I just received my JDM/Kooks long tubes yesterday. Look sweet, can't wait to get them installed.

After doing some searches, I guess the paper gaskets that came with the set are junk and I should not use them. There also appears to be some differences of opinions on whether to use the stock studs or install the bolts that came with them.

This is what I plan on doing.

1) Re-use (or buy new) stock OEM exhaust manifold gaskets.
2) Use current exhaust studs and nuts.
3) Buy Mr. Gasket 2.5 collector gaskets (part #5980).
4) Torque exhaust studs to 9 ft/lbs and nuts to 18 ft/lbs.

Hopefully I am on the right track. I guess some people are using Stage 8 headers bolts, part number 8906 and Ford Performance Parts exhaust manifold gaskets, part number M-9448-A462.

Any thoughts and input would help.

Thanks and drive safe......

 

I reused the stock manifold gaskets and haven't had any leaks.
I don't think you'll be able to use all of the stock studs because of clearance and tightening issues. I used the studs where I could. Just remeber to tighten all of the bolts a few times in the first couple of weeks of driving it. After that they shouldn't loosen.

I also used the paper collector gaskets they supplied and have not had one blow yet (it's been over a year).

Good luck!

 

Thanks, anyone else with L.T's who want to chime in...

 

Brad, I kept the stock manifold gaskets. Those are reusable and work great. No leaks.

I reused the stock stud/nuts. Some of the lower, rear passenger side bolts are a pain. I couldn't figure out a way to use the supplied header bolts, so I kept the stock stud/nuts.

For the collector gaskets, I bought some copper gaskets from Ramchargers. They may have been the Mr. Gasket brand, I can't remember. Being that I bought my set used, I didn't get bolts for the collector/cat connection, so I bought some stainless ones from Sears.

Those torque specs sound right as well. Depending on what you use (stud/nuts, header bolts) you might not be able to get a accurate torque reading on the two lower, rear passenger side bolts. The tubes just get in the way. I checked mine a couple weeks after driving the truck and haven't had issues since.

If you need a hand putting them in, I can stop by and help. You're not that far away.

Bob

PS. Figure on about 7-10 hours to remove the stock system and install the new. All depends on your level of expertise and tools on hand. I found a stubby wrench for some of the nuts worked best.

 

Same here -used the studs when I could, the bolts when I couldn't. Stock manifold gaskets -no leaks yet! I did have to replace both of the POS paper collector gaskets. They're crap!

The sound is awesome.

Have fun with the install -it's a blast!!!

 

You're gonna like the long tube headers, and if you're running alot of boost you'll see even more gain, I would not run anything else, John H.

 

I just finished this install.
Re-used the stock header gaskets.
Used the Mr Gasket collector gaskets. NAPA carriers them.
I used all header bolts, no studs.
and it is very handy to have the ratcheting wrenches.

Have fun, it's a pretty big job without a lift in your garage.