Stainless Works headers - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

dredgeguy · 12-31-2015

I took the plunge and ordered a set of SW headers with the SW cats through the Registry using our discount. They are being coated now and should be delivered in a couple of weeks.
I asked SW if they also supply gaskets and they responded:

WE PROVIDE A TUBE OF RTV SEALANT. ONLY PUT THIS ON THE HEADER AND NOT THE HEAD. RUN A NICE EVEN BEAD
AROUND ALL THE PRIMARIES. THIS RTV IS BETTER THAN USING GASKETS.

What says the brotherhood on this issue? RTV or gaskets?
Thanks and Happy New Year!

Gunny · 12-31-2015

call Jerry ... he should have the answer. I might be wrong but it seems that having the gasket would be the better choice.

HAWAIIZR-1 · 12-31-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by dredgeguy

I took the plunge and ordered a set of SW headers with the SW cats through the Registry using our discount. They are being coated now and should be delivered in a couple of weeks.
I asked SW if they also supply gaskets and they responded:

WE PROVIDE A TUBE OF RTV SEALANT. ONLY PUT THIS ON THE HEADER AND NOT THE HEAD. RUN A NICE EVEN BEAD
AROUND ALL THE PRIMARIES. THIS RTV IS BETTER THAN USING GASKETS.

What says the brotherhood on this issue? RTV or gaskets?
Thanks and Happy New Year!

Hey Charlie,

Congrats on your decision and purchase. I'm curious to find out how you like them and just received the same. I won't be able to install since I'm pending a relocation to the Land of the Rising Sun. I can't wait to get them on. Interesting about the RTV use by SW; I would be afraid to do so then have to go back and put gaskets in there. I was wondering about these myself: http://scegaskets.com/store/uncatego...t-number-9438/

I have never had problems with leaking with stock gaskets though. Best wishes with the install.

A26B · 12-31-2015

We have a really high quality gasket for the LT5 that has a metallic inner core bonded to the outer gasket material. This gives it strength and compressibility. The compressibility is what allows the gasket to conform to surface irregularities... in this instance, the header flange. Like all of our gaskets, made to our material specifications with our own, proprietary cutting dies.

I don't try to sell anyone anything.... just letting you know there are other options. In this instance, I would personally choose this gasket over RTV, hands down. We have sold over 200 sets without a single negative comment, but have received many compliments from customers, including the most well known LT5 builder/tuners in the country.

http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/gasket-...er-90-95-11b6/

LGAFF · 12-31-2015

use gaskets

secondchance · 12-31-2015

Charlie,

Last time Dempsey and I re-installed my headers we used Jerry's header gasket and High Temp Copper sealant per Phil's recommendation. Before the re-build, I had issues with Stage 8 bolts backing out due to vibration but this time, with High Temp Copper sealant, bolts are staying put.

Paul Workman · 12-31-2015

Just because I always have...

I put a smear of RED RTV (high-temp) on the heads and the header flanges and sandwiched one of Jerry's gaskets between 'em. I used plain 'ol hex-head bolts and washer and torqued it down.

Never leaked yet, even after launching the car off a berm and logging some 'flight time' before crashing back to earth. No leaks!

dredgeguy · 12-31-2015

Thanks for all the suggestions and good advice. Looks like gaskets it is. Jerry, will be getting with you shortly. Happy New Year.

dredgeguy · 01-01-2016

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAWAIIZR-1

Hey Charlie,

Congrats on your decision and purchase. I'm curious to find out how you like them and just received the same. I won't be able to install since I'm pending a relocation to the Land of the Rising Sun. I can't wait to get them on. Interesting about the RTV use by SW; I would be afraid to do so then have to go back and put gaskets in there. I was wondering about these myself: http://scegaskets.com/store/uncatego...t-number-9438/

I have never had problems with leaking with stock gaskets though. Best wishes with the install.

I am told the SW with cats will be a direct fit to my Corsa. Hope it is true and can't wait to get them on.

HAWAIIZR-1 · 01-01-2016

Quote:

Originally Posted by dredgeguy

I am told the SW with cats will be a direct fit to my Corsa. Hope it is true and can't wait to get them on.

