is it cool to CUT slots in the header gaskets to make easier?

**greatwhiteZ28** · 09-05-2007, 05:06 PM

seen this on lots of mag articals, from people cutting lines threw the holes of the gaskets to make it eay for installing.

just want to know if any ls1 users do that

**Zboner** · 09-05-2007, 05:08 PM

no i advise against that completly, if you cant get them on like they are, then you dont need to install them. period, cause any little tear like that can cause an exhaust leak, and that tick is the most annoying tick in the world.

i dont even use shitty paper gaskets either i spend the money so i dont have to mess with them a second time changing them out.

what magazing said it was ok to do that?

**Firebirdjones** · 09-05-2007, 05:17 PM

I think he is referring to cutting a pair of slots on the bottom of the bolt holes,,,,on each end of the gasket,,,so that when the header is installed "loosly" with just the "end bolts" the gasket simply slides right in and the rest of the bolts can be installed.

I do this to all my cars and have never had a problem,,,as a matter of fact,,,most good quality gaskets you buy already have these slots made into the gasket. It's a nice little trick that I do all the time, it has nothing to do with the seal of the gasket at all.

As far as LS1's go,,,I have been told by a reputable F-body shop to reuse the steel gaskets from the original exhaust manifolds and they seal up great with headers. The cheap paper gaskets usually blow out anyway after a while, depending on the quality of the header flanges, and how routine the owner goes over the bolts to retighten them.
Going to try this myself very shortly as I have headers sitting waiting for me to get the time. After assessing the situation I may very well cut slots on the ends for the gasket to slide right on if I find things hard to get to.

**Zboner** · 09-05-2007, 05:26 PM

when i do headers on the Fbody, i go to GM and buy the stock good ones

**ss~zoso~ss** · 09-05-2007, 05:49 PM

^ i agree, they are metal and wont break or tear, so it makes cutting lines in em a bit harder, they arent that bad to get on, its easier if u have someone holding the header up from the bottom while you place the gasket and start a few bolts

**greatwhiteZ28** · 09-05-2007, 06:49 PM

just saw this tip on tv and seeing the responese thatnks

**mrr23** · 09-05-2007, 06:53 PM

most of the time, i cut the two outer bolt holes and make a slot. this way i can get the two bolts started and hold the header in place, then drop the gasket in. way easier than trying to hold a gasket and header and try to put the bolt in.

**Firebirdjones** · 09-06-2007, 03:39 AM

Originally Posted by mrr23

most of the time, i cut the two outer bolt holes and make a slot. this way i can get the two bolts started and hold the header in place, then drop the gasket in. way easier than trying to hold a gasket and header and try to put the bolt in.

Exactly what I was trying to explain,,,,thanks for putting that in a smaller sentence mrr23

**texinteg** · 09-06-2007, 03:55 AM

I just did the same thing with a new pair of factory gaskets.

**JonB** · 09-06-2007, 07:21 AM

Most decent paper header gaskets usually have the first and last header bolt hole like that.

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 09-06-2007, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by mrr23

most of the time, i cut the two outer bolt holes and make a slot. this way i can get the two bolts started and hold the header in place, then drop the gasket in. way easier than trying to hold a gasket and header and try to put the bolt in.

My metal gaskets are already cut that way. Makes it way easy.

**35thAnniZ28** · 09-06-2007, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by greatwhiteZ28

seen this on lots of mag articals, from people cutting lines threw the holes of the gaskets to make it eay for installing.

just want to know if any ls1 users do that

NO ITS NOT COOL!