How often will i be replacing gaskets if i get new headers? My stock manifold has a small groove in one spot and it is leaking. So i want to know if its worth getting headers or just getting a replacement manifold

 

whats your truck, and what engine and transmission does it have in it?

 

I'm guessing you have a 5.0 or 5.8. I'd say if you get good quality gaskets, you probably won't have much if any issues with them. Most of the gaskets that come with headers are the poor quality paper type. Those don't last. I like Percy's Seal 4 Good gaskets.

Alot of guys like the Summit brand shorties, which are reboxed Pacesetter brand. If you get headers make sure the flanges are 3/8 and not 1/4 inch.

 

I think the biggest problem with headers is with the bolts working loose, that always leads to a blown gasket. I have had both good and bad luck with headers gaskets, the original set I installed with the headers on my truck now never sealed right and for some reason the bolts were always working lose, but after replacing them last summer with Felpros it's been perfect.. no signs of leaks or loose bolts since.

 

I have a 92 f150, 302, 4x4. Im definitely looking towards longtubes if i get headers. I just want to make sure its worth the money. If i do full exhaust, how much of a difference will i feel?

 

Longtubes are one of the single best upgrades you can do for these trucks, on an all stock motor they produce a noticable boost in low rpm TQ and they also maximize the gains from other upgrades you do in the future.

 

not to mention make it louder and sound godly awesome, long as you can get good thick gaskets, one guy i knew used 2 gaskets over each other and tightened the crap outa his bolts then put another bolt behind that one to keep it on, ran great never had issues with it, but then again he was running a 500hp mud truck..

 

When you put on new headers , they need to be re tightened after they go though a couple of heat cycles , cold to hot to cold , you may need to do this a few times and then your set , if you don't the bolts will get lose and blow the gasket...

 

so i guess youre saying i should just keep an eye on the bolts until it seems they are snug?

 

Yes , you need to check the bolts after a few days and re tighten the bolts , after a few heat cycles they will be fine...

 

im not sure what others would say, but i think you should put some header wrapping on it, some fabric made just for that and works wonders on stuff that ive put it on