.permatex.com/products/oreilly/permatex-ultra-blue-rtv-3-5oz/ or
https://www.permatex.com/products/gasketing/red-gasket-makers/permatex-optimum-red-rtv-silicone-gasket-maker-3-35-oz/

[CraigS]

I quit using gaskets at the head. That does require that you assure that the mating surface of the header is flat. Then use either ;
https://www.permatex.com/products/oreilly/permatex-ultra-blue-rtv-3-5oz/ or
https://www.permatex.com/products/gasketing/red-gasket-makers/permatex-optimum-red-rtv-silicone-gasket-maker-3-35-oz/

[David Williamson]

I do the same as Craig, Ultra Copper works well. I also cut the heads of 2 longer bolts to use as guide pins to hold the headers in place while you fit the bolts.
David W

[rich grsc]

Yep, I haven't used gaskets for years. Ultra Copper is the only thing I ever use.

[Jeff Kleiner]

You won’t know whether you need shims or wedges until you install the headers and start fitting the side pipes. Even with the adjustability of the ball flanges it sometimes still needs a wedge to kick the pipe in or out beyond the range of ball adjustment. If you’ve been running J-pipes there’s a good chance that you’ll need to massage the body cutouts.

Jeff

[DW66]

John,
I highly recommend the Remflex header gaskets as well. Have used multiple times on SBF with no issues.

[john42]

Excellent! Any sealer or gasket between the headers and sidepipes?

[steno]

Permatex red or copper is perfect between the header and side pipe. NO gasket!

[john42]

The new headers and exhaust are in. Fit great, no shims needed! The new "noise" is absolutely fantastic.

[DW66]

Glad to hear all is good John. Hopefully we can hook up again this summer for a cruise.

Dave.

[michael everson]

Glad they worked out for you. also helped me clean out some pipes.
Mike

[Mike.Bray]

I have the latest SBF headers and sidepipes from FFR and I'm impressed with the quality, fit, and finish. The ball and socket joint worked well and the mounting flange is thick and true. And they fit, I could throw the headers from across the room and they would fall into place on the heads.

I think we can agree there are two trains of thought on gaskets, Permatex or Remflex gaskets. I've used both and found with older headers, thin flanges, or warped flanges Permatex works well. It's also a pain to clean off which is why I don't like it. As I mentioned the flanges on the latest FFR headers are thick, flat, and true. I'm running the Remflex gaskets and there aren't any leaks so apparently they are doing what they should be doing. I've pulled the headers off a couple of times and the gaskets come off clean.

[Papa t]

I have the latest SBF headers and sidepipes from FFR and I'm impressed with the quality, fit, and finish. The ball and socket joint worked well and the mounting flange is thick and true. And they fit, I could throw the headers from across the room and they would fall into place on the heads.

I think we can agree there are two trains of thought on gaskets, Permatex or Remflex gaskets. I've used both and found with older headers, thin flanges, or warped flanges Permatex works well. It's also a pain to clean off which is why I don't like it. As I mentioned the flanges on the latest FFR headers are thick, flat, and true. I'm running the Remflex gaskets and there aren't any leaks so apparently they are doing what they should be doing. I've pulled the headers off a couple of times and the gaskets come off clean.

Wedges were required for my Coupe with FFR nheaders and GAS-N sidepipes.