guys with the pacesetter lt's, what gaskets are yall using with these headers. if yall using the stock ones, would it be cheaper to get them from the dealer or gmpartsdirect. thanks...

 

Stock is the only way to go....the dealer is not too bad on them.

 

I'm still using the ones they came with. Holding fine for me, but if/when they go I'll just clean my old ones up and throw them on.

 

i always use the stock gaskets. if they still look good you can reuse them. but all that work for a leak, 15 bucks for new gaskets is cheap for not having to take the header back off.

 

i took off my stock ones when i put my shorties on. they have about 15k on them. i think i will just buy some new ones to be safe than sorry. does anyone know the part # to them. the truck is an 03 5.3 thanks...

 

Stock..and here is why;

Put the FLP headers on the 00’ coupe back on 11/29/02 with 23,323 miles on it.
The kit came with paper gaskets so I used them vs the OEM steel ones I just took off.
These are no different that the ones I use on my 68' Camaro...except the 68's heads are steel.
I knew I would be needing to change them sooner or later, well the DS developed a leak even though the bolts were tight after 2 years and 4 months and almost 20,000 miles.
I saved the OEM ones, disconnected the header collector tab bolt down below and left the exhaust clamps in place. Just enough play to loosen all the header bolts and slip in the OEM steel gasket. No problem and it worked like a champ. So when you do headers, use new OEM steel gaskets or your old ones if in good shape!
It only took me 2 hours with beer and picture breaks
This was a personal test.......I wanted to see if the aluminum head would get the heat out quicker allowing a paper gasket to last longer under hard condiditons.
I always do PM on the car including a bolt tightness check
As for the plug wire, thats just carbon from the header leak



Paper gasket


Can you tell were the leak may have been?


Just enough room for the gasket


Exhaust manifold side..a few leaks started as the gasket was very hard & brittle. OEM on the top.


Head side....and I only broke a plastic clamp for the AIR TUBE!


http://forums.corvetteforum.com/phot...nt0016-med.jpg

 

I bought mine from the dealer, and will just use the new ones when i put my pacesetters on. They were 25 bucks for the pair. I doubt gmpartsdirect would be much cheaper after shipping etc.
Here is the part number 12558573, you will need two. Only one comes per package.

 

thanks for the replies fellas