3 options here.

1. Reuse the stock ones: The stock metal ones should be reusable, but since the flanges may not be the same, will it re-torque properly not leaving gaps?

2. Use the ones provided by S&S: I have had bad experiences using these paper types. But may work fine uim not sure.

3. Buy new factory gaskets: This is the priciest option by far, but probly the most safe, but is it a nessesary cost?

What do you guys think?

What have the people that have installed the headers done themselves?

 

good stuff. let me know.. i'm interested to know also

 

Def don't use the S & S supplied gaskets.

All of us locals (5) bought new OEM replacements when we did our headers.

If your installer will inspect your old gaskets and guarantee they won't leak then go for it.

If you are doing it yourself, I'd say new gaskets are cheap insurance. You are already saving $800 to 1000 labor if you DIY. I'd invest in new gaskets.

 

Option 3 only. I know a few people said that the header gasket and the cat gasket look ok and they reused them.

The manual says that the are not reuseable. You'll probably ok, like RMMGS4 said it is cheap insurance.

It is aready a pain in the a##s installing them why chance it to a head gasket leak a pull it back a part? just my $.02

New head gasket only $15 each and cat gasket $7 each.

 

Just completed this mod and must say go with oem gaskets.The s&s are junk and if there is a prob you definatly dont want to go through this process again for the sake of saving a few bucks.

 

The stock metal ones are over 100 bucks each!

 

Not even close I believe they are around 20-25 each

 

I will have to check lexus then cause I got a jobber quote.

 

OOps,I mean header gasket not head gasket. I'll get you the gasket #'s. A head gasket is a lot more I got mine from Carson Toyota for $20 found it later at Plano Lexus for $15 each shipped.

 

Plano, that's where I got mine, too. Good price shipped.

 

Hollywood,
header gasket #1717-50021 $15.47 Plano Lexus

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...01&catalogid=1

Tee Lex,
Did you notice much difference after your header install?

 

Hollywooood,
I hope you got new gaskets ordered. You got some kind of bogus price quote there, they really are closer to the $15 others mentioned, and well worth it.

My stock ones, with 100,000 miles looked JUST FINE, and probably could have been re-used. You'll see that they are made out of layers of spring steel. They keep their original shape very nicely.


Still, good insurance for only $30-$50 to get new ones. I know I don't want to get back in there and mess with anything again!