I think you're good to go Charlie. If I'm not mistaken, the Corsa has the factory connection if that is what you have chosen with SW catted version. It has the ball socket on one side and slip on the other. I'm jealous you get to bolt yours on right away. Can't wait to hear about it. Best wishes and Happy New Year!

12-31-2015	#1
dredgeguy Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 1,684	Stainless Works headers I took the plunge and ordered a set of SW headers with the SW cats through the Registry using our discount. They are being coated now and should be delivered in a couple of weeks. I asked SW if they also supply gaskets and they responded: WE PROVIDE A TUBE OF RTV SEALANT. ONLY PUT THIS ON THE HEADER AND NOT THE HEAD. RUN A NICE EVEN BEAD AROUND ALL THE PRIMARIES. THIS RTV IS BETTER THAN USING GASKETS. What says the brotherhood on this issue? RTV or gaskets? Thanks and Happy New Year! __________________ Charlie __________ Dredgeguy WAZOO Member 1992 Bright Red/Black ZR1 #246 Dana 4:10 gears Polished LT5 by Haibeck Polished Fikse FM5's with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Stainless Works headers and cats with Corsa

12-31-2015	#2
Gunny Join Date: May 2005 Location: Georgia Mountains Posts: 926	Re: Stainless Works headers call Jerry ... he should have the answer. I might be wrong but it seems that having the gasket would be the better choice.

12-31-2015	#4
A26B Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Arcadia,OK Posts: 3,391	Re: Stainless Works headers We have a really high quality gasket for the LT5 that has a metallic inner core bonded to the outer gasket material. This gives it strength and compressibility. The compressibility is what allows the gasket to conform to surface irregularities... in this instance, the header flange. Like all of our gaskets, made to our material specifications with our own, proprietary cutting dies. I don't try to sell anyone anything.... just letting you know there are other options. In this instance, I would personally choose this gasket over RTV, hands down. We have sold over 200 sets without a single negative comment, but have received many compliments from customers, including the most well known LT5 builder/tuners in the country. http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/gasket-...er-90-95-11b6/ __________________ Jerry Downey JERRYS LT5 GASKETS & PARTS http://www.jerrysgaskets.com 1994 *ZR-1, Black/Black, Lingenfelter Aerobody, 416cu in, 3.91 gears, coil-over susp, Brembo brakes, etc. 2016 Black-Red, 3LT-Z51 Auto 8-speed. Last edited by A26B; 12-31-2015 at 03:07 PM.*

12-31-2015	#5
LGAFF Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Crystal Lake, IL Posts: 7,194	Re: Stainless Works headers use gaskets __________________ LGAFF 90 #966-150K miles-sold 92 #234-sold 1987 Callaway TT #17 1991 ZR-1 #1359

12-31-2015	#6
secondchance Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: McLean, VA Posts: 3,718	Re: Stainless Works headers Charlie, Last time Dempsey and I re-installed my headers we used Jerry's header gasket and High Temp Copper sealant per Phil's recommendation. Before the re-build, I had issues with Stage 8 bolts backing out due to vibration but this time, with High Temp Copper sealant, bolts are staying put.

12-31-2015	#7
Paul Workman Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Squires (near Ava MO in the Mark Twain N'tl Forest) - Missouri Posts: 6,493	Re: Stainless Works headers Just because I always have... I put a smear of RED RTV (high-temp) on the heads and the header flanges and sandwiched one of Jerry's gaskets between 'em. I used plain 'ol hex-head bolts and washer and torqued it down. Never leaked yet, even after launching the car off a berm and logging some 'flight time' before crashing back to earth. No leaks! __________________ Good carz, good food, good friendz = the best of timez! 90 #1202 "FBI" top end ported & relieved Cam timing by "Pete the Greek" Sans secondaries Chip & dyno tuning by Haibeck Automotive SW headers, X-pipe, MF muffs Former Secretary, ZR-1 Net Registry

12-31-2015	#8
dredgeguy Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 1,684	Re: Stainless Works headers Thanks for all the suggestions and good advice. Looks like gaskets it is. Jerry, will be getting with you shortly. Happy New Year. __________________ Charlie __________ Dredgeguy WAZOO Member 1992 Bright Red/Black ZR1 #246 Dana 4:10 gears Polished LT5 by Haibeck Polished Fikse FM5's with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Stainless Works headers and cats with Corsa