[misaac]

Agree with others to seperate the gasket into 3 pieces, and start all bolts loosely. I slot the bottom of the gasket bolt holes and hang the gaskets on the loose bolts.

[60man]

Am I missing something here? All the Hooker's Ive had use a "key hole" slot for the bolt hole you mention...The idea is you start it (with gasket) prior to hanging header and slip header over it and then slide it to pick up other holes..Believe this applies to both D-port and RAIV ports but not a 100% sure. Just hung a set of Super Comps...
I do know the D-ports are a Biotch......but then they all are...IMO..

[HWYSTR455]

Originally Posted by 60man

Am I missing something here? All the Hooker's Ive had use a "key hole" slot for the bolt hole you mention...The idea is you start it (with gasket) prior to hanging header and slip header over it and then slide it to pick up other holes..Believe this applies to both D-port and RAIV ports but not a 100% sure. Just hung a set of Super Comps...
I do know the D-ports are a Biotch......but then they all are...IMO..

I think only the super comps do, not the other, regular set. I don't believe the headmans do, either the regulars or the hustlers.

.

[jonmachota78]

Originally Posted by 60man

Am I missing something here? All the Hooker's Ive had use a "key hole" slot for the bolt hole you mention...The idea is you start it (with gasket) prior to hanging header and slip header over it and then slide it to pick up other holes..Believe this applies to both D-port and RAIV ports but not a 100% sure. Just hung a set of Super Comps...
I do know the D-ports are a Biotch......but then they all are...IMO..

Yep, what he said. ^^^^^^^^^^
Your going to have to pull all the bolts back out and start that bolt 1st with gasket then hang the header slide it back and then install other bolts. Collector will need to be disconnected so you can slide the header onto the keyhole

[track73]

I don't mean to hijack this thread but my last experience was just awful. I will be re-installing headers on a different set of heads on my 79 T/A and wondered if I could just use red silicone sealant instead of gaskets. We don't use gaskets on our aluminum headed stock car, just red silicone and never had a leak. Has anyone done it on gen 2 firebirds?

[Joel Koontz]

One other technique I forgot to mention earlier is to use an Allen Wrench, slightly smaller than the threaded hole size, to provide some leverage for aligning the holes, typically using the Allen Wrench in the front head/header hole to help position the header so that the other bolts(especially bolt #4) can be started, and/or turned more easily.

[lust4speed]

Originally Posted by track73

... wondered if I could just use red silicone sealant instead of gaskets...

Red silicone has been replaced with copper which has a higher heat rating and better holding power, and the tech told me they only continue making red because too many people demand it and they are afraid of loosing sales if they discontinued it.

There probably isn't anything more disgusting than trying to remove the red goop from the headers and block that for some reason never bothered to set up. I hate working on engines that have been subjected to the red silicone.

A couple of years ago in another thread someone recommended Remflex header gaskets (remflex.com) as the final solution to prevent gasket failures. I bought a set, and then started recommending them to others. I probably know of at least 12 sets on Pontiac's in our area, and not one failure. In one case, #5 bolt fell out and #6 was loose, and the gasket held and was not hurt. I've never seen any other gasket hold up to something like that. They are thick, and while the company claims 50% compression, they actually compress only about 25% - but that's enough to give a perfect seal on even imperfect surfaces.

As far as a replacement procedure, I slot all the gasket holes straight down so all that has to be done is to loosen the header bolts up and slide the gasket down in place. Saves a lot of time and frustration. You just have to use a very sharp razor blade to slot the material so you don't break or crack into the port area. Even the Remflex gaskets will break if you are not careful.