I'm about mid-way through my long tube header install. In the morning I will beging to install my Hookers. However, I've read that the OEM exhaust manifold gaskets are really quite nice. The Hooker gaskets are rather flimsy. I only have 2,000 miles on my car, so should I just reuse my factory gaskets?


Thanks.

 

Plenty have had success reusing. Others wnet to Ford to get some new OEM for a few bucks. But I think all would agree to use the OEM over any of the gaskets supplied by the header manufacturers. So I would say originals are definitely OK, but new OEM if you reall want peace of mind.

 

reuse your factory pieces

 

Keep in mind my gaskets only have 2,000 miles on them.

 

Well then I would certainly go with Tom on this one. Reuse.

 

I bought some new ones and had almost 8k on her. They were like 38.00 for the pair from a rip-off artist dealership.

 

I really hate to contradict your claims, but the S-197 doesn't require exhaust manifold gaskets. The exhaust manifolds use ball socket flanges.

The reason I know, is that I recently swapped out my stock H-pipe for a MAC prochamber with high-flow cats, in which there was no gaskets to be found anywhere on the exhaust manifolds !

 

You can reuse the stock gasket but i purchased new ones anyway. The cost about 16 each and you need 4 of them.

 

What stock gaskets ? I didn't find any on my 05 GT at all.

 

+1 What Tom said..

 

The ones between the heads and headers.

I bought a new set from the dealer, $10 each and you need 4. I like the insurance of using new over reusing,IMO. If you reuse take care not to damage them when you remove the headers and pull them off the studs, they are designed to grip the stud threads so they dont fall off during the header installation in the factory. Have Fun!!!

 

Hey Dean, thanks for clearing that up. As I ended up getting my signals crossed, and thought everyone was referring to from the exhaust manifolds to mid-pipes, instead of from the cylinder head to exhaust manifold.

 

[QUOTE=m05fastbackGT;5587500]I really hate to contradict your claims, but the S-197 doesn't require exhaust manifold gaskets. The exhaust manifolds use ball socket flanges.

Never mind, I see you have it straight now.

 

It was just a simple misunderstanding on my part Rad, and thanks to Dean for his heads up. I now have it straight.

 

when putting my headers in, i tore one of the ones that came with my bbk's

so i have one oem gasket, and one bbk gasket on mine right now...

lol

 

You got them in yet? Update, update!! Pics, Pics!!

 

Yeah, they are in. Almost done. Just refer to my other thread, having some trouble with the dipstick tube.