So - after many years of leak-free service, I need a new header gasket, but no more Downey (I only found this out today)
I trolled around and I see there's a lot of header manufacturers out there, but my question is, are header gaskets specific to manufacturer, or will any of 'em work for me?

 

I'm in the same boat man...

I haven't heard if anyone has taken over for Downey. I'd say as long as it's nice and thick and matches up to header ok, you're golden.

 

Thanks Blue - I'll look around. Have you yourself had to try this yet?

 

No fortunately not, I had a couple blow out because my studs were pulling out and holding torque. After I had the motor rebuilt most of the stud holes got new helicoils and I havent had any issues...yet...but you never know!

 

Ah, helicoils. I think they're looming large in this head's future. Gonna have to be reeel gentle when I put this header back on. The joys of aluminum...

 

Fur sure man. I had Downey (RIP) send me their header stud kit with better nuts and that helped alot. Might get some ARP studs or something

 

just use the toyota gasket .. works better then the downy one anyway , + has the little spark plug shield ..

I used it for years with never a problem .




.

 

Hey Blue - At the risk of sounding ignorant, what are ARP studs?

So I went and got a heavy-duty felpro gasket, says on the box suitable for headers - looks pretty thick alright.

 

Automotive
Racing
Products

Google baby!!!

Specialize in bolts n stuff. Seen their stuff used on heads, headers stuff like that.

 

I've used that fel pro gasket works good until you take it apart its a one timer....ive used the OEM gasket too just gotta modify a few rivets on the heat shield to get a good fit

 

Yep....the stock Toyota one will work just fine.

 

USE REMFLEX!!!! http://www.remflex.com/

nice and thick, slapped one on my stock exhaust manifold and now it sounds like i drive a lifted prius!!!

no heat shield, but plug insulators are cheap

 

This bad boy right here?
http://catalog.remflex.com/TOYOTA_He...t_p/rf7002.htm

 

^^^ yessir!

out of WA too!

 

Dang. Wish I'd seen that before I bought the felpro. Next time - and there will be one, I'm sure..