Hey,
What kind of header gaskets are you guys using.. should I go for El Cheapo and plan on replacing them or should i pay 40-70 dollars?.. whats the difference between dead soft aluminum and copper?.. and are the graphite ones easier to work with and last longer?

Fill me in,
WROR

To me using either the aluminum or copper gaskets is worth the expense. I've tried both and they work equally well.

I understand that Deadsoft Aluminum and the Copper gaskets are way better. I know that on the copper gaskets you can use those over and over again, head gaskets also. Just pop them in the oven at (I don't remember the temp) for a specified time and viola you have good head / header gaskets.

I actually use the Mr. Gasket Perfect seal header gaskets. A little more expensive than the paper ones but they are way better and not as expensive as the other two types.

I think I am going to get the copper when I go headers cause I want to put them on once & not mess with them for a long time. 8)

I think I am going to get the copper when I go headers cause I want to put them on once & not mess with them for a long time. 8)

Then I'd go with the locking header bolts, the stainless Radiator Hoses and heater hoses (same principal install once and leave it alone) also. :D

Header bolts just will work loose and eventually your prone to an exhaust leak, with locking bolts that is not a problem or is not suppose to be.

I am using the Stainless Steel Radiator Hoses and considering the stainless heater hoses also. I figure it will be a very long time before I have to replace a hose again. I got it to dress up the 80's engine compartment, and it does/will, but the long term benefit outweighs the cost for me.

I'll stick with these perfect seals for now and see what type of mileage I get out of them before I spend more. If they last until the next time I decide to pull the headers then I'll be happy. I need the locking bolts. :D I used a donut packing in the collector to keep from having to replace those all the time. I use to keep two sets of collector gaskets with me all the time and one set of those paper Mr. Gasket header gaskets, no kidding. Not now well, hoping for these newer gaskets to be better. I have aluminum heads and they seem to be a bit more of a problem trying to keep everything tight all the time.

Pete. Those stainless steel radiator hoses won't last forever because you have to use rubber adaptor hoses at both ends to connect to the radiator and water pump/water outlet. I have had these hoses installed on my '55 Chevy for maybe 7-8 years and they haven't leaked yet but eventually I will have to replace them just like radiator hose. Many years ago I bought some shrink tube hose clamps from Eastwood. I used them on my 1962 Corvette with regular hose and stainless steel overbraid--they look great and work even better. Unfortunately Eastwood doesn't sell them anymore but I think that they are used on heavy trucks. Do any of you know of a source for these clamps? They are a black ring that you put over the hose end and connection, then you heat them up and they shrink tight just like shrink tubing.

That's why I will probadly just saftey wire the bolts. :)