Stainless Steal Headers to 4 " side pipes

[JON1D]

The standard header gaskets don't last as they go brittle and cannot take up any uneven surface so I bought some gasket material and made my own set out of 3mm thick gasket material which can be cut and grinded to shape.
I was looking at making a copper set as these are used by drag racers and never blow out. You have to anneal the copper and make a stamp to raise the section around the port to make a better seal. But the latest gasket set has now been in for two years and been fine.

[Kev Davies UKCC Membership]

high temperature RTV is available too.

[KevinW]

I used clear silicone bathroom sealant smeared onto the last inch of my header pipes before they were slotted into the 4:1 sidepipe receiver, then left to go off.
Never leaked.

[Chris]

Hi Paul,
when I fitted my Rv8 headers to the stainless bends I did use exhaust sealing compound, can't remember
which one it was, it wasn't fire gum, that I know .
The system did leak a bit for a while until the carbon built up in the system but as I say not for long.
As for the Allen bolts you mentioned, I don't have them as the individual headers are just bolted with two
bolts per pipe, yours is a Chevy 350 so different .My headers are also sleeved up a fraction so as to fit
into the standard four inch collectors .
The drain/side pipes are supported by flat steel bars with rubber bobbins that are reasonably flexible.
I am now touching wood when I mention this as I have not had any cracking issues with over 12k on the
clock and over twenty years.
Sorry I can't come up with any thing else to help,
Good luck,
Chris.

[Paul Isaia]

Hi Chris,
Thanks for replying.

How have you sealed your pipes into the collector?
I've used all sorts of stuff but they still leak after a while.

I am going to try and find out who makes the exhaust systems for the different Cobra replica kits.
I know Dax looks like they come out lower than the SRV8, but surely some companys bang out these side pipe exhaust systems?

That dam Allen bolt in the middle is annoying if it jams, I had to cut through the gasget, heat and release for hours before it loosened a few years back.
Cheers Paul

[Chris]

Would like to put stainless headers on my RV8 set up at some stage that's if it is possible to get them
done ?
Nothing wrong with with my mild steel four pipes  in to stainless collector bend then to the drain pipes.
I had this set up for over twenty years now and just what to be able replace the individual header pipes
that I'm sure will need to replaced at some point.
At the time I did have the option to go with stainless headers but there were issues with cracking so
just when with mild steel option .
Will be looking around for an upgrade due to the age .
Chris.

[Paul Isaia]

Hi all,
I am having to have a complete engine rebuild and new transmission, along with new radiators and numerous other upgrades   
Chevy 350 engine.
The Roadcraft exhaust headers have always been an issue for me.
Mild steal, which has split, but have been welded.
That awful plate with a center allen type bolt which always is a pain to remove.
No proper plate and seal connecting to the side pipes, which means, leaks no matter what sealant stuff I use.

Has any one had a new set made, plus the MG steering coloum does have to be involved so no standard setup would probably work?

Do anyone have any ideas or what it might cost.
I cant seem to find any one to give me a price at the moment!

If I cant get or afford S/S has anyone had the old type converted with a coupling plate?

Im down near Bournemouth area.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks Paul