Another header install question - gasket?

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mattjm321

mattjm321

10 Year
Joined
Oct 16, 2012
Threads
12
Messages
77
Location
Raleigh, NC USA
So I've been working on doing the DT header install after work the last 3 days and I'm finally ready to install the DS header. According to the instructions, I'm supposed to reuse the gasket already present (and I've got a new OEM one from Toyota). They also supplied a asbestos looking gasket. Am I supposed to double up and use both?
 
Use the new OEM gasket.
 
FWIW on round two, the warranty replacement SS set, I used the felt head to header gasket DT supplied; so far so good. They didn't include any gaskets with the earlier shipments...
 
So I talked to Mike at customer service at DTH this morning once they're time zone caught up with EST. He said use just the supplied gasket that shipped with the headers (after first saying use the OEM, then stack them)..

I didn't feel like he really knew what he was talking about, disappointingly. He finally said it was my preference - and I said I'd rather know what they as the manufacturer recommend as the correct part, not my personal feelings on the matter.

Has anyone else got any input?
 
Fair enough. So one of you replaced a failed header and used the supplied gasket, the other used OEM.

Btw here is a picture of my actual leak. This was the cylinder closest to the headlights on the driver side. This leak was barely barely audible after the truck had warmed up and the throttle was open.

picture.php
 
At the end of the day I doubt if it really matters whether you use OEM or the included DT header gaskets. I haven't had issue with either...but to be fair and cause you further consternation :D the OEMs had 200k-ish miles on them and the DT about 6-months (made the swap last summer).
 
I used OEM. 20k and no problems. My headers were from the first GB.
 
FWIW, I used anti-seize on all of my studs on reassembly. They've stayed nice an torqued down, but I can still easily get them off with a box/open if I need to.
 
Finished the install on my 2000 LC. Well I've bolted everything back together and gone for a shake down drive before torquing everything down one last time. Unfortunately on the the way back the CEL came on :frown:. I'll have to run to Autozone in the morning to check to see what the issue is - I'll wait until then to put all the aero plates back on. During the install I replaced one faulty O2 sensor that threw a code literally the day before I started the project.

The LC definitely feels lighter. That dyno result thread indicated somewhere around 20 wheel horsepower. I thought there was no way - but it actually feels like more than you'd realistically expect.

I saw DTH was doing a Christmas sale in another thread. I thought I'd share some lessons learned from my install that I didn't see in the FAQ guide:

- It took me roughly 5 days working 2+ hours each day or so after work using just hand tools. Now that I've done one I could do the next faster. I'm by no means a gifted mechanic.
- Have a dremel or some other small and maneuverable cutting device for stripped nuts or cutting the DS heat shield in half. I couldn't get it out without cutting.
- Get a 14mm swivel ratcheting head wrench.
- Be careful and watch the fan and shroud when jacking the motor. They'll flex a little.
- I decided to use new OEM gaskets instead of the supplied gasket from DTH. Time will tell if that was the right decision. I wish DTH would clarify what they recommend.
 
Congratulations! That is a pretty large job you just finished. I consider myself a pretty capable do-it-yourselfer but I still have a brand new set of DT headers in my garage from the 2nd group buy. I will get the nerve and the time one day soon.

If you have the skills to do a header install, you really ought to do yourself a favor and purchase a OBDII code reader. I bought this one off the shelf at Walmart and have been very pleased.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000EVWDAK?tag=ihco-20

I have used it on my 01 LC, my wife's 03 Tahoe, my son's 08 F150 and my brothers 04 LX470. It has paid for itself several times over.

Again, congrats on tackling that big job and completing it. Go have a cold beer!

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD
 
Thanks. When it's all said and done this was one of the more rewarding install I've done because of the noticeable performance difference. Go ahead and start on yours - it's not that bad.

Turns out the fault was the other upstream O2 sensor that I hadn't replaced. Guess that's the result of trying to save a buck. Swapped it out tonight and no more CEL after a 20 minute ride to my folk's house on the other side of town.

I need to get a scanner considering all the cars of mine I'm piecing together. Btw, I don't ever really by parts from Autozone unless it's a last minute thing. For example, they were asking $96 (tax included) for a Denso O2 sensor. I got the same one for $54 from a friend of mine who owns his own parts store.

I'd be interested in seeing where the other common leaks were for others who have to replace their manifolds.
 
Final follow up before letting this thread die. It's been 2.5 weeks and no leaks or issues from the OEM gasket. The Doug Thorley headers are great quality and would strongly recommend them.
 
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