Headers gasket orientation?

[Winter911]

I just purchased some headers for my 911 but I don’t know which way these gasket go on. I searched the forum but did not find any info on these gaskets since they are not OEM.

There’s a flat side, and a not so flat side

My guess would be flat side towards the head?
Can anyone confirm?

Thanks

Not flat



Flat

[mb911]

That's just a generic fitment gasket not OEM That's why nothing popped up in your search. It likely doesn't matter which way it goes.

[sean m]

Hey Winter.....I noticed you're putting on headers. Did you do away with heat exchangers?
Just curious as this is something I'm looking at doing with my 77 S. Many have said to look at SSI's or old SC exchangers. Just wondering what you're doing?

Let me know if this is the case.

[Winter911]

Originally Posted by sean m

Hey Winter.....I noticed you're putting on headers. Did you do away with heat exchangers?
Just curious as this is something I'm looking at doing with my 77 S. Many have said to look at SSI's or old SC exchangers. Just wondering what you're doing?

Let me know if this is the case.

Yep. from heat exchangers to stainless steel headers. Don’t need heat here in Alabama.
Plus I feel like heat exchangers restrict flow too much. I also like how much more room there is to work without the bulky exchangers.
I’m also excited to hear the difference when I’m done

I was able to get them off with no issues. 0 broken studs. 3 studs came out with the bolt (no big deal). Going to replace them just to be safe.
I used a mapp torch (yellow one). Got each nut red hot, tighten until the nut barely moves, then proceed to back it out. Made some scary noises but it was fine.

[Flat6pac]

Those gaskets are typical of the 77 thermal reactor specific gaskets.
The center insulation is asbestos type.
Bruce

[Winter911]

Originally Posted by Flat6pac

Those gaskets are typical of the 77 thermal reactor specific gaskets.
The center insulation is asbestos type.
Bruce

Bruce that’s good info.
Do you know if the flatter part of these gaskets go against the heads?

[Walt Fricke]

I doubt anyone has paid any attention to this. It just connects two flat surfaces, and both sides of the gasket face equal pressures and roughly the same high heat. I've thought about this with the Porsche gaskets, where there is a crimp side for the round opening, but never could see how it would matter.

I can't say I can tell from your pictures which side is flat, and which less so. Both just look dimpled.