Corylax18

2010 XLT 5.4L

I just recently got my Stainless works exhaust headers delivered and they are at the powder coater now. My question is, do I really need an gasket or will a thick bead of Red RTV do the trick?

The guys at Stainless Works said not to use gaskets, that due to the quailty and thickness(3/8") of the flanges that no gaskets are needed. I already bought some stage 8 Locking headers bolts and I have a new tube of RTV sitting at the house.

So, is investing in the gaskets worth it/neccesary?

SirJames

is there two different metals like stainless to carbon or stainless to another grade of stainless like 316-409 if so it will rust if they are touching

kmac1036

unless I'm missing something, I've NEVER put RTV sealant anywhere on the exhaust system. it's not rated for that high of a temp.

kmac1036

it's stainless to aluminum (the 5.4 has aluminum heads too like mine). great point.... I'd say you'll need gaskets.

otto457

On the 5.4L the OEM gaskets used with the factory manifolds are the best quality. RTV isn't really for a header/manifold. Even the red is only rated to 650 degrees, your EGTs are around 1000 normally. Check to make sure the bolts are long enough with the gasket in there since the flanges are thick.

SirJames

i would also say a gasket just so it rots and not the flanges

Corylax18

Using only the RTV didnt seem to make much sense to me either. The Headers are Stainless and the block is Ironif im not mistaken, so yes there will be contact between the two different metals if there is no gasket installed.

If I'm gunna do it Im not gunna mess around and get some cheapy ones that will blow out after a few months. Does any one know if the OEM gaskets are compatible with after market longtubes? I was thinking that a nice set of cooper gaskets might be best(low oxidation/reactivity). Has any put the stainless works Headers on there truck? If so what did you use?

Corylax18

I've found the copper gaskets I'm looking for on the summit website, however they only show that they are available for the 4.6L Modular w/ 1.5" round ports. I know that the tubes on the Headers are 1 7/8". But I can't seem to find anything on the port sizing/bolt spacing for the 5.4L 3V modular.

I found these on the speedwaymotors site, bur couldnt find any specs on them; http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Dynate...ets,48717.html

jcain

If you're planning on installing the headers to the block, you might want to have someone else do it right.

fordfan77

I say use the gasket, On my old Mustang I used factory gaskets on my headers because the ones that came with the headers leaked right away. The factory replacement gaskets never leaked with the headers.

I wouldn't have powder coated them either, stainless won't rust out like old school bare steel headers, and looks cooler than powder coat.