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#1 permalink
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Which header gaskets to use? As you know I am in the process of installing Kooks headers on my 08 GT. Should I use the Kooks header gaskets or the new set of factory gaskets that I have already purchased? What about torquing the bolts? As you know it will be a b---h! to get a torque wrench on them. Also, do I need to retighten after some run time? This will also be a double b---h!! since everything will be back together. I sure don't want to have to deal with exhaust leaks down the road like I did with my header equipped 5.0s.
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08 GT 5 spd Man. SCT X3 w Bamachips 93 perf. tune, FRPP 3:73 gears, FRPP GT500 fuel pump, Dynotech alum. ds, Kooks LTs w X pipe, Steeda CAI, UDPs, cmcv del., lightweight radiator support, Tri-ax shifter, lcas, adj uca, adj panhard bar, Borla Stingers, H&R rear springs, Godspeed Omegas 18x9 fr/ 18x10 rear with Nitto 255/45 & 285/40s, Agent 47 mirrors, GT500 rear spoiler, CDC chin spoiler, billet upper and lower grills, sequential tail lights, tinted windows, FRPP Hoodpins, Supercharger soon !!
#2 permalink
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Gulfport
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i would use the kooks gaskets, and yes re-tighten after a couple of heat-cool cycles. very important.
don't forget anti-seize also.....
#3 permalink
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Use the OEM Ford gaskets. Even the Kooks instructions say to reuse them if possible.
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#4 permalink
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Rouyn-Noranda
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
TheKurgan Use the OEM Ford gaskets. Even the Kooks instructions say to reuse them if possible.
+1...That's what I did...
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#5 permalink
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I only use OEM gaskets.
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Mountain Home AFB
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Same here, OEM.
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#7 permalink
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Will I need to retighten after a couple of run cycles with the OEM gaskets? If so, will I have to remove starter, cold air intake, motor mounts etc, to do this?
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08 GT 5 spd Man. SCT X3 w Bamachips 93 perf. tune, FRPP 3:73 gears, FRPP GT500 fuel pump, Dynotech alum. ds, Kooks LTs w X pipe, Steeda CAI, UDPs, cmcv del., lightweight radiator support, Tri-ax shifter, lcas, adj uca, adj panhard bar, Borla Stingers, H&R rear springs, Godspeed Omegas 18x9 fr/ 18x10 rear with Nitto 255/45 & 285/40s, Agent 47 mirrors, GT500 rear spoiler, CDC chin spoiler, billet upper and lower grills, sequential tail lights, tinted windows, FRPP Hoodpins, Supercharger soon !!
#8 permalink
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
KDT Will I need to retighten after a couple of run cycles with the OEM gaskets? If so, will I have to remove starter, cold air intake, motor mounts etc, to do this?
You shouldn't have to. I've never needed to retighten mine.
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#9 permalink
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10-4 stl, thanks! I am going to snug everything up good with a new set of OEM gakets and let it ride. I guess I will use the bolts supplied with the headers.
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08 GT 5 spd Man. SCT X3 w Bamachips 93 perf. tune, FRPP 3:73 gears, FRPP GT500 fuel pump, Dynotech alum. ds, Kooks LTs w X pipe, Steeda CAI, UDPs, cmcv del., lightweight radiator support, Tri-ax shifter, lcas, adj uca, adj panhard bar, Borla Stingers, H&R rear springs, Godspeed Omegas 18x9 fr/ 18x10 rear with Nitto 255/45 & 285/40s, Agent 47 mirrors, GT500 rear spoiler, CDC chin spoiler, billet upper and lower grills, sequential tail lights, tinted windows, FRPP Hoodpins, Supercharger soon !!
#10 permalink
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
stlwagon You shouldn't have to. I've never needed to retighten mine.
Ditto. Do it right the first time and you shouldn't have any problems...just lots of codes due to O2's being further back.
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#11 permalink
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you may consider using the header bolts with the clips to prevent them from backing out. I have them and they work well. No problems to date.
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#12 permalink
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Rio Rancho
New Mexico
Do not re-use the old gaskets buy new OEM stock gaskets. I never had to tighten mine up again. I used loctite and torqued to spec. No leaks no problems. STOCK gaskets.
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#13 permalink
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Do you know what the torque spec is just by chance?
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08 GT 5 spd Man. SCT X3 w Bamachips 93 perf. tune, FRPP 3:73 gears, FRPP GT500 fuel pump, Dynotech alum. ds, Kooks LTs w X pipe, Steeda CAI, UDPs, cmcv del., lightweight radiator support, Tri-ax shifter, lcas, adj uca, adj panhard bar, Borla Stingers, H&R rear springs, Godspeed Omegas 18x9 fr/ 18x10 rear with Nitto 255/45 & 285/40s, Agent 47 mirrors, GT500 rear spoiler, CDC chin spoiler, billet upper and lower grills, sequential tail lights, tinted windows, FRPP Hoodpins, Supercharger soon !!
#14 permalink
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
KDT Do you know what the torque spec is just by chance?
18ft/lb's IIRC. Don't overtorque or you'll strip the aluminum heads.
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#15 permalink
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I re-used the OEM gaskets and they were just fine.
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Which header gaskets to use? 
don't forget anti-seize also.....
