Exhaust Gaskets, 1-5/8 Copper, 4 Pack

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing high-performance numbers out of your air-cooled Volkswagen, the standard paper or composite exhaust gaskets simply won''t cut it. The intense heat cycles of a high-output Type 1 or Type 2 engine can quickly char and degrade inferior materials, leading to the dreaded exhaust leak that robs you of power and creates an annoying ticking sound. These EMPI 1-5/8 inch copper exhaust gaskets are engineered to end the cycle of blown gaskets forever. Unlike traditional materials that brittle and crack over time, solid copper provides a superior thermal conductivity and a malleable sealing surface that conforms to the minor imperfections of your header flanges. This 4-pack ensures that you have a complete set for a full engine refresh, providing a professional-grade seal that withstands the extreme temperatures found at the exhaust ports of a performance-built flat-four.

The beauty of choosing copper for your 1-5/8 inch merged header or performance exhaust system lies in its reusability and durability. These gaskets are designed specifically for larger diameter performance tubing, ensuring there is no restriction in the exhaust flow as the gases exit the cylinder head. Because copper is a soft metal, it acts as a "crush" washer of sorts, creating a true positive seal that fills in the microscopic gaps between the head and the flange. Whether you are running a weekend warrior street car, a dedicated drag racer, or a rugged off-road dune buggy, these gaskets provide the reliability you need to keep your engine running at peak efficiency. Stop wasting time and money on cheap gaskets that fail after a few heat cycles; upgrade to the industry standard for high-performance VW exhaust sealing and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a leak-free system.

FITMENT

These gaskets are designed for performance air-cooled Volkswagen engines equipped with 1-5/8 inch (41mm) diameter exhaust headers. Please verify your header tube size before ordering.

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle / Bug: 1950 through 1979 (With performance headers)
• Volkswagen Type 1 Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974 (With performance headers)
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter / Kombi: 1950 through 1971 (With performance headers)
• Volkswagen Type 3 Squareback / Fastback / Notchback: 1961 through 1973 (With performance headers)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974 (With performance headers)
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing Type 1 upright engines with 1-5/8 inch exhaust systems.

SPECS

• Material: High-Quality Solid Copper
• Inner Diameter: 1-5/8 Inches (41.2mm)
• Thickness: Heavy-duty gauge for maximum sealing potential
• Quantity: 4 Gaskets per pack
• Compatibility: Fits most standard 2-bolt performance VW header flanges
• Part Number: 17-2821-0 (EMPI)
• Design: Reusable, blow-out proof construction
• Application: High-temperature exhaust port sealing

PRO TIPS

1. The Secret to Reusability: Annealing

While these copper gaskets are advertised as reusable, the best way to ensure they seal perfectly a second or third time is to "anneal" them. Over time and through multiple heat cycles, copper can become "work-hardened" and lose its softness. Before reinstalling a used copper gasket, simply heat it with a propane torch until it reaches a dull cherry red color, then immediately quench it in a bucket of cold water. This process resets the molecular structure of the copper, making it soft and pliable again so it can once again crush and conform to your exhaust flanges for a perfect, leak-free seal.

2. Flange Preparation is Paramount

Even the best copper gasket cannot compensate for a severely warped or filthy exhaust flange. Before installing your new EMPI gaskets, use a flat file or a sanding block with 80-grit sandpaper to check the flatness of your header flanges. If you see high or low spots, continue filing until the surface is uniform. Ensure the cylinder head exhaust ports are scraped clean of any old gasket residue or carbon buildup. A clean, flat mating surface combined with the sealing properties of copper is the only way to guarantee you won''t be dealing with exhaust leaks down the road.

3. Torque and Re-Torque After Heat Cycles

Copper gaskets are excellent, but they do require a bit of "settling" time. When you first install them, torque your exhaust nuts to the factory specification in an even, alternating pattern. After you have run the engine through a full heat cycle (letting it get up to operating temperature and then cooling down completely to ambient temperature), go back and check the torque on the nuts again. You will often find that the nuts have loosened slightly as the copper has "crushed" into place. Tightening them down one final time after that first heat cycle is the pro-level trick to ensuring those gaskets stay sealed for the life of the engine.