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

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of your air-cooled Volkswagen engine, the last thing you want to deal with is the annoying "chirp" of an exhaust leak. Standard fiber or composite gaskets are notorious for blowing out under the high-pressure and extreme heat cycles of a performance flat-four. These EMPI 1-5/8 inch Copper Slip-in Exhaust Gaskets are engineered to end that cycle forever. By utilizing high-quality, solid copper construction, these gaskets provide a superior seal that conforms to the minor imperfections of your cylinder head exhaust ports and header flanges. Unlike paper-based gaskets that char, brittle, and eventually disintegrate, copper remains resilient, ensuring that your exhaust gases stay inside the tubes where they belong, maintaining optimal backpressure and engine efficiency.

The "slip-in" design of these gaskets is a game-changer for racers and weekend mechanics alike. They are specifically sized for 1-5/8 inch (41mm) performance headers, which are the standard for high-displacement engines like 1914cc, 2110cc, and 2332cc builds. The internal lip helps center the gasket perfectly during installation, preventing the common frustration of a gasket shifting out of place as you tighten your header nuts. Because copper is a soft, malleable metal, it creates a crush-seal that is far more reliable than any other material on the market. Whether you are running a classic Beetle, a rugged Sand Rail, or a high-performance Karmann Ghia, this 4-pack of reusable gaskets is the professional solution for a leak-free, high-flow exhaust system that can withstand the rigors of the street and the strip.

FITMENT

These gaskets are designed for air-cooled Volkswagen Type 1, 2, and 3 engines equipped with aftermarket 1-5/8 inch (41mm) diameter exhaust headers. They are compatible with the following models provided they are running the appropriate performance exhaust system:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950-1979 (Sedan and Convertible)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950-1971 (1600cc Dual Port configurations)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes using VW-based upright engines.
• Note: Specifically sized for 1-5/8 inch (41mm) tubing; will not fit stock diameter (1-3/8 inch) exhaust systems.

SPECS

Every detail of these gaskets is optimized for the high-heat environment of a VW cylinder head. Review the technical specifications below:

• Material: Solid, high-grade architectural copper for maximum heat dissipation and sealing.
• Inner Diameter: 1-5/8 inch (41mm) to match performance header primary tubes.
• Style: Slip-in / Centering lip design for precise alignment.
• Quantity: 4 gaskets per pack (Full engine set).
• Reusable: Yes, copper gaskets can be annealed and reused multiple times.
• Part Number: EMPI 2512-21.
• Corrosion Resistance: Naturally resistant to rust and chemical degradation from exhaust byproducts.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Surface Preparation is Key

Before installing your new copper gaskets, it is vital to ensure that both the cylinder head surface and the header flange are perfectly clean. Use a gasket scraper or a fine-grit sanding block to remove any leftover residue from old fiber gaskets. Even a small amount of carbon buildup can prevent the copper from seating correctly. If your header flanges are slightly warped from years of heat, the copper will conform to some degree, but for the best seal, check the flange for flatness with a straight edge before assembly.

Tip 2: The Reusability Secret (Annealing)

One of the best features of copper gaskets is that they don''t have to be thrown away after one use. If you have to pull your engine or swap headers, you can "renew" these gaskets through a process called annealing. Simply heat the gaskets with a propane torch until they reach a dull cherry red color, then immediately quench them in a bucket of cold water. This process softens the copper back to its original malleable state, allowing it to crush and seal perfectly once again. Never try this with composite gaskets!

Tip 3: The Double-Nut and Heat Cycle Method

Copper is a soft metal, which is why it seals so well, but it can also "settle" after the first few drives. After installing the gaskets and tightening your header nuts to the factory torque spec, take the car out for a 20-minute drive to get the engine up to full operating temperature. Once the engine has completely cooled down, go back and re-torque the nuts. You will often find they have loosened slightly as the copper compressed. For ultimate reliability, use 8mm copper-clad exhaust nuts or a "long nut" to ensure you have plenty of thread engagement and to prevent backing off over time.