[Uber]

I've got a blown header gasket, and have a few options available to me...but I don't know which one I need to buy.

I have a set of hedman headers on this engine:



Vortec cast iron heads I believe.

Hedman sells round, square and d-shaped gaskets. I would normally just look at the part number, or match pictures, but neither one of those seems to be paying off right now.

Thanks for the help guys.

[DoubleVision]

This is one that comes up quite often, and I dunno how so many have issues with headers. I have a answer for you as far as what I`ve always used.
If you want to use paper header gaskets, soak them in water for at least 24 hours, this way they expand to seal better and they have moisture so it lasts longer. But I`ve never did this, I`ve always used and still use the stock replacement exhaust manifold gaskets by fel pro. The benefits of them are they`re cheap, they slip in from the top so the whole header doesn`t have to be removed, they`re made of steel mesh so they risist burnout, and they conform nicely to any surface irregularties, and they can be reused several times. These are the ones I used on my vortec headed chevy 350.

[Uber]

Thanks for the help man. I'll give that a try!

[53belair]

on the fel pro gaskets what side has to face the block? the paper side or the side with metal?

[NXS]

I use 96-98 vortec exhaust gaskets, steel shims and they don't blow out. They need a flat faced flange on the header.