When I fist bought my 93 F-250 HD it had an exhaust tick. I had a broken #4 bolt that I ended up taking the head off and getting a machinist to remove. I convince my wife that I needed headers and got a great set of Doug Thorley's. A Short time later a tick was back, this time the front #5 had fallen out and of course the gasket failed. This time I had to order a complete set of hardware to get a pair of gaskets. I replaced only the left side since that was the one leaking. Now my #6 rear bolt has fallen out and of course another blown gasket.
I have the other gasket from Thorley and this time I have ordered a set of Stage-8 header bolts.

So the question is, since I am going to replace all of the bolts anyway, should I throw in new gaskets on both sides? If so what kind? Thorley of course wants you to by theirs, but wont sell just the gaskets, you have to buy all the mounting hardware. My neighbor is boasting about how great his yet to be installed Remflexs are going to be, but I have read that many are unhappy with them.

My inclination is since my problem is not with the gasket but rather with the bolts, I should just use the remaining Thorley gasket I have with the new Stage-8 bolts

Thanks, Rich

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCE-Gaskets-4135-Exhaust-Gaskets-Header-Copper-Ford-Big-Block-385-Series-Pair-/390855564278?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5b00ce9bf6&vxp=mtr
These are the gaskets I used. Very forgiving and work real well.

 

I have had good results from my Remflex gaskets. If you having trouble with bolts backing out I HIGHLY suggest a set of Stage 8 locking header bolts.

 

Thanks guys! Yeah I think I will go with the Stage-8 bolts and use the other Thorley gasket that I have. The right side that I originally installed with the headers has never given me a problem.
The only problem I am having with Stage-8 is Amazon. Amazon has always been a straight forward deal, order, receive done. This order has been very disappointing. Contacted Stage-8 and they were great! They don't drop ship for Amazon so it is my theory that Amazon lists them, wait for enough orders to order in bulk and then ships them out. Order cancelled and placed with Summit Racing.