Best Header Gaskets
Reviews,  Auto Parts

An Informative Guide to Choose the Best Header Gaskets

If you begin hearing loud noises coming from your engine, something might be wrong with your header gaskets. The best way to get rid of the annoying noise is to replace the gasket with a new one. Having a high-quality replacement can also significantly increase your vehicle’s performance, as well as its lifespan. If you are in search of the best header gaskets, then consider yourself lucky.

In this article, we will provide you with an informative guide about header gaskets. We will be discussing what it is and its uses, and we will also talk about some of its types. We also have a rundown of the top four choices for the best header gaskets available right now. To add, we will provide each product’s pros and cons, as well as their features. We hope this guide will help you if you are having a difficult time deciding.


What is a Header Gasket?

Before we proceed with the discussions, let’s first talk about what a header gasket is. Basically, it is a gasket that you place between the cylinder head and the engine block. You normally find this device in internal combustion engines. It also aids in keeping the oil and coolant from mixing together. It should be noted that the header gaskets generally do not cost as much as the repair of your engine.

One of its benefits is that the header gasket ensures there is maximum compression in the engine. It is considered a part of the combustion chamber, thus sharing similar strength requirements as the other combustion chamber properties. Having this device installed will ensure a better performance of your vehicle’s engine. In addition, header gaskets will get rid of loud noises coming from your engine.

There can be a lot of causes for header gasket failure, which is bad news for your engine. The first and the most common cause of gasket failure is engine overheating. Overheating is caused by the engine getting too hot, resulting in thermal expansion. Some other causes include loss of power, oil contamination, burning, which results from oil leaking, and external leaks.


Types of Header Gaskets

After discussing the top four picks for the best header gaskets, we shall move on to some of its types. This section is also very important because you will learn which type it is you need. This can also help you make a better decision as you can eliminate those you don’t need.

Percy 66032 Seal-4-Good Flange Gasket

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  • MLS/Multiple Layers Steel: This type of header gasket normally consists of three layers of steel, hence the name. Almost all of the modern engines are made with MLS gaskets.
  • Solid Copper: Solid copper gaskets are very durable, as the manufacturers started producing them with sealing wires that permit retrofits into the engines.
  • Composite: The composite header gasket is considered an old technology, as they are made of graphite or asbestos. Ironically, they are more prone to burning up than the newer types. In addition, asbestos gaskets are now hard to find because of possible health concerns.
  • Elastomeric: Also called an elastomer gasket, this type of gasket is made of silicone elastomer-based material. It can be in the form of silicone foam, silicone rubber, or silicone sponge. The silicone elastomeric gaskets are synthetic rubber materials that offer the base for a number of gaskets.

Essential Factors to Consider in Choosing the Best Header Gaskets

Before we conclude, we should also discuss the factors that make a good header gasket. In order to make the right choice, you should also review the below list. It can help you narrow down your choices and prevent you from making an expensive mistake.

  • Material: What the gasket is made of is important when you choose one you will use for longer periods of time. Most of the products presented above are made of aluminum, and that is considered high quality.
  • Weight: It is ideal that the one you choose is lightweight, which aids for easier installation. It should be noted that most of the products presented above require a professional to install the header gaskets.
  • Tolerance to High Temperature: It is common knowledge that the earlier models of header gaskets tend to blow up in high temperatures. You have to purchase one that can withstand the heat produced by your vehicle’s engine.
  • Price: Needless to say, price is also a determining factor. If you want to invest in something sturdy, you should not buy a cheap one. Inexpensive header gaskets are most likely made of low-quality materials and would not be as effective.
  • Performance: This may be the most important factor among those mentioned above. You should purchase a header gasket that will deliver to your needs, as well as expectations about the product.

