I've placed my order for the X51 headers yesterday. Is it necessary to replace my header gaskets if they are in good condition? What would be the benefit of this?

Thanks in advance,
Darren

 

Benefit? A guaranteed no leak installation. If you re-use the old gaskets and they happen to leak after you get everything buttoned up, you get to do the installation all over again.

 

And, they are cheap.

 

I changed them when I did mine, but I left the cat gaskets alone as they were in good shape, metal, and are easier to change than the header gaskets. The header gaskets are cheap, do them and give yourself peace of mind.

 

Thanks all... I'll have to order them and wait a little longer.

 

In addition to the header gaskets, I suggest you replace the header bolts also. Again, they are inexpensive and when completed, you will know all the components are correct. When you ordered the headers, the parts person should have asked if you wanted new gaskets and bolts.
Make sure you torq the bolts to the correct spec. I believe it is 19 ft/lbs.
Please double check with your dealer tech to confirm.
If you really want to go all the way, you can have the headers Jet Hot Coated for a fantastic look. http://www.jet-hot.com/headercoatings.html
No affiliation with them.
I had mine done and really liked how they looked and trusted the technology associated with the coating.

 

Totally agree. I went with a set of copper head and cat gaskets and replaced all of the hardware with stainless on both ends. No leaks, no chance of rust, perfect.
And I believe it's 17 lbs for the head bolts but clearly you should check. Very low and non-intuitive. Further you should retorque them after the first 100 miles or so using a very 'evenly distributed' tightening pattern both times. Also, as I noted earlier, don't forget the intensive WD-40 campaign before you attempt to remove the head bolts. Broken head bolts are beyond my pay grade.

 

where are you guys ordering your header gaskets? i'd prefer to simply do it online instead of making a trip to a local dealer. checked suncoast, but couldn't find header gaskets on the site. guess i'll have to actually pick up the phone...

 

Might suggest you use PB Blaster vs WD40 . Have found it to be more effective than WD40.