I currently have regular felpro D header gaskets and stage 8 locking header bolts, but I all of my primary's are leaking. I want to ditch the stage 8's, I hate them, and they are a PITA to re-tighten, and they really dont even work. And are the regular felpro D gaskets the best?

 

Your gonna get a bunch of people saying a bunch of different variations work. Alot of things work for some people, but yet not for others. That being said. I've had success with some good Mr. Gasket header gaskets and Stage 8s on my old camaro. This time I went with mr gasket header gaskets and the Breslin, split lock bolts and haven't had to retighten it since the install. The Breslins were much easier then Stage 8s to install and work as well if not better.

 

felpro 1406 and ARP stainless bolts (is what i recommend) never had not a one issue with them in over 20,000 miles
use the search button, there was a couple page thread about a month ago on this same topic

 

Felpro seems like a top choice

Personally I like my Stage 8 header bolts, they work great for ME.

 

Mr. Gasket copper's worked great on my old LT1 SS

 

Im using GM multilayer steel gaskets along with 1" 6 pt ARP bolts. I checked the tightness after a couple of heat cycles and only had to re-tighten them once - no leaks!

 

I used Felpro gaskets and never had a problem even though one bolt came out it was still air tight. I now use Split-Lock bolts...they are the bomb A liitle pricey, but I never have to worry about them coming loose and they are easy to get off...no messing with the stage 8 locking clips.

 

Felpro 1406 and ARP 1" stainless bolts, checked them 2 or 3 times over the first 2 weeks and have run over 50,000 miles with no problems.

 

whelp, you know, if you ever do end up with a leak or two, no matter what your favorite gasket or bolt is, try adding 2 or 3 ARP header studs in the bolt holes that are easy to wrench on. Then you can torque that stud nut down until you see stars. And the gasket will be good and squished and the bolts near the stud can be wrenched sorta tight and they shouldn't back out because the gasket shrunk. Header studs are the best invention since the small block chevy engine.
Karl Ellwein

 

I think the big issue with header leaks is the header flange it self. I had leaks as well.

I tried 3 different types of gaskets from metal to Felpro and Mr. Gasket. They all leaked at some point.

When I removed the headers, I took a straight edge across the whole flange. Guess what? They weren't straight. I took my belt sander to the flanges and squared them out. I don't have anymore leaks now.