Which header gasket is best?

[Dynamohum]

Upon removing the exhaust (after) 43 years I could see that the OEM ring gaskets were a certain kind, one of those shown below. Is one better than the other?

IMG_0201.png

IMG_0199.png

[Jeff Bennetts]

I prefer the cooper, you can reneeal them and reuse them.

[daves79x]

The green ones are quite robust and last forever, however they are a bit thick and can present installation problems until you get them squished, and they don't squish a lot. They tap in place, unlike most copper ones that you must oval a bit to stay in place. There is nothing better than the OEM ones, too bad Honda stopped making them years ago. Another thing we should have stocked up on!

Dave

[CBX-tras]

I prefer the copper ones but have used both.

The recess in the head isn't round, "bump-outs" where the studs are. I use a large socket as a tool to insert them.

If yours' are little small, a dab or 2 of RTV will hold them in place until you get the pipe/collar installed.

[Dynamohum]

The combination gasket, two piece collar and star seems a tad overdone doesn’t it? Wutta PITA working alone! And why’d they add a cross over pipe, just to make assembly even harder?

[Larry Zimmer]

Crossover pipe for mid-range torque.