Technical Another SBC 350 Noise Question

Headers always leak, they are handy for a few things but in return you get plug issues, spark plug wire issues, starter issues, oil filter issues and leak issues.
I use factory manifold gaskets with slotted holes

 

I'm still trying to figure out that mystery with the oil. I didn't hear any difference with giving it throttle and backing off if anything it may have sounded better but I need to do that again while listening in the engine bay. I had done that sitting inside with the pedal.

 

Yes, as I said in my post if bolts are loose it can cause the leak, but tightening may not fix it since the gaskets are likely already burnt out.

 

Same here. I bought a set of headers once with those metallic factory looking gaskets, and was irritated because I thought they were cheap. But I used them, and they never leaked! So that's all I use now, and never get burnt out header flange gaskets.

 

We’re getting about 150 200 laps out of a set of the factory gaskets with headers. Plus it makes them a snap to change. Loosen the bolts, gaskets out, gaskets in tighten the bolts. It’s so easy you don’t even say 1 cuss word.

 

You could check for header flange leakage by squirting some oil in the carb while the engine is running, the resulting smoke will show up any flange leaks..

 

I loved headers until it hurt to climb under the car and change collector gaskets. No more headers for me. Now it's ram horns and good quality exhaust. Plug wires last longer, no changing gaskets multiple times a year, and probably 4000 less swear words. Your mileage may vary.

 

Yeah... the one that can you drink...

 

I am also anti-header. They are also a good heat sink and headers are noisy. The mass of cast iron dampens most of the combustion sound.

 

It took me a little while, but I think I know what you mean.......

 

the older i get, the more i want manifolds for street.

 

Let’s face it. As we get some years on us, we don’t like much more than maintenance to ensure the vehicle is sound. (No pun intended).
Replacing header gaskets is no different than changing a flat tire. It has to be done, but I don’t want to do it.
Heck, years back I looked forward to changing points, plugs, etc. Now, dang. .

 

I use the same style gasket for my collector to exhaust also, and the last set I put on my SBC Austin gasser was when I put the new engine in over a decade ago. Neither the flange, or collectors have ever leaked since.
I don't take header bolts for granted tough, and about once a year I check all the flange bolts and collector bolts to see if they've loosened. Ignoring them, and expecting them to always stay tight is part of the problem.

 

I used the copper gaskets from speedway with a bead on hi temp copper silicone 7-8 years ago , headers don't leak ....

 

Isolate/repair/move on to the next..........

 

" As we get older.....we switch to stock exhaust manifolds because they are 'quieter'."....boy pleeze.
Get ye self a nice Tesla and enjoy the silence!!!!
I thought this was a hot rod/street rod/modified classic automobile site!!
Ever since we were 14 years old and younger....we could hardly wait for a hot rod with a rumpity-rump idle and tick-tick tick sound of 4 tube headers.... Where did those guys go ??!
6sally6
PS......Lighten up fellas just yanking your collective(not collector) chain !