thinking of putting some longtube headers on my '00 RC/SB 2wd 5.3 silverado. just wondering if any of you have problems w/ leaky header gaskets? how often do you have to change em?
im used to dealing w/ headers on musclecars, most will start ticking after a few months of driving and need new gaskets. i'd really rather have something maintenance free since this is my daily driver.

is it worth the money for a Granatelli MAF or should i just port the stock MAF??

what year models of the Z06 LS6 heads are a direct bolt on for my truck? seems like ive heard the newer ones wont work?

thanks yall, CHIP

 

I installed the LT's about four months ago and haven't had any problems with air leaks so far. A buddy of mine from Aggressive Motorsports suggested I go with the original header gaskets, I guess because they are already broken in. I put the new ones that came with the headers and it's running smooth...I've always been told that keeping the original MAF is the best thing to do and not messing around with it like removing the screen...

 

I retorqued my header bolts once after putting them through a few heat cycles and have not had any leaks in a year and a half of daily driving. Keep the stock MAF stock. LS6 heads have larger combustion chamers than 5.3 heads, so you'll lose compression if you swap them. Have someone who has experience with Gen III heads do a port and polish for you.

 

thanks for the info fellas!
i had descreened my MAF a long time ago, no problems, but im getting another one anyway.
the drop in compression w/ the Z06 heads is good if you're planning on boost in the future

as far as the header gaskets go, i just really dont ever want to have to worry about them. i live on a dirt road so there's a lot of bumps, and i do a lot of driving, 60+ miles every day (not all on dirt roads, lol).
ive tried the copper and aluminum "blowproof" gaskets in the past w/ no luck, but keep in mind this wasnt on my truck. CHIP

 

the stock header gaskets are the bomb never leaked with putting headers on at 92K

 

you can reuse the stock gaskets? are they steel or something? CHIP

 

yeah they are mls (multi-layer steel)

 

I just used the complete Thorley kit. Re-torqued em after a week but none of the bolts budged.