truck has pacesetter longtubes with no broken bolts. I'm thinking about changing my gaskets this summer to see if it might stop my random tapping noise.

 

Stock GM steel gaskets.

To me it's doubtful that the tapping noise will stop if there is no exhaust leak. Headers do make valve train noise rather loud.

 

Yup... stock MLS is good. LS's are just loud lol...... so it's part of life.

 

Stock...

 

Always use Stock MLS Acdelco gaskets.

 

Victor Reinz part number MS16124. It's an MLS gasket just like the OEM gaskets, but runs roughly half the cost.

 

I think I paid less than $16 each.... Canadian..... for the GM ones from the dealer at retail. The reinz ones come in at like $50 a pair lol.

 

I'm not sure where you've found the Victor Reinz gaskets priced that high? I bought mine through Advance Auto for $17/pair

 

I use the Percy's AL gaskets that frequently come in aftermarket header kits. I also always run arp studs. Make the install easier when you have something to hang the gasket on while trying to work the header on.

 

I have a set of studs i screw into the heads to hold the gaskets and manifold/header in place while i start the rest of the bolts. I just cant bring myself to pay for arp studs... have thought about getting a set of manifold studs for either a ford 4.6/5.4 or an older 4cylinder gm engine and running those, havent gotten around to installing my headers yet, but have the gm manifold gaskets waiting to go in!