I know that with the factory one piece exhaust manifold, you need to stick to the 10 ft-lb tightening spec to avoid cracking. Is this still necessary with two piece headers (like the Clifford design)? I am thinking that I can 'snug' them up a little tighter to ensure a good seal (mostly for the intake).
What is the general consensus about fastening headers?

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-MattMan
LEANED & MEAN

I think I torqued mine to 180 in-lbs. or 15 ft-lbs. using a Clifford gasket that looks to be about .100" to .125" thick.

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“Buy the ticket, take the ride.”
― Hunter S. Thompson

I have never torqued any header gaskets on any of my header installs. I use the good " green" gasket and tighten them down by feel. Run them till hot and then recheck. If I was to guess I would say they are at least 30 ft lbs.

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2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6

I run them down about as tight as you can (comfortable on hands) with a std. 1/2" wrench or a 1/4" ratchet drive. I'm with Rick, about 30 ft-lbs. Never cracked anything. Green gaskets best (Brian D. has 'em still?), but others work OK too. Remflex is good. Felpro and Victor and others work if the header opening is not too big and you are not using a scalloped 81-up head. I sometimes double those up.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

I put grease or vasoline on both sides of the gasket also. Have re-used them 3 or 4 times.

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2 Mopars come with Spark plug tubes. One is a world class, racing machine. The other is a 426 CI. boat anchor!

12.70 @ 104.6

Great. I am using the 'green gasket' and I did 'torque' things down by hand (tighter than the factory specs for the cast iron). I didn't think I would have any problems, so it looks like I am on the right track.
Thanks guys.

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-MattMan
LEANED & MEAN