First of all, specs I guess. that's important haha.
1986 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER
305CI (REBUILT @ 65-70K?? can't remember, has 150K)
Single stock exhaust Y pipe stock etc. cat, muffler.

I've been thinking about headers for a long time. I finally have money for some decent headers and I want a pair that WON'T LEAK. I just dont want flimsy stuff, like thing metal etc...what headers should I look at? I like JEGS they've done me good in the past. So I was thinking about ordering from there, I have my eye on this set

http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker-Headers/520/2453/10002/-1

I need opinions, DO's and DON'Ts etc. What to look for, brand, leak wise, quality etc.

Thanks guys.

 

I have a set of those on my '74. You will have to tighten the bolts a few times after the initial install, but once everything is tightened down and staying put, no leaks.

*Moving to Headers, Intake, & Exhaust*

 

I never had a set that didn't leak at the gasket. Probably because I had cheap headers (Hedman). I hope the newer ones are better.

 

A tip, if you grind the header flange flat and use high temp rvt silicone as a gasket they will never leak.

 

The thickness of the flange will be a factor in whether the headers will leak (from warpage) or not. As previously mentioned, insuring the mating surface of the flange is flat (especially where the tubes are welded to the flange) is also important. Locking bolts will eliminate the problem of the bolts coming loose due to heating/cooling cycles. Using thread-lock on the bolts is also a good idea.

 

I had a set of Flowtech LT's on my 86 Silverado and they leaked a good bit, but I re-installed them using manifold gaskets and they didn't leak, so I would use factory manifold gaskets, not the header gaskets in the kit. Also like mentioned, maybe so loctite so the bolts don't come loose, they make two kinds, one that can come loose when you try to remove the bolts and one kind that's a permanent seal, I think a red and black type.

 

Sweet, thanks guys. I'll take all that to heart. Loctite, stock gaskets, making sure they are straight and hi temp RTV. appreciate it.