Top Four Choices for the Best Header Gaskets

Product (Amazon Links)Brand  

Fel-Pro 26415 PT Cylinder Head Gasket 

Fel-Pro

Review

BBK 1575 1-5/8″ Premium Exhaust Header Gaskets Kit for Ford 302/351, (Pair)

BBK

Review

Percy 66032 Seal-4-Good Flange Gasket

Percy’s High Performance

Review

Proform 67921 Aluminum Exhaust Header Gasket with Square Ports for Small Block Chevy – Pair

ProForm

Review

In this section, we will be discussing the top four recommendations for the best header gaskets. Each product’s best features, advantages and disadvantages will also be discussed. If you were having a hard time choosing, you should take advantage of this section. We will not only help you narrow down your choices but we will also help you make a better decision.

1. Fel-Pro 26415 PT Cylinder Head Gasket

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The Pel-Pro Head Gasket ensures the perfect fit and meet or exceeds origainal gasket specs. The product has a robust seal for most conditions.

Contains an MLS coating that helps with improved durability. 

Pros:

  • Comes with 1 gasket (You will need 2 if both heads are blown)
  • MLS coating
  • Precise design for perfect fit.

Cons:

  • Professional installation is recommended
  • If resurfacing or scratching occurs on surfaces, may not seal 

2. BBK 1575 1-5/8″ Premium Exhaust Header Gaskets Kit for Ford 302/351, (Pair)

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The BBK Exhaust Header Gasket for Ford is strategically designed for high-temperature performance applications. It offers a high-quality and long-lasting steel for your Ford’s engine. The product will also work on almost all aftermarket or stock applications. The material is made of graphite that makes sure the seal is leak-free. To add, the port is matched for an excellent flow of all 1 to 5/8-exhaust headers.

According to some reviews, the BKK Exhaust Header Gasket has great quality and it’s in perfect shape upon delivery. It fits properly and gets the job done. It is also very light as the item weight is only 4 ounces. Lastly, the brand offers an one-year warranty from the date of purchase.

Pros:

  • Designed for high-temperature applications
  • High-quality and long-lasting
  • Material is made of graphite that ensures leak-free seal
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Gasket does not come with end tabs
  • Might be difficult to install

3. Percy 66032 Seal-4-Good Flange Gasket

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The Percy 66032 Flange Gasket is just one of the best offerings of the brand. Its material is made of special aluminum that collaborates to the header to provide an optimum seal. Another great feature of this product is that these gaskets will not burn or blow up from heat if installed properly. It is also lightweight, as item weight is only 6.1 ounces.

According to some of the customer reviews, the soft aluminum gaskets fit perfectly and get sealed up immediately. It also has high tolerance to high temperatures and does not blow up. They are thicker than other models and guaranteed better at sealing exhaust. The product has also been reviewed as a great value for their money because the gaskets delivered to their expectations.

Pros:

  • Material is made of special aluminum
  • Will not blow up or burn in high temperature
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Some user reviews revealed that the material used is not of great quality
  • Might work perfectly for manifold but not on headers

4. Proform 67921 Aluminum Exhaust Header Gasket with Square Ports for Small Block Chevy – Pair

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The Proform 67921 Header Gasket with Square Ports is a little heavier than the other models presented above. The item weight is 8 ounces, but it can be used as an exhaust manifold or a header gasket. To add, this product comes with 1.500 in square port. It also has soft-conforming aluminum gaskets that conform easily to the header flanges and ensure excellent seal capabilities.

According to some user reviews, noise was eliminated after installing these header gaskets. It also showed no signs of wear and did not burn up in high temperatures. Customer reviews also mentioned that the product worked greatly for and suited their needs. It also proved a great value for their money, as the product is rendered effective.

Pros:

  • Can be used as an exhaust manifold or header gasket
  • Comes with a 1.500 square port
  • Material is made of soft aluminum
  • Eliminates noise and does not burn or blow up

Cons:

  • A bit heavier than other models
  • Instructions may be a little difficult to follow

Conclusion

Now that you learned all you have to know about header gaskets, you can now make a more informed decision. Choosing the best header gaskets is not an easy task. All you need is this in-depth guide to show you what and what not to buy. We have helped you narrow down your choice by providing you the types and the factors to look for. Along with the product features, pros and cons, we hope you make the right choice.

Looking for other similar products that you can buy? Click here to learn more about other options that are available in the market right now.