I just had my headers resurfaced by Brian, and he had to add material to certain spots because they were so warped. My thinking is, if the thick steel manifold warped, wouldn't the aluminum head warp that much easier?

Since it is a port, there is no way to get a true measurement on if the head is warped or not.

Trying to figure out if I should go gasketless with RTV and header studs, or use my remflex with bolts. I am afraid my head may be warped on the exhaust side.


Thoughts?

 

It's HIGHLY unlikely that the head could warp anywhere near as much as the header, too much material there to wick away the heat, and too much structure to allow it to move much. You should be able to hold a straight edge against the ports, and see if you can get a thin feeler gauge, (.004") in between, if you can, then there is some warpage.

 

At what point would just RTV not seal?

 

That would depend on several factors, (heat, pressure, size of gap), but I'd say anything under .010"~.015", RTV would work fine.