I received a new set of AlphaWerks headers and when I inspected the header flanges with a straight edge, I noticed that the right side flange was warped slightly. I found a gap between the straight edge and the middle of the flange where the middle header tube is. The gap is approximately less than 1mm at its widest point. Has anyone experienced this with the AlphaWerks Headers or with any other header brand? I plan on using new gaskets so when the header is torqued down on the engine, will the exhaust gasket and the torque on the bolts effectively eliminate the gap and seal the header properly? What is an acceptable amount of surface distortion for a header? Thanks in advance for your answers.

 

you want you mating surfaces to be as flat as possible... but... you should be fine

 

oracle........contact AlphaWerks and get them to answer that question....you do not want to pay someone or DIY the header install, and then have to chase a leak.......

 

^+1

 

I sent them an email and they just responded 'Just make sure that you use new gaskets...' Unless there is anyone who has had a bad experience with leaks because of a warped header flange, I guess I will just to have them installed with new gaskets and see what happens

 

i have the same problems with the alphawerk.... but when you install them, make sure you have the oem gaskets, and when you tighten them, tighten them from the inner first to the outside......they should be fine, mine doesn't have any problems... you'll love the mid range power.....

 

take it to a machine shop and have them resurface the mounting face on their lathe. shouldnt cost much...it's just piece of mind.