Best Performance Header Gaskets of 2026
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Performance Header Gaskets are designed to provide a tight seal between the exhaust header and the engine block. They are made from high-quality materials that are resistant to heat, corrosion, and wear, ensuring a long-lasting and reliable performance. These gaskets are specifically engineered to withstand the high temperatures and pressures generated by high-performance engines, preventing exhaust leaks and improving overall engine efficiency. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit different engine configurations and are easy to install, making them a popular choice for automotive enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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Top 10 Performance Header Gaskets
Percy Seal-4-Good Gasket 66014
The Percy Gasket 66014 is designed to enhance your vehicle's performance with its durable rectangular/square shape, measuring 1.625 inches by 1.25 inches. As an authorized dealer product, it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, ensuring you receive a quality item. This gasket is ideal for car headers, providing a reliable seal that helps prevent leaks and maintain optimal engine function. With a warranty included, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your purchase is protected.
Percy 66032 Car Header Gasket
The Percy 66032 Seal-4-Good Flange Gasket is a high-quality car header gasket perfect for those who frequently remove headers. It is made with special "dead soft" aluminum that conforms to flanges, ensuring an excellent seal. This gasket is also designed to be port matched for maximum efficiency.
Allstar Performance Header Gasket ALL87268
The Allstar Header Gasket is an essential auto part designed to enhance your vehicle's performance. With dimensions of 5.8 inches in length, 13.7 inches in width, and 2.15 inches in height, it fits seamlessly into your car's engine setup. Weighing just 0.925 pounds, it is lightweight, making installation easier for you. Proudly made in the United States, you can trust its quality and durability. This gasket is specifically categorized for car headers, ensuring it meets the high standards necessary for effective engine sealing and performance optimization.
Allstar Performance Header Gasket
The Allstar Performance ALL87262 D-Port Header Gasket, 1-3/4" is a steel core laminate gasket designed for small block Chevy engines with a 750 in D port. This gasket is perfect for car enthusiasts who are looking for a reliable and durable gasket to ensure their header fits snugly and securely to their engine.
Percy 66002 Car Header Gasket
The Percy 66002 Car Header Gasket is a high-quality collector gasket that can be port matched to fit your needs. Made of special "dead soft" aluminum, it conforms to the flange to create an excellent seal. It is perfect for use with headers that need to be removed frequently.
Percy 66012 Seal-4-Good Flange Gasket for Car Header
The Percy 66012 Seal-4-Good Flange Gasket is a high-quality car header gasket that is made in the United States. It has a package weight of 0.5 pounds and its package dimensions are 23 L x 0.5 H x 4.25 W (inches).
Mr. Gasket 7177C Copper Gasket
The Mr. Gasket Copper Gasket is a top-quality product designed to enhance your vehicle's performance. It is made from premium materials, ensuring durability and a long lifespan, which means you can rely on it for extended use. The installation process is straightforward, saving you time and effort when setting it up. Additionally, this gasket is crafted specifically for performance, helping to improve the overall efficiency of your engine. With this gasket, you can enjoy a hassle-free upgrade that brings tangible benefits to your driving experience.
Mr. Gasket - 9853 Alt Spacer 4X7/16 Univ
This chrome-plated Mr. Gasket - 9853 Alt Spacer 4X7/16 Univ is designed for mounting your alternator directly to the head. With its 4" long tube, it accommodates a 7/16" thread bolt, which increases efficiency. This vehicle-specific product is a great addition for car alternators.
Mr. Gasket Blower Base Gaskets
These blower base gaskets by Mr. Gasket are made with high-quality materials and precision-cut to provide an excellent seal and fit. They are easy to install and durable for long-lasting use. They are also designed to be vehicle-specific, ensuring a perfect fit.
Percy's 66033 Seal-4-Good Flange Gasket
This car header gasket comes with a part number of 66033 and a fit type specific to vehicles. The gasket is designed to seal flanges and measures 56.5 cm in height, 1.5 cm in length, and 10.8 cm in width. The gasket weighs 0.159 kilograms, making it lightweight and easy to install.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are copper header gaskets better?
Copper header gaskets are considered better than composite and MLS gaskets in terms of heat management. Copper, being a better conductor, helps dissipate heat more effectively. It also has direct contact with the block and head, which further aids in transferring heat. Unlike other gaskets, copper prevents heat from getting trapped and causing hot spots.
2. Should I use RTV on exhaust manifold gasket?
RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) sealant should not be used on the entire exhaust manifold gasket. The gasket should be installed clean and dry. However, a small amount of RTV can be applied to the corners of the gasket and any stepped casting areas that have a gap. This helps fill in those areas and ensure a leak-free assembly.
3. Do exhaust gaskets make a difference?
Yes, exhaust manifold gaskets make a significant difference in a car's performance. A faulty gasket can lead to leaking gases, which negatively impact engine performance and efficiency. While it won't cause immediate breakdown, you may experience a noticeable loss of power and acceleration. It is important to address any issues with exhaust gaskets to maintain optimal engine performance.
4. What is the best material for exhaust header gasket?
Copper is considered the best material for exhaust header gaskets. Copper gaskets provide superior thermal conductivity, which helps stabilize head and block temperatures. This conductivity allows them to handle high levels of heat effectively, making copper the ideal choice for exhaust header gaskets.
5. Is it better to have a thicker head gasket?
The thickness of a head gasket can affect compression and sealing. However, it is generally recommended to use the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) specified gasket thickness for most engines. This ensures safe and reliable engine performance by maintaining proper sealing of the combustion chamber and oil and coolant passages.
6. What is the strongest type of head gasket?
Multi-layer steel (MLS) head gaskets are considered the strongest type. They are made of multiple layers of steel, providing durability and a very good seal. However, they can be more challenging to install compared to other types of gaskets.
7. When should you not use RTV sealant?
RTV sealant should not be used in applications where there will be direct exposure to gasoline, such as powersports vehicles. In those cases, a solvent-based gasket maker should be used instead.
8. Can I use Permatex on intake manifold gaskets?
Yes, Permatex offers sealants that are suitable for use on intake manifold gaskets. The Permatex Ultra Gray or Optimum Gray sealants are recommended choices. Additionally, for holding the intake gaskets in place on the head, Edelbrock's Gasgacinch, a contact adhesive, can be used.
During our performance header gasket research, we found 24 performance header gasket products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,023 customer reviews through our big data system to write the performance header gaskets list. We found that most customers choose performance header gaskets with an average price of $30.29.
The performance header gaskets are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of performance header gaskets, including Taylor Cable, Percy's, Allstar Performance, Mr. Gasket, Patriot. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 117 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.