udderbrudder

I think he'd be better off to use quality (Motorcraft) gaskets. The Motorcrafts are layered steel. They actually last a long time unless studs break. Then any gasket will burn up.
If you don't want to plane the headers, you could at least check them for trueness with a machined straight edge. A carpenter's square, if it's not damaged,will work.

Carcrazygts2

Wont work for this application. The exhaust temps are higher in FI vehicles than carb'd vehicles.

Smart decision. Use a light coat of Permatex Ultra Copper it will allow them to seal better.

OE Motorcraft gaskets are not available any where except Ford. The ones from O'Riellys, and other parts stores are Felpro Carbon based gaskets. They will work for a few days. Once a leaks starts they have to be replaced.

Charlie86GT50

Yeah. The ones from ford are ticker layered steel. Iam going to check for trueness as recommended above and hope for the best. I've gotta get a 8 or 10 point wrench. The 6 point just doesn't cut it.

Would putting the copper permatex on the motorcraft gaskets hurt anything? Or should I just use the gasket?

Carcrazygts2

I used it on the header side only. It will with stand +1000 degrees. I used it on the header side of the gasket only. As long as the block is clean you wont need it on the head side. It wont hurt anything it will just help the headers seal if there are some informalities in the header flanges.

udderbrudder

I wouldn't use any sealer with Motorcraft gaskets. Thet're designed to seal the way they come.

Charlie86GT50

Anyone know an easier way to tighten up the bolts on the drivers side? Rather than a 1/4 turn at a time

Carcrazygts2

Buy a 12 pt socket. I used a 3/8" drive socket the used a adapter to 1/4 to snugg them down.

Charlie86GT50

Sounds good. Thanks everyone for your advice I'll let u know how I make out

Charlie86GT50

So i figured i give you guys an update. i finally got around to redoing these header gaskets, i spent $100 on the OE Ford gaskets. and gues what? no change! the headers still sound like **** under a load, i'm baffled, i tighteend and retightened all the bolts. So i guess i'm going to spend another $400 ontop of the $400 ive got into the project and go buy OEM Ford manifolds and start fresh. My advise to others is this, its a truck and unless you're dyno tuning your truck the un-noticable 15 or so horsepower your going to gain is not worth the head ache. unless someone else how any other ideas i'm stumped.

Almighty

That sucks you had a problem with them but most people have a good experience with